tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46200680964113344762024-03-13T22:39:54.871-07:00Simple Sweet BlessingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-17617884243769174062017-01-26T13:06:00.000-08:002017-01-26T13:06:57.835-08:00Shattered and Broken<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a while, to say the least, since my last blog
post. I took some time off from posting and then when I thought I would begin
again, I received a negative comment regarding my blog that just completely
shut me down from writing. In the last few weeks, I have been listening to the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tony Evans</i> series on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://tonyevans.org/">Detours</a></i></b>.
If you find yourself asking “How” and “Why” and “What” questions of God, this
series is encouraging!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Writing has always been an outlet for me to sort of “work
out” my thoughts, my circumstances and what I’m hearing from God. I could sense
Him urging me to pay attention, be watchful and take note of some things
happening around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This seemed like
the perfect time to get back to writing, let God lead the way and see what
unfolds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This week, I began the online Bible study of Ann Voskamp’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.faithgateway.com/the-broken-way-study-home/">TheBroken Way</a></i></b>. I’m not sure where I will end up as I walk this path, but I
do know that I’m on the broken path. Too often, outside forces are pressing
hard and not relenting, more often than I’d like, I find myself crying out as
the Psalmist did:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My God, my Rock, why
have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the
enemy? – Psalm 42:9<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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And I pray:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Send out your light
and your truth; let them lead me. – Psalm 43:3<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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These two chapters are replete with the exhortation to: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hope in God; for I
shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I don’t know what’s ahead, but I do find encouragement in
knowing He is my hope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The week leading up to the start of this Bible study on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.faithgateway.com/the-broken-way-study-home/">TheBroken Way</a></i></b>, I experienced some broken things…<o:p></o:p></div>
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My one year old disobeyed and opened a cabinet that he knows
he is not supposed to open. He proceeded to pull out a glass baking dish that
shattered as soon as it hit the ceramic tile floor. The crashing sound of the
breaking glass was loud and it seemed like thousands of pieces large and small,
to tiny little slivers of glass surrounded his feet and covered the kitchen
floor and beyond. I quickly picked him up out of the brokenness and carefully
washed his feet. Then I vacuumed the floor several times just to make sure
every last sliver was picked up. As I did this, I thought about how many
warnings God gives us about things and if we keep on after something when He
has warned us it is not good, something may break and shatter into a thousand
pieces. We may get hurt, others may get hurt, there may be irreparable damage. Just
as I was disappointed in my little one, God may be disappointed in us, but in
His love, He will pick us up and wash us off. In our disobedience, His mercy
can limit some of the hurt of our actions. With the dish, the only thing to do
was throw the pieces out and buy a new one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Later that week, after washing his hands, my husband turned
quickly and as he did, his wedding ring flew off and hit the ceramic tile
floor. His ring shattered into a few pieces with one piece ending up on the
counter top clear on the other side of the kitchen. As I looked for pieces of
his ring, I thought how some things shatter and break and the only thing you
can do is take it back to the maker for a new one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The third broken thing that crossed my path over the week
was the remote entry key to my car. Sometimes when things are broken, we can
bandage them as a temporary fix. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, ultimately we have to let the manufacturer replace the
parts that are broken. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of this brokenness in one week’s time, starting a Bible
study on the broken way, feeling broken in ways I never thought I would, God is
up to something and He has my attention. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the first chapter of her book, Ann writes: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What in God’s holy name do you do when it
feels like you’re broken and cut up, and love has failed, and you’ve failed,
and you feel like Somebody’s love has failed you?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I don’t know how
deeper will this trial go – how much pain and suffering it will bring me. This
does not worry me anymore; I leave this to him as I leave everything else. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN YOU</i></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">GOD HAS NOT ABANDONED YOU</i></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";"> </span></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">GOD'S LOVE IS AROUND YOU EVERYWHERE</i></li>
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Feeling like I have messed up and taken the wrong path, this
encourages me to hope in the Lord. For his mercies never fail. Even when we
create the detour along a broken way. He is still on His throne, He has a plan
and a purpose. I’m still hoping for His best to break through. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We never stop hoping
for the best, waiting for the best like it got lost in the mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.faithgateway.com/the-broken-way-study-home/">TheBroken Way</a></b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-88670818350927054102014-02-01T13:24:00.000-08:002014-02-01T13:24:47.913-08:00Running the Race<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving downtown to begin the Double Bridge 15K Run, the
Chris August song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m Gonna Sing</i>,
began to play. Listening to the words of the song, a particular verse stood out
to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m gonna run<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like I’ve been set
free<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I played the song over and over again and sang along as
those words became my prayer and my commitment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just days before, I was feeling completely unprepared
mentally, emotionally and physically. As these feelings came over me, I
remembered a Bible study leader who spoke of the Hebrews <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hall of Faith, </i>those men and women of the Bible who in Hebrews
chapter 11 are called out as ones who ran the race before them, continuing to believe
God, finishing their race well and entering the Holy Kingdom. She asked us to
imagine these people on a runway, but let’s not think of it as fashion week in
NYC. They were not perfectly adorned with the finest clothing, professional
hair styling and make-up artistry. No, they had endured life’s hard struggles,
long waits, sacrifices, treacherous journeys, were mocked, ridiculed, beaten
and worn…coming down the runway they would be dirty, limping and bruised. Yet, by
faith…it didn’t matter what they looked like or how they held their form. They
simply kept believing and going forward and praise God they finished the race.
I found comfort in this, and quit being so hard on myself, acknowledging that
my main goal for this day was simply to finish the race, just cross the finish
line. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night before the race, I had the privilege of attending
a talk by Dr. George Grant on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Theology of Running</i>. During the talk he pointed directly to the word of God
encouraging us to keep running, to feel the pleasure of God, to throw off what
hinders, to stay alert, keep our zeal and to take care of the things of The
Lord. Returning home, I was encouraged and uplifted with confidence that this
would be the day the Lord had made and that I would run the race marked out for
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Little did I know that I would not sleep at all that night…I
tossed and turned, prayed, journaled, then repeated it all again. Up at 5:00
a.m., well-fed, dressed and ready as I was going to be, I drove along singing…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m gonna run, Like I’ve been set free</i>…these
words were life for me as I joined my sister-in-law at the start line. With a
bang we were off along the streets of Downtown Pensacola making our way to the
3 Mile Bridge. I was filled with a renewed joy and confidence in this run,
literally stomping on manholes (something that had made me literally fall on my
face once before) thinking, “I’ve been here before and that is not going to
trip me up again.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having run this race the previous two years, I was aware of
the hills along the way and paced myself to be ready when the first incline
began. The sun had made its brilliant debut and was shining brightly above,
glistening on the gulf. Reaching the highest peak of the first bridge was worth
the climb. Looking out ahead of me, seeing the remainder of the bridge to run,
I was invigorated and energized. I felt strong and capable of making it across
the bridge. Throughout the race there were times when the sun was so bright
that I could not see what was very far ahead, I could only look out a few steps
in front of me. Sometimes the light of Christ shines so brightly in our lives
that we can’t see what is in the future, only the next few steps in front of
us. We have to keep moving forward in faith to reach the finish line, trusting
that what lies ahead, is for our good and His glory and is part of His plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Exiting the 3 Mile Bridge, I ran with vigor because I knew that
there would be someone cheering me on in Gulf Breeze. My parents were running
the 5k portion of the race (Yay! Their first official 5k) and they along with
the other runners, would be at the start line cheering us on as we ran. There
is nothing more encouraging than knowing that someone is watching and rooting
for you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last two miles of the race there are two steep hills.
Making my way up the first hill, the Meredith Andrews song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Worth It All, </i>began to play on my
iphone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">All I am Lord here
before you<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reaching out for more<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You’re the promise
never failing<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are my reward,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus, You are my
reward<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I let go of all I have
just to have all of You<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And no matter what the
cost I will follow You<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus everything I’ve
lost I have found in You<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When I finally reach
the end I’ll say<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You are worth it all<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are generally two very difficult portions of the run,
but I had this great reminder to let go and give it all to God. How I finished
was in His hands. I looked up and saw the Bob Sikes Bridge ahead, the highest
height to climb in this race followed by the last mile of the race. Reaching
the foot of this bridge I had two options: a.) quit b.) keep going, see the
beauty of reaching the top and finally finishing the race. I opted for choice B
and placed one foot in front of the other, keeping my thoughts on the feeling of
exhilaration that awaited at the top of the hill and the joy of crossing the
finish line soon after. No words can describe the view of the sun still shining
brightly, the glimmering water and the beachscape. Coming down the steep hill
is tricky because you’ve just hit this really great high and want to let the
momentum take you as fast as possible, but if you do that, you will run out of
steam before reaching the finish. I kept my focus and found a place of balance
between the momentum and holding back just enough to make it all the way across
that finish line. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About one-tenth of a mile or so from the finish, I began to
hear the names of those who were finishing before me. I thought, “this is heaven”,
knowing that all of us runners are in the same race, with the same goal, each
one going at the best pace for him or her to finish well, we had endured the
bit of wind, the hills, the turns the brightness of the sun, the blinding
reflection of the sun on the water and had finished the race. One day, we will
cross the finish line of life and there we will be surrounded by those who have
gone before, they’re cheering us on even now as we continue to place one foot
in front of the other. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore, since we
are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is seated at the right hand of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-81002111932093422762014-01-31T09:32:00.000-08:002014-01-31T09:32:36.411-08:00Going Forth<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart is hurting and I’m sad because I’ve
spent and used up all of my resources trying to do things on my own, trying to
do or accomplish something using the wrong method, the “self” method, rather
than trusting and praying and waiting on God. So, I’m letting go of my own plan and trusting God now to use the painful experiences to teach me, grow me
and draw me nearer to Himself. As tears stream down my face from heartache and
disappointment, the Spirit (who surely is pleading for me
with groans words cannot express) reminded me: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Those who sow in tears
will reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for
sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. –
Psalm 126:5-6<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though I go forth with tears, I can rest assured that I will
once again be renewed to a greater joy and experience of God’s blessings. I’m
thankful for a Father God who wipes my tears and stoops to cup my face in His
hands, filling me with His peace and presence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not know what the next minute, hour, day or week holds,
but I am the child of an amazing God who holds each moment. I look around and
see situations of uncertainty and am unsure of what next step to take,
but He knows. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When you walk, your
step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. – Proverbs
4:12<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Him who holds my tomorrows, all things are
possible…strength to heal, wisdom to discern, compassion to restore, repair and
remain or let go and move on…I trust that my merciful Father will lead and
guide my mind and heart, opening my eyes to see as I walk with Him, not
fighting Him, but rather trusting Him and accepting what He gives. I am
believing the word of God that tells me there are good things for me here on
earth and that He has a plan prosper me and give me hope and a future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As I go out, sowing
the seeds that you give, Lord, I am weeping forward in full hope of what you
have planned. Though I cannot see it, Lord, I know my future is as if it has
already happened and you see the fullness. Please renew my mind, heart, soul
and strength for this day and for this wintry season of waiting. Lord, I trust
you to water and nurture the seeds that are sown and I trust you for the day
when those seeds begin to sprout and grow and blossom. Thank you Jesus for the
comfort You bring to my soul and the calming of fears with your Word of Truth. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Lord will fulfill
His purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not
forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8 <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-65538318097158192962014-01-29T06:13:00.000-08:002014-01-29T06:13:06.485-08:00Losing My LunchOne evening last week I carefully prepared a simple meal of sweet potatoes, broccoli, onions and mushrooms seasoned with fresh ginger and curry powder. I took time to wash and chop the vegetables, finely grate the ginger and set the stove at the proper heat adding each ingredient in a timely fashion so that the medley came together in perfect harmony. A fragrant aroma filled the house as I awaited my meal. When it was ready to be eaten, I placed just enough for dinner in a bowl and had a good portion remaining for the following day's lunch. I spooned the lunch portion into a glass bowl with a pretty red lid. As I tasted and enjoyed my dinner that night I was delighted that I would get to enjoy this simply delicious and nutritious meal once again the next day.<br />
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The following day, as I got out of my car at work in the literally freezing temperatures, I had my bowl in hand. Before I knew it, the bowl slipped from my hands and all I could do was watch is horror as it went crashing to the ground, shattering into what felt like a million pieces. My much anticipated lunch lay in a heap on the cold pavement with chunks and slivers of glass mixed in. Not only that, but pieces of glass spread between and underneath my car and my coworker's car parked next to me. Disappointed does not even begin to describe how I felt. It was cold, slightly rainy, I had tasted and seen that the food was good, looked forward to enjoying it later that day and in an instant it was gone. Once the bowl was in motion there was nothing I could do except watch in dread as it soared to the ground. The bowl was gone, my lunch was gone. My heart sank and my stomach turned. The only thing left to do was get a trash bag and try to pick up the broken pieces.<br />
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As I stooped to pick up the mess (did I already mention it was freezing cold?), trying to be very careful to avoid any cuts, a very tiny yet very sharp piece of glass pierced into my finger and quickly drew blood. I generally try to look for a lesson to be learned in all things, especially disappointing things like losing my lunch, so my thoughts quickly turned to asking God how I could apply this incident to life. What came to me was that there are things much more important in life than a lost lunch. Things that God allows in our lives like relationships, whether parent/child, siblings, friendships, dating or marriage relationships. Those are things we crave because we are made for community. We desire and anticipate them much more than I anticipated and desired my lunch because they are the stuff of life and there is much care and protection that is essential to guarding and preserving those things we hold most near and dear.<br />
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Although I looked forward to my lunch and knew it was going to be good and was greatly disappointed at losing it, I could have put my bowl in a bag to protect it and help me hold on to it better, but I didn't take the extra care. How quickly and easily it slipped through my hands when I could have easily done something before it was in motion to prevent the mess it left. And so it is with these more important things of life, the people and the relationships that truly are important, if we aren't careful, they can just as quickly and easily slip through our hands only to leave a broken mess. But what if we took greater precautions to protect the people that we care about most? What if we prayed for them daily, hourly if need be and put down our phones and iPads and gave them real "face time" and what if we delighted in spending time, making memories and simply walking through life with them, feeling their hurts and their sorrows, rejoicing in their joys and happinesses? I sometimes find that busyness, distractions, fears and insecurities keep me from doing these things. Yet, all the more as the day draws near, we should fight to protect and preserve the blessings God allows in our lives. And remember, when we mess up that He sees and knows our heartaches and disappointments, restores our joy and hope until one day we see that He is making all things new.<br />
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<i>Do not be afraid. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your homes. - Nehemiah 4:14</i><br />
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<i>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-9293701024424749402014-01-24T06:11:00.000-08:002014-01-24T06:11:10.799-08:00A Fun Design ProjectIt's been a while since my last post, what can I say…life's been busy! I've been working on a design project, and thought, "what better way to break the silence on my blog than with some photos?" It turned out just as I hoped it would, maybe even better. I have a mixture of old and new items that just came together so wonderfully and I couldn't be more pleased. As I went shopping for new items, I was astounded and amazed at how with every store entered and every aisle turned, I would look up and see something that was just perfect for the space. All I had to do was simply walk through with my eyes wide open and the <i>just right</i> pieces seemed to be waiting for me.<br />
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One great find was this cute little lamp. However, the shade was far too plain...<br />
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I took fabric from an old pillow case, some spare ribbon and fabric tape and in a short amount of time had dressed it up a bit. It was the perfect solution for a customized look.<br />
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In the room, all of the wood pieces of furniture came from the local unfinished wood store. I was able to really make each piece my own by choosing the height, depth, width, doors, shelves and finishes and paint colors. I had so much fun making the decisions and finally seeing it all come together. </div>
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For the TV stand, I bought mercury glass knobs to replace the standard wood knobs. This helped dress it up and give it an even more personalized look. </div>
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I first saw the donkey footstool at my aunt's house. Then was able to find one of my own during an After Christmas Sale online. He has been a big hit with my nephew and nieces. </div>
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My table is a little unfinished as it is missing a centerpiece, but I'm confident the <i>just right</i> centerpiece will eventually be found. </div>
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Since this post didn't include a recipe or any talk of food, I thought I'd throw in a picture of my <i>very small, but well-stocked with nutritious items</i> pantry. </div>
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I couldn't be more happy to have started the new year with wrapping up this fun design project, seeing everything come together and enjoying the new space. Feeling truly blessed.<br />
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<i>He has made everything beautiful in its time. - Ecclesiastes 3:11</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-4035529775687376182013-10-18T14:45:00.002-07:002013-10-18T14:45:48.464-07:00He Cares for Me<br />
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It's fall and looking like we are going to have slightly cooler temperatures in the near future. A welcome respite from the summer heat. This year is flying by and my "word" for the year is "Remember", today I'm remembering my fun summer vacation.<br />
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As summer approached, it was brought to my attention that I had some vacation time at work that I needed to use. I began researching where, when and how I might use some of this time and opted for a trip to Nashville, Tennessee for the Fourth of July weekend.<br />
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There are many choices to consider when planning a trip: Who will go with me? Where will we stay? What will we do once we get there? When will we come home? As I considered these choices to be made, God seemed to provide every answer. In telling my friend Jennifer about my plans she was excited and offered to go with me. She was even able to get a room for us at a very conveniently located hotel free of charge. Weeks before setting out on our journey, we each spent some time researching what to do, compiling lists of the many options and selected which night we would attend The Grand Ole Opry. With our lists in hand, we made the six-hour drive to Music City.<br />
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This was my first trip to Nashville and as the driver, I was heavily relying on my car navigation system, iphone and prayer to get us where we needed to go.</div>
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Arriving in
Nashville the evening of July 4th, we checked in at the hotel and then set the navigation to take us
downtown for the evenings festivities. Approaching Music Row, we began to see
parking lots with attendants accepting payments of $10. Unfamiliar with the
area, we wanted to drive all the way to our destination before choosing a
parking spot. With each block, the rate for parking went up, $20…then $25…then
no parking available. Arriving at our destination, we turned on Broadway to then find a suitable
parking spot. The navigation system showed us where to go, but then we had choices make: which road to turn on and in which lot to park. Of the ones we passed, some were very near to where we wanted to be, but cost a little more and some would require a longer walk, but cost a little less. We made a turn down a road we had not traveled and immediately saw a sign for free parking!<br />
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Yes, just around the corner from our destination, and free. In that moment, I was reminded of how much God cares for
me…even in the little things and small choices like searching for a convenient parking spot. He sees the need and goes way beyond.<br />
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<i>Now unto him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever, amen. - Ephesians 3:20-12</i><br />
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It was a little rainy that night, but we pulled out our
umbrellas and walked to the Wild Horse Saloon for dinner and a little
line dancing. You can’t go to Nashville without line dancing, right?<br />
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The weekend remained a little rainy (a lot rainy at times)
but we were blessed with a fun tour of the Belle Meade Plantation.<br />
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After the
tour, it became “a lot rainy” so we did what any girl would do on a rainy day...shopping at The Mall at Green Hills. We shopped up an appetite and made our
way to Sunset Grill for what turned out to be our favorite meal of the trip. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I had the kale salad with grilled chicken for dinner…<o:p></o:p><br />
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…and the chocolate sushi for dessert!<o:p></o:p><br />
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Closing out the evening was a show at The Grand Ole Opry…what a fun
time! Performances that night included The Band Perry, comedy by Henry Cho and
a stunning performance by Carrie Underwood. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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The next day we ate a delicious breakfast at the Pfunky
Griddle…in my opinion, this is a must do when in Nashville, but arrive early. We had to wait about an hour for seating, but it was well worth</div>
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the wait! They
offer gluten-free pancakes and French toast, which was very tempting, and when
I go back again I will definitely give one of those options a try. Plus you
have a griddle on your table where you cook your own pancakes, toast and eggs...I chose a balanced meal of chicken salad and fruit salad, and let me
tell you, it did not disappoint! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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After brunch, we toured The Ryman Auditorium. This is also a
must do! Simply walking in to the auditorium put chills all over me. There was a
sense of power in that place and I enjoyed learning about the history while walking around in the auditorium. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The last thing on the agenda was shopping for boots…<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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On Saturday evening we drove back as far as Birmingham so
that we could get up and attend The Church at Brook Hills on Sunday morning.
The service was enlightening, uplifting and thought provoking. After a stop at
Whole Foods for lunch and a few groceries, we were on our way home! It was a fun
summer getaway filled with choices and blessings. Which brings me back to my word of the year, Remember. Today I am remembering a fun summer vacation and taking time to reflect and remember all the ways God has led me, loved me, taught me, changed me...truly He is my source and my strength, always with me, reassuring me as my source of security and hope. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand....For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand...fear not...I am the one who helps you, declares the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. - Isaiah 41: 10-14</i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-33788652304325414162013-09-06T12:17:00.000-07:002013-10-18T14:52:14.399-07:00Fear. Vulnerability. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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According to Wikipedia, “fear is an emotion induced by a
perceived threat which causes entities to quickly pull far away from it and
usually hide. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a
specific stimulus, such as pain…In short, fear is the ability to recognize
danger leading to an urge to confront it or flee from it but in extreme cases
of fear a freeze or paralysis response is possible.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dictionary.com defines fear as a “distressing emotion
aroused by impending danger, pain, etc. whether the threat is real or
imagined.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been disappointed, hurt, felt abandoned and alone,
rejected, felt “not enough” - not pretty enough, not thin enough, not fit
enough, not thoughtful enough, not smart enough, not…enough. Though I have
drunk from the well and received healing for hurts big and small, there are
still moments when thoughts of old wounds give way and fears creep in like
thieves in the night. They ransack my mind and steal away precious treasures of
joy. Leaving tearstained cheeks and puffy eyes and shattered hopes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some fears are founded and some are not. I wish I could say
that I always immediately know the difference and react with confidence in my
God who is able to do so much more than I can imagine. But I do not. My initial
reaction is one of “quickly pulling far away” or pushing the perceived vehicle
of pain out of proximity. For when something is not brought near, there is less
risk of pain. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Truth is, life is hard and living and relating is hard and
to really do life the way we should, for our good and the good of others, we
must become vulnerable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“To love at all is to
be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and
possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give
your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with
hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the
casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket – safe, dark,
motionless, airless – it will change. It will not be broken; it will become
unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”</i> – C.S. Lewis<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am often tempted to “hide my heart away” and push aside
the things I want most when there is a perceived threat of possible pain, to
busy myself with hobbies and habits, a full schedule leaves no room for
closeness and vulnerability. The reality is, as I distance myself, my heart is
not hidden away at all, it is slowly breaking, I’m not hiding it away in a
casket as C.S. Lewis says of the hardened heart, I’m becoming more fragile
because I know that I was made for community and closeness and vulnerability
and the only way to truly become all that I was created to be is to enter in to
the unknown, push the fears aside and accept the possibility of pain that comes
with embracing the fullness of joy. I know that I have a new heart, a fleshy
heart:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I will give you a new
heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone
and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I have the spirit of the Lord in me, my heart can never become hardened, it may be broken at times by others or broken by my
choice to isolate myself from the community in which I’ve been placed. But my
heart will not be hard. I will be drawn in to this life and care deeply for the
people placed in my path, I will feel and I will love others, I will dance with
them in their joys and cry with them in their hurts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My prayer is that only one type of fear will impact my
interactions. The one Merriam-Webster defines, “to have reverential awe of
God”. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Father God, awaken my soul to your presence. Like Jacob, show
me your nearness: <i>Then
Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “surely the Lord is in this place and I
did not know it. – Genesis 28:16<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-51401159657326995962013-08-23T07:20:00.001-07:002013-08-23T07:20:16.876-07:00Into the Home Stretch<div class="MsoNormal">
My mom and I are on Day 18 of the Elimination Diet and
folks, we are into the home stretch! The food add ins we decided to test this
time around are:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lemons<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tree Nuts<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Strawberries<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chocolate (praying this is not a problem!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eggs <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dairy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We began our add ins with one new food over the course of
three days to see if there were any changes in digestion or how we felt
overall. Lemons were quick and easy to test by adding a little fresh squeezed
juice to our smoothies and salads. We even made a tart lemon and lentil soup. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The real treat came on Sunday with the addition of tree
nuts. I made a cashew cream pie with a pecan and almond crust. This also had a
splash of lemon juice and was a rich, smooth, cool dessert topped with fresh
berries. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdEpJ9NzI7Y/UhduKiSbyBI/AAAAAAAABWA/n_YneThzt0g/s1600/IMG_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RdEpJ9NzI7Y/UhduKiSbyBI/AAAAAAAABWA/n_YneThzt0g/s320/IMG_0096.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We do like to complete our meals with a little something
sweet. So later in the week I made truffles with walnuts, almond butter, dates,
raisins, cinnamon and gave them a little roll in flaked coconut, a perfectly
sweet bite to end a meal. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFCuKVbINa0/UhduUEwPPGI/AAAAAAAABWI/YjtNf6dym-U/s1600/IMG_0092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFCuKVbINa0/UhduUEwPPGI/AAAAAAAABWI/YjtNf6dym-U/s320/IMG_0092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was perhaps most excited for Tuesday evening when we added
in meat for the first time in 15 days! We turned wild caught salmon filets into
salmon burgers seasoned with Herbamare, fresh ginger and fresh parsley. I was
pleased to find organic cauliflower at the local co-op for us to have mashed cauliflower
as a side. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t44eQOywBgE/UhduhfOhKdI/AAAAAAAABWQ/UXF0PXvfC_g/s1600/IMG_0097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t44eQOywBgE/UhduhfOhKdI/AAAAAAAABWQ/UXF0PXvfC_g/s320/IMG_0097.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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We’ve started nearly every day of the diet with a variation of quinoa
and berries. One morning in addition to the cinnamon and flax we added walnuts
for a little extra crunch. And yes, there is quinoa under all of those berries!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9FQztjdS48/UhduncdmeiI/AAAAAAAABWY/fjHVysylQnI/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9FQztjdS48/UhduncdmeiI/AAAAAAAABWY/fjHVysylQnI/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the many benefits of this diet is that we are eating green foods (collards, kale, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy) every day and oftentimes more than once a day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7SRDlC_lio/Uhdu3hIykDI/AAAAAAAABWg/lwyc2qQPAq8/s1600/IMG_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7SRDlC_lio/Uhdu3hIykDI/AAAAAAAABWg/lwyc2qQPAq8/s320/IMG_0099.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Greens are the most nutrient dense foods and are cleansing and healing foods for the digestive system and body. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, calcium, iron, folic acid and potassium. All of these benefits add up to some serious antioxidant cancer-fighting properties. It's no surprise that one of the first blessings given to us by God was the abundance of green things to eat.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Then God said..."to everything that has the breath of life in it, I give every green plant for food." - Genesis 1:30</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-69908943990667462172013-08-16T13:24:00.002-07:002013-08-16T13:24:19.897-07:00A Fresh Start<div class="MsoNormal">
In September 2010, I embarked on an <a href="http://www.nourishingmeals.com/p/elimination-diet.html" target="_blank">Elimination Diet</a> to test
foods that may be sources of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, inflammation,
acne and digestive distress. In order to give a thorough test to many foods, the
diet stretched into a 40 day plan and was more than beneficial in resetting my
system, refining my sense of taste and identifying foods that were in fact
causing some health problems. I chronicled the 40 Day Elimination Diet <a href="http://brooke-learningtobreathe.blogspot.com/2010/09/elimination-diet-day-1-phase-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The result was a commitment to keep certain
foods out of my diet which has significantly improved my over all health. I
feel stronger and more energized. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast-forward three years later and after keeping up the
dietary changes, I decided it was still a good idea to do a system reset every now and then. Especially because I do
tend to indulge in dark chocolate and decadent desserts, even though they are generally made with organic, fresh, whole food ingredients, they still take a toll
on the body and it’s just a good idea to fast from those things for a period. This was a good time to make a fresh start.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Already knowing and permanently eliminating certain foods
that cause problems for me, there was no need to retest those foods, and so
with this time around I am able to zip through it in just 21 days. I’m
thankful that my mom is a trooper and is zipping through this with me. Support
and a partner to do a fast with is almost essential to sticking with it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Today is Day 11, the halfway mark and we have been enjoying
some of the most satisfying meals. We've also noticed that our sense of taste had
grown dull. Clearing out the chocolate, sweeteners like honey and other
potential allergy foods have brought back a heightened sense of taste, a
renewed energy and clarity of thinking. Here are a few highlights of our Elimination Diet meals over
the last 11 days...<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Days 1 and 2 kick the diet off with smoothies made with pears, apples, greens (collards, kale, spinach, cabbage) cranberries and flax.<br />
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Red cabbage and cranberry smoothie ready to take to work...<br />
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<br />
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Delicious mixture of fresh, lightly cooked veggies that we served over quinoa...<br />
<br />
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A good go to breakfast of quinoa with cinnamon, flax, fresh berries and pear...<br />
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<br />
<br />
Another breakfast meal of leftover collards, sauerkraut, pumpkin seeds and berries...<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Cabbage soup with quinoa, carrots and fresh parsley...<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Warm and nourishing lentil and kale dal that we served over germinated brown rice...<br />
<br />
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<br />
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Quinoa, berries, bok choy and pumpkin seeds...<br />
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<br /></div>
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In the heat of summer, while feasting on the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables made available to us, feeling revived and renewed, I am encouraged and reminded that He will indeed satisfy and supply all my need. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. - Isaiah 58:11</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-64385472410367168312013-04-26T06:05:00.000-07:002013-04-26T06:05:11.972-07:00Waging War in the Storm<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Recently a storm arose that was much like those pop up
thunderstorms we experience in the heat of summer. You know the kind I’m
talking about: you know what conditions trigger it, you sense it coming, and if
you get caught out in it, the downpour may just ruin a good pair of shoes?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, this storm was like that, only it was spiritual in
nature and had the potential to ruin exceedingly more than a pair of shoes. The conditions (stressors, uncertainties, obligations, etc.) were right
for a perfect storm and I could sense something, a spirit, was lurking and
about to take hold. As the “clouds” rolled in and the “storm” was upon us, I
prayed, called for help and began to see the storm blow over and praise God,
sooner, rather than later, the sun shone brilliantly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In those moments when the storm had passed and the sky was
still clearing, I had the blessing of some much-needed quiet time alone with my
Lord. He’s been telling me to remember where He’s led me and how He’s loved me
throughout my life, and in looking back to really remember His activity, I pulled
out an old journal and began reading through the pages and remembering the
days, weeks, months and years. As my quiet time was ending, I came to an entry
from the beginning of 2010. I sensed that there was something more for me in
reading through that entry, something new for me to see or hear. The first
words I wrote on that particular day were 2 Chronicles 20. I opened my Bible
and saw where I had written the words: <i>Battle
Plan to Fight Satan.</i> The following verses of scripture were underlined and
numbered with the steps in the plan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjeKtDyEIHs/UXp4peacMLI/AAAAAAAABUc/NA1XIHO8jzo/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HjeKtDyEIHs/UXp4peacMLI/AAAAAAAABUc/NA1XIHO8jzo/s320/Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I didn’t record who taught this lesson, but
I am grateful for the notes I have from it. As a reminder to myself for the
next trial and maybe for someone else who is in the midst of a difficult
situation, these are some steps from Jehoshaphat’s prayer in 2 Chronicles 20
for waging war in spiritual matters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Look to God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i> He set his face to seek the Lord… (vs.3)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;">
</span></i><!--[endif]-->Call for help. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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…<i>and proclaimed a fast …and all the cities
came to seek the Lord (vs.4)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Remind God who God is. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<i>Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before
your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your
friend? (vs.7)</i> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i>4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;">
</span></i><!--[endif]-->Cry out to God. <i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>We will stand before this house and
before you – for your name is in this house – and cry out to you in our
affliction, and you will hear and save. (vs.9)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Name the promise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>…you have given us to inherit. (vs.11)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Confess our weakness and need for God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>For we are powerless against this great
horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on
you. (vs.12)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>Listen…thus says the Lord to you… (vs.15)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Hold fast to what God says.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at
this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…You will not need to
fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of
the Lord on your behalf… (vs.15b,17)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Worship God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his
face to the ground…worshipping the Lord…(vs.18)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Faith
in God establishes you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Believe in the Lord your God, and you will
be established; believe his prophets and you will succeed. (vs.20)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->11.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Give
thanks to God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i>Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast
love endures forever. (vs.21)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>vs.22 – And when they
began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the enemy.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>For we do not wrestle
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of my favorite authors has said, “Satan will get others
to do to you what he wants to do to you”. In other words, we have a very real
enemy who seeks to steal from us using tactics of blame, shame, busyness,
failure and deception…he will entice us to heap condemnation on ourselves or on
others. But, we have a hope and promise that we can stand firm as Jesus takes
back all that satan has stolen from us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Fear not, stand firm,
and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the
Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight
for you, and you have only to be silent. – Exodus 14:13-14<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-59996904290744363312013-04-20T17:34:00.000-07:002013-04-20T17:34:34.110-07:00Allergy-Fighting Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
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Spring is here and I am more than thrilled for warm
temperatures, but the thick coating of pollen all around has left me sneezing,
with a scratchy throat, and suffering from watery eyes and itchy ears. In an attempt
to fight these seasonal allergies with the most natural remedies, I did a
little research and found that allergy symptoms (from what we breathe in, eat,
or touch) occur when the immune system overreacts to the substance and creates
inflammation in the body. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I can’t completely avoid the pollen causing these
bothersome symptoms, my first thought at this news was to make sure I am eating
anti-inflammatory foods as much as possible. So, what am I eating?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Probiotic-rich foods like </span><a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_DairyAmasai.aspx" style="text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">Amasai</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, </span><a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" style="text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">SueroViv</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and sauerkraut</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Wild-Caught Alaskan salmon and walnuts, both
high in omega-3 fats which are great for reducing inflammation</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Raw local honey which helps the body build up
resistance to the pollens that are causing these unwanted symptoms</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ginger, an anti-inflammatory powerhouse</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fresh fruits, particularly those high in vitamin
C (oranges, strawberries, lemons) which acts as a histamine blocker and apples
which contain quercetin that helps stabilize the cells, reducing the reaction
to allergens</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fresh veggies, particularly green veggies (kale,
collards, spinach, watercress, beet tops)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Magnesium rich almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds
and sesame seeds</span></li>
</ul>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an attempt to create a delicious lunch that would also
provide maximum allergy relieving benefits, I looked around the kitchen and
came up with an Allergy-Fighting Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. I’m feeling
better already!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yflt3v6jt5U/UXMyM9WEpXI/AAAAAAAABUM/ONNIRJuh9nQ/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yflt3v6jt5U/UXMyM9WEpXI/AAAAAAAABUM/ONNIRJuh9nQ/s320/Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Allergy-Fighting
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1-2 Chicken Breasts, boiled and shredded<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Cup Celery, chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Granny Smith Apple, peeled and chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Orange, peeled and chopped<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ Cup Pumpkin Seeds,
toasted <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dressing:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 Tbsp Stoneground Mustard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Tbsp Raw Local Honey<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mixed Greens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I like to toast the pumpkin seeds over medium low heat in a
pan on top of the stove. <o:p></o:p></div>
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bowl. Whisk dressing ingredients in a small container and pour over salad. Stir
until well combined. Serve over mixed salad greens for a </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">refreshing meal.</span><br />
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-91391036329223104692013-04-14T18:38:00.003-07:002013-04-14T18:38:54.633-07:00The Word Works<br />
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<i>And we also thank God
constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard
from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the
word of God, which is at work in you believers. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Towards the end of last week I felt stressed, worn, and
downright discouraged. I knew the very thing I needed most was time to pray,
read God’s word and listen for Him to speak to me, yet I <s>couldn’t</s> didn’t
find the time to do so until late Saturday afternoon. My turning fully to rest
in Him began with a decision to play a DVD that my Mama Mae (grandmother) sent
to me earlier in the week. The DVD is of a lady who visited the small-town
Alabama church my Mama Mae attends. On the DVD, the lady shared her testimony
and as she did, she spoke out the word of God. I shed tears (I’m a crier) and
laughed and praised God right along with her. My mom described her best as a
“cheerleader for the Lord”. By the end
of the DVD I felt as though much of the weight had been lifted off of me. The
word was working as it was spoken out and as I saw it lived out in the life of
a sister in Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the remainder of the daylight hours on a long run
where I talked, cried some more and poured out my heart to God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You have kept count of
my tossings; put my tears in your bottle…This I know, that God is for me. –
Psalm 56:8<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, as I read over the verses my small group at church
would be discussing this morning at church, I stopped at <i>1 Thessalonians 2:9 – For you remember…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last couple of months, God has been speaking two
words to me: Remember and Wait. He has been reminding me of his goodness and
blessings, how He has led me and protected me and provided for me in ways I
never could have imagined. And when I think I know the way and want to run
ahead, He gently reminds me to wait for Him. I want so much to see His glory
and to see Him do far more abundantly all that I can ask, think or even imagine
(Ephesians 3:20) that I know when He tells me to wait, it is for my good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Blessed is the one who
is not offended by me. – Matthew 11:6<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I once heard this verse explained: the hand of God is
directing divine purpose and blessing in the life of the one who does not let
the perceived activity or inactivity of God cause her to stumble. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the issues of the day appear to be against me, I can
trust in a God who loves me enough to send His people, His Word and His Spirit
to renew and refresh me, who is directing divine purpose and blessing, who is
using all of these things for my good and His glory, whose word is alive and
powerful. The word works. When we read
it and receive it as coming directly from God, it has power to cut through the
negative thoughts, the doubts and the worries and the Word has the power to fill us up, give us strength,
settle our minds, and bring us into a peaceful rest. Praise God!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The word of God is
living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division
of joint and marrow of soul and spirit and discerning the thoughts and
intentions of man’s heart. – Hebrews 4:12<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-6586657545702265872013-02-24T16:53:00.000-08:002013-02-24T16:53:06.242-08:00Simply Blessed<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I celebrated my birthday last week with the simple sweet
blessings of family, friends, worshipping and serving God, times of rest and
time to reflect. I am grateful for where I’ve been, for how the Lord has led me
into the unknown and shown me how He is my Healer and Provider. I am thankful
for times of correction, restoration, redemption, renewal and refreshing. For
every good and perfect gift that has come down from the Father of Heavenly
lights:</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my parents</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my brother and sister-in-law</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my nephew and nieces</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my Chloe Maltese</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my church family and Life Group</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my job and co-workers</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">my home and material possessions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">nutritious and delicious foods</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">people who know and share wisdom with regards to
spiritual and physical health</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">hope, faith, trust for the future</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">peace for today</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">the assurance that God is with me</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">sun and rain</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">physical activity and physical rest</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">music that awakens my soul and nourishes the
spirit within me</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">reasons to celebrate, pure joy</span></div>
<br />
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You make known to
me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand
are pleasures forevermore. – Psalm 16:11<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Birthday Highlights:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONE70dH7uSc/USqsSU8BjxI/AAAAAAAABS0/HAgArbVg5Vs/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONE70dH7uSc/USqsSU8BjxI/AAAAAAAABS0/HAgArbVg5Vs/s320/IMG_1093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raw Chocolate Cupcake with Raspberry Frosting...nothing artificial here! And Oh, so delicious...definitely a sweet blessing!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWVAqXHdQFg/USqsVk1cUmI/AAAAAAAABS8/qpy7oY8wnXE/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWVAqXHdQFg/USqsVk1cUmI/AAAAAAAABS8/qpy7oY8wnXE/s320/IMG_1095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From me, to me...new sheets for my bed. A great way to freshen up for spring which is just around the corner!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mb1ODPuZuRs/USqsXdPOd1I/AAAAAAAABTE/BrmoFm3zyX4/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mb1ODPuZuRs/USqsXdPOd1I/AAAAAAAABTE/BrmoFm3zyX4/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chocolate Decadence with fresh berries...another sweet blessing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dq2muZVG_qE/USqsY1D1n7I/AAAAAAAABTM/U3BMyBfbwLo/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dq2muZVG_qE/USqsY1D1n7I/AAAAAAAABTM/U3BMyBfbwLo/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My brother's wife is incredibly creative! She made this super cute file for my race bibs. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WrwAs036Nw/USqscjeL1vI/AAAAAAAABTU/POk_GF33y_8/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WrwAs036Nw/USqscjeL1vI/AAAAAAAABTU/POk_GF33y_8/s320/IMG_1112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fun new clothes from my mom and dad...</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imN8YLSKLrQ/USqsdlYxS-I/AAAAAAAABTc/xkfkTwEfZe8/s1600/IMG_1108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-imN8YLSKLrQ/USqsdlYxS-I/AAAAAAAABTc/xkfkTwEfZe8/s320/IMG_1108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simple, sweet blessings...a card and coloring pages from my nephew and niece. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9OVCAce7U/USqseAXqypI/AAAAAAAABTg/2ETvA9bYk0c/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke9OVCAce7U/USqseAXqypI/AAAAAAAABTg/2ETvA9bYk0c/s320/IMG_1113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-54611034509736034362013-02-14T04:48:00.002-08:002013-02-14T05:43:38.265-08:00Turning to Love<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You have stayed
long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey and go… - Deuteronomy
1:6-7</span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I began reading and studying Deuteronomy, the verses
above jumped off the pages at me. I asked God to show me from what “mountain” I
needed to turn; to what or who did I need to fix my gaze upon, and where I was
to “take my journey and go”. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The One who is always faithful revealed that the mountain
I faced was a mountain called unbelief. Although I had believed God for big
things like eternal salvation and healing my body when I was unwell, I faltered
in my belief, not so much that He is able, because I do believe that:</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is able to do
far more abundantly all that we ask or think, according to the power at work
within us – Ephesians 3:20<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">but, rather that He was perhaps too busy or maybe even unwilling to see to
the “little” things that concern me. Over time, praying and waiting to see how
He would work in certain circumstances, I became distracted and began to look
outward for signs of His activity, rather than keeping my eyes fixed on Him,
rather than listening for His still small voice to lead. I admit that I have
seen little glimpses of a direction and run ahead thinking that this surely was
the way, forgetting to keep my gaze set on Him with a heart of discernment. Looking
outward and running ahead only caused me to feel anxious and as though I were wandering
through the wilderness on my own with no GPS. I lacked joy and I didn’t know how
to get to a place of peace and rest. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2012, I studied the Book of James thoroughly, three
separate times. My first study was a group study using a workbook and DVDs. In the first DVD, we were encouraged that after
spending several weeks in James, we would get our joy back. I was thrilled at
the prospect of having that deep sense of joy I had lost. After completing the
study, I was encouraged, but still lacked the joy I so desperately wanted to
feel. A couple of months later I felt a strong desire to study James again,
this time with only my Bible and a good commentary. As I worked
through the book, from beginning to end, I began to memorize each verse. The
words of James would fill my thoughts throughout the day and began to take hold
as I applied them to situations and events in my life. Yet, I got to the end of
the book and still did not have a joy surpassing all understanding. Towards the
end of 2012, I studied James for the third time with my small group at church. For
several weeks we took small portions and discussed how we could apply
the truths to our lives. We wrapped up our study of James around the same time
I began reading in Deuteronomy. I heard the voice of the Lord awakening my
spirit to see that I had wandered to a mountain He never intended for me to climb. I simply needed to make a complete turn to Him and I would see all that He has led me through and taught me, but most
importantly how He has loved me with an everlasting love, how He has carried me
and has provided for me – spiritually, physically and emotionally. I sensed Him
calling me to turn from the “mountain of unbelief” and fix my gaze upon Him,
taking my journey wherever He leads. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From there you will
seek the Lord Your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all
your heart and with all your soul…you will return to the Lord your God and obey
his voice. For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you… -
Deuteronomy 4:29-31 <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so thankful that He has a plan and purpose for my
good and that He has continually wooed me, drawing me in to His word and restored my joy,
not by changing circumstances, but by changing me. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have loved you
with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Again I will build you and you shall be rebuilt. Again you shall adorn yourself
with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers. – Jeremiah
31:3-4</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></i> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that sounds like a reason to celebrate! And since it is Valentine's Day, what better way to celebrate than with some chocolatey goodness?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Flourless Chocolate Cake</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A7Aq0ATlko/URxzgWaUFAI/AAAAAAAABSA/3IlVaff3chs/s1600/Flourless+chocolate+cake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A7Aq0ATlko/URxzgWaUFAI/AAAAAAAABSA/3IlVaff3chs/s320/Flourless+chocolate+cake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Bittersweet Chocolate Chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Coconut Oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 1/4 Cups Coconut Sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6 Eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Cocoa Powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line the bottom of a 9-inch glass pie dish with parchment paper and oil the sides with coconut oil. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine chocolate chips and coconut oil in a pan over medium low heat. Stir occassionally until melted and well combined. Remove from heat and add sugar, mixing well. Add eggs, mixing well. Add cocoa and stir until just blended, smoothing out any lumps. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pour into pie dish and bake 20-25 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, cake should be just firm in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes, then turn out on a cake plate to cool completely. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Chocolate Glaze</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/2 Cup Bittersweet Chocolate Chips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Tbsp Coconut Oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Coconut Milk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp Honey</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/4 tsp Vanilla</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While cake is cooling, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil over medium low heat, stirring until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in coconut milk, honey and vanilla. Pour over cake, smoothing along top and sides. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chill cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Then slice and serve with fresh raspberries for a truly decadent dessert!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5doQzmuGQE/URxzny8_amI/AAAAAAAABSI/IbXZdfXUj-g/s1600/Flourless+chocolate+cake1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5doQzmuGQE/URxzny8_amI/AAAAAAAABSI/IbXZdfXUj-g/s320/Flourless+chocolate+cake1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-80572023395573561732013-02-03T15:19:00.000-08:002013-02-03T15:19:55.348-08:00Reset<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m thankful that my birthday is in February, the 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
to be exact, because quite often I find that I have a slow start to the New Calendar
Year in terms of making much needed changes and resolutions. But, even if I
have a difficult time making changes on January 1, I have a fresh start by
February, because for me, it’s a celebration of another year on this earth and
hope in a new year just beginning. So here is to fresh beginnings! It's been far too long since my last blog post and the Lord has been so gracious to speak to me in so many ways, I have much on my heart to share. </span><br />
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On January 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> I began a “sugar detox” eating
only berries, lemons, vegetables, wild caught fish, organic chicken and
grass-fed beef, nuts, seeds, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, herbs and
spices. Although I only use honey, coconut sugar, coconut nectar, dates and
real maple syrup as sweeteners, those are still sugar and the body just needs a
break from that in order to reset the digestive system and cleanse away
anything that is not beneficial. And, truth be told, more than I’d like to
admit, I will skip a meal and just have dessert, so I knew my body needed a
reset. The plan was to stay on the detox until after the 15k Double Bridge Run
on February 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>. </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day before my sugar detox was to begin, I came down
with the flu. This turned out to be such a blessing because it forced me to eat
really healthy and kept any cravings for sugary foods at bay. I also received a
timely word of encouragement from a good friend:</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…let us throw off
everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of our faith… - Hebrews 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was just the word I needed to encourage me in “throwing
off” things that were hindering my hearing from God and running the race (of
life) that He has marked out for me; in doing the work that He has prepared in
advance for me to do (Ephesians 2:10). I was spurred on to stick with my detox
to clear my mind and cleanse my body, while the flu was enabling me to throw
off/sweat out other impurities through the fever. It also gave me an
opportunity to just simply rest and when I felt able, to fix my eyes on Jesus
by looking to God’s word. Because, really, there is just not much good on TV
when you are homebound for 3 days straight and syndicated episodes of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Reba</i> (I greatly enjoy that show!) are
only on for a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I looked to God’s word, fixing my eyes on Jesus, I was
reminded that we endure cycles of suffering and restoration. I knew that the
flu was a time of temporary suffering and that God would restore. As the pounding
headache faded and my body began to feel strong, I had the Double Bridge Run in
view. After spending nearly two weeks on the sugar detox, I felt strong and
able for the run even though I had not spent time training. The day before the
run, these words leapt off the pages of Deuteronomy: </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">…you have stayed
long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey and go… - Deuteronomy
1:6-7</span></i></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I asked God to help me daily, hourly, moment by moment <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">turn</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fix my eyes on Jesus</i>. Little did I know that the very next day,
during the run, I would have a perfect picture of what it is to fix your eyes
on the sun (Son). The morning of the run, the temperature was 39 degrees...brrr,
that is COLD! With a gunshot start, I began to make my way through downtown
Pensacola towards the 3 mile bridge to Gulf Breeze. Running across the bridge,
I felt strong and the clear blue sky allowed the sun to shine brilliantly,
sparkling on the water. One thing I noticed as I faced the first mountainous hill
was that if I looked ahead at the incline I became focused on what it would
require of me to overcome it, yet when I looked towards the sun, I was so taken
with its beauty that I didn’t even notice when I began the ascent up the hill.
There were times when the sun was so bright that I had to close my eyes and
just put one foot in front of the other, continuing in faith that as I ran
towards the sun I would persevere. The encouragement of friends in the race and
bystanders along the way helped spur me on to keep a steady pace to the end. Then,
the next big hurdle came and it seemed more steep than the previous, but just as
with other matters of life, God is faithful to His word:</span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">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</span></i></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was reminded of the last hurdle and how I was given the
power to overcome it, my faith was renewed to believe that this too could and
would be overcome. I just needed to press in to the journey, the race, God had
marked out for me and know and believe that it was for my good. The momentary
pain of conquering the obstacle was only slight compared to the glory of
crossing the finish line in 80 minutes and 25 seconds. </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQdCgQ-mpo/UQ7tVbWggQI/AAAAAAAABRE/G0BkEfpJvAA/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LDQdCgQ-mpo/UQ7tVbWggQI/AAAAAAAABRE/G0BkEfpJvAA/s320/IMG_1073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mNtpmYRQwg/UQ7tWkAVxyI/AAAAAAAABRM/PXm94cnZCaE/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mNtpmYRQwg/UQ7tWkAVxyI/AAAAAAAABRM/PXm94cnZCaE/s320/IMG_1074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I waited with the crowd for other friends among the
4,000 runners to cross the finish line, I thought of Hebrews 12:1 and the “great
crowd of witnesses” cheering us on. The excitement in the crowd as runner after
runner made their way to the end of the race was contagious. There is nothing
more exciting than watching someone endure and receive the prize….in a race and
in life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To celebrate, I had a chocolate shake with a grass-fed beef burger and baked sweet potato fries. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpgscl2RROE/UQ7ttx1KLbI/AAAAAAAABRU/TBCO_LuBNMk/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mpgscl2RROE/UQ7ttx1KLbI/AAAAAAAABRU/TBCO_LuBNMk/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Chocolate Shake</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Ingredients</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3/4 cup coconut milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 frozen bananas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">cinnamon, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">cocoa to desired chocolateyness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Tbsp honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">ice cubes, to meet desired amount of thickness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix or high-powered blender. Blend until well combined. Pour into glasses and enjoy! Serves 2.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-86962354524048161552012-12-21T05:41:00.001-08:002012-12-21T05:41:16.579-08:00The Perfect Gift<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Each year it
seems the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas becomes shorter. There are
always parties to attend, family and friends to visit, delicious treats to
prepare and gifts to purchase. This year, my family (my parents, brother,
sister-in-law, nephew, nieces and myself) filled some of that time with a 4 day
vacation at Disney World beginning the day after Thanksgiving. It was a joy and
a blessing. Since returning home from the trip, I find myself remembering
little moments…things like my three year old niece saying, “you can’t be mad or
sad at Disney World”. What a great reminder to keep proper perspective, to
think about where you are (Disney World is the happiest place on earth!) and be
happy and joyful about your circumstances. Sure, the streets of Magic Kingdom
were tightly packed with people that at times you could barely step left or
right and spending 2 hours in line for 1 ride would not have been our first
choice, but we were at Disney World and there were many reasons to be thankful.
The time with family was a true gift from above and I treasure the memories. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMP9RIdV7-U/UNRjvjSgWoI/AAAAAAAABPw/nM4kcw-pfVI/s1600/75969_10151308957170874_1610247373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RMP9RIdV7-U/UNRjvjSgWoI/AAAAAAAABPw/nM4kcw-pfVI/s320/75969_10151308957170874_1610247373_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em>Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of lights with whom there is not variation or shadow due to
change. – James 1:17<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><em> </em></o:p></span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I spent several of the
last 24 hours wrapping presents and thinking about gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is much care, thought and
personalization that goes into each gift that is chosen, selected specifically
for the intended recipient. Gifts are very personal; given to benefit one
person (not a crowd); and costly, requiring the giver to sacrifice time, effort
and money to secure a unique gift that will bring the recipient joy. Once a
gift is chosen, it is wrapped in tissue and carefully placed in a box that is often
wrapped in sparkling paper and adorned with a big, beautiful bow. Each gift is
labeled to ensure it is opened by the one for whom it was chosen. The gifts are
on display under the tree and anticipation grows as Christmas morning
approaches. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5mooWU2xuo/UNRmeaLjiTI/AAAAAAAABQY/ZkEki1zHNHo/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5mooWU2xuo/UNRmeaLjiTI/AAAAAAAABQY/ZkEki1zHNHo/s320/P1010007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes you can look at
the wrapping and guess what treasure is hidden underneath, but the best gifts
are always the ones that come unexpected – out of nowhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em>And the angel
came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she
was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting
this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a
son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the
Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his
father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his
kingdom there will be no end.” </em><br />
<em>– Luke 1:28-33<o:p></o:p></em></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The perfect gift came to
Mary in the most unexpected way. The perfect gift was very personal...for Mary
and for each of us. The perfect gift was given to benefit every individual
person who would believe. The perfect gift was costly, requiring great
sacrifice. The perfect gift was wrapped in light. The perfect gift was not
placed under a tree, but was nailed to a tree. The perfect gift waits to be
received and when our hearts awaken to receive the gift, we find joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>In your
presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures
forevermore. – Psalm 16:11</em></span></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-16599292750731845922012-10-19T03:59:00.000-07:002012-10-19T03:59:53.409-07:00It's 3:00 A.M.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And in the fourth watch of the night (about three o’clock
in the morning) Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. – Matthew 14:25</span></span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The final words of my prayer
as I went to sleep last night were, “not mine, but thine”, little did I know that I would
be awakened in the wee hours (about three o’clock) with an anxious heart and a
strong desire to rise, grab my Bible and my 2011 journal and hear from the
Lord. When I looked at the clock, the first thing that came to mind was Matthew
14:25. According to Matthew Henry’s commentary on this section of scripture, <em>“it
is good, upon several occasions, and when our hearts are enlarged, to continue
long in prayer, and in pouring our hearts out before the Lord.”</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much like Peter in the
following verses, I oftentimes step out in faith with eyes locked on the Lord,
only to be distracted by the wind and waves that swirl around me. Of this,
Matthew Henry’s commentary goes on to say, <em>“when we look off from Christ, and
look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall, but
when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us…The weakness of
faith, and the prevailing of our doubts displease our Lord Jesus, for there is
no good reason why Christ’s disciples should be of a doubtful mind.”<o:p></o:p></em></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For several months, I confess,
I have been “stuck” reflecting on a long awaited hope, a prayer I’ve prayed in
many ways on many occasions and one specific prayer with a date of April 29,
2011. Like the tide, I ebb and flow in my fervency of prayer with regards to
those things that seem to be slow in coming. When I set my eyes on the Lord, He
reminds me of his promises: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I know the
thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I grow impatient or
weary in circumstances and situations, I am often reminded that Jesus is
transforming me through these times by drawing me to Himself in prayer, in His
word, and changing me by the Holy Spirit in me that grows, strengthens and
matures my faith with wisdom and understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is from my journal,
April 29, 2011: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Surrender – Not mine, but thine. When I hand over (surrender)
my expectations, I am free to receive all that He has planned for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Transitions – Moments of change. Moving from the
disasters of the past and present into the blessings of the future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God calls me to put in its proper place, anything that
keeps me from fully trusting Him, leaving behind yesterday’s address so that I
can accompany Him to a new place tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am thankful for my three
a.m. wake up call and the reminder of these words, “surrender” and “transition”.
Although I am waiting to see the purposes of the Lord in many things, I am
comforted in knowing I need only to keep my eyes on the Lord. At the end of my
journal entry, I wrote my God-sized dream. If I told you what it was, you may
think it to be a simple thing and to most people it would certainly not be considered
grandiose. To me, it is something only the Lord can do and although I don’t
know when the dream will become reality, I have already seen glimpses of His
glory in the waiting. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Lord, I confess that I sometimes
struggle to believe_______________. Please forgive me for doubting, becoming
anxious and growing weary. Please renew and strengthen your spirit within me to
trust you fully and to keep my eyes focused on you.</em> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy
burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all
times and in every way. – 2 Thessalonians 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-58702104106423712562012-09-28T09:18:00.000-07:002012-09-28T09:18:59.171-07:00Are You Living Beyond Organic?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTQ0VK0YpuU/UGTHzhAF84I/AAAAAAAABPE/fNKWYRysL5c/s1600/IMG_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTQ0VK0YpuU/UGTHzhAF84I/AAAAAAAABPE/fNKWYRysL5c/s320/IMG_5273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Beyond Organic is a company on a mission to change your
diet, change your life and change your world with:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">When I heard about Beyond Organic, I knew I had to be
involved with the mission and message. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To learn more about why I’m living Beyond Organic in 2012
and beyond, click </span><a href="http://simplesweetblessings.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-im-living-beyond-organic-in-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">To learn more about the company and how you can be involved
as a consumer or a fellow mission marketer, click </span><a href="http://simplesweetblessings.blogspot.com/p/beyond-organic.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">I’m very excited to know that a variety of new products will
be added to the line up each month for the next many months. Beyond Organic
offers discounted products and free shipping with certain orders AND all of
these great products are delivered right to my front door. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Check out <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">My </a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Beyond Organic</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> for specific product
information and ordering, or contact me directly at </span></span><a href="mailto:simplesweetblessings@gmail.com"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">simplesweetblessings@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-64757425682012611832012-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:002012-09-25T13:25:23.080-07:00What My Friends Say<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’ve read this blog at all in the past year, you are
probably well aware of my fondness to <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a>…especially as a replenishing
post work out drink and as an effective detoxifying cleanser. But, maybe you
wonder what other people have to say about this <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> of which I write…take
a look at what some of my friends say…</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I was working really
hard one day, and the heat was so intense and I started to crave the Orange
Cinnamon Suero Viv so much that I could literally taste it…the only problem
was, it was about 500 feet away in the cooler in my truck, so I had to wait.
This stuff is so good, it just hydrates me and gives me that boost so that I
can keep going.”</i> – Kevin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend Kevin is an electrical contractor and works really
long hours in some pretty hot spots, especially during the summer in this
Florida heat. He keeps a cooler stocked with <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> in his truck to keep him
hydrated and energized throughout those long, hot work days.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I’m on my third day
of the Suero Cleanse and I feel so good!!! The only problem is that my fiancé
keeps drinking and eating all of my Beyond Organic products! I’m glad I tried
the Green Suero, it’s good in an interesting way, and I feel really healthy
when I drink it. Thank you for telling me about Beyond Organic!”</i> – Danielle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend Danielle did the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">3 Day Suero Cleanse</a> just days
before her wedding and I must say she was a stunningly beautiful bride! Of
course, she is always beautiful, but who knows, maybe that <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse</a> gave
her a little extra glow for her wedding day. Now that she’s married, it sounds
like she and her husband need extra <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Beyond Organic</a> products in the fridge!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I realized that
eating, a lot of times, is more from habit than hunger. I haven’t felt tired or
hungry all day.”</i> – Dad</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m going to be
honest here; my dad was a little reluctant to do a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse</a>. He was sure
that he’d be hungry and cranky from not eating all day, but the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Vivs</a> kept
him from having blood sugar lulls and kept him full and satisfied throughout
the day. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I finished my 3 Day
Suero Viv Cleanse on Sunday. I was pleasantly surprised. I was worried the
drinks would be gross…of course, I’m someone who drinks Coke Zero every
night…but the Suero Viv was not bad at all! I didn’t find myself starving in
between drinking the Suero Vivs and no fatigue. I was very satisfied!”</i> –
Heather</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My friend Heather ordered the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse Bronze</a> package
without even tasting a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> before placing her order. She had been looking
for a good cleansing product and noted that the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv Cleanse</a> packages are
much more affordable than most other cleansing products. And because the main
ingredient in each <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> is cultured whey, they have just what the body
needs to detoxify and cleanse all of the major organs and with 5 flavors to
choose from, a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv Cleanse</a> provides plenty of variety for those taste
buds.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I was thinking that I
hadn’t noticed a difference with the Suero Cleanse over the weekend, but
somehow this morning I woke up at 5 a.m., ran 2 miles, did an Insanity workout,
then ran another mile…I think it HAS made a difference in my energy. AND when I
woke up, the first thing I went for was a Suero Viv without even thinking about
anything else. I completely get that feeling you were talking about where you
just want to keep drinking the Suero Viv. That’s what is in my lunch box today
too!”</i> – Patrick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Patrick started the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse Bronze</a> on a Friday and cleansed
through the weekend…he even spent a day kayaking while on the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse</a>…I’d
say he had energy! I was delighted to hear that on the first day of his new
job, he chose to pack <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> to keep him going rather than stop off at a
fast food chain for lunch. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFbgqf5kZQ/UGIQ2Zxjw1I/AAAAAAAABOc/_XDljXSNgJU/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bjFbgqf5kZQ/UGIQ2Zxjw1I/AAAAAAAABOc/_XDljXSNgJU/s320/Picture1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">3 Day Suero Cleanse</a> two weeks in a row and have
maintained drinking an average of 2 <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Vivs</a> per day since then. My plan is
to <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse</a> once a month and to drink <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Vivs</a> daily as a form of
maintenance. We live in a toxic world filled with air, water, soil and other
environmental pollutants. Our bodies were created with a system to detoxify,
yet we bombard them with so many personal care products and “foods” that hinder
the process. Taking a few days to let the system rest from the burden gives our
kidneys, liver and colon time to do what they were created to do.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, aren’t you ready to <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_FoodPackagesSueroCleanse.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Cleanse</a>?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-71030409466094528602012-09-18T14:20:00.001-07:002012-09-18T14:24:49.847-07:00It's Fall Y'all...Well, Almost!<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first day of Autumn isn’t officially until this
Saturday, but it actually feels slightly “Fall-ish” today, and according to the
weather reports, we are supposed to have some low temps in the 50s this week!
Whoa, that is definitely Fall weather and I’ve already been enjoying the warming
spices typically associated with the Autumn season. This Spice Market Sweet
Potato Hash is something I cannot get enough of lately.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFHW9AuESyc/UFjlc0JS1kI/AAAAAAAABLQ/LOl0YVvNULA/s1600/Spice+Market+Sweet+Potatoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vFHW9AuESyc/UFjlc0JS1kI/AAAAAAAABLQ/LOl0YVvNULA/s320/Spice+Market+Sweet+Potatoes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spice Market Sweet Potato Hash</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 large sweet potatoes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ Cups black beans, cooked</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 red onion, diced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 tsp. fresh ginger, grated</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ lemon, juiced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp. coriander</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">½ tsp. cumin</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">¼ tsp. black pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 tsp. turmeric</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ tsp. cinnamon</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Peel and dice sweet potatoes and place with a little coconut
oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Cover with lid and let cook until tender.
Add onions and let cook until onions are at desired doneness. Turn off the
burner and add black beans and remaining ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Enjoy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's quite spicy, but the spices really are power houses for good health. This makes great leftovers too...and to me, is equally good straight out of the
refrigerator without heating it back up. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You can also use any type of beans: black, adzuki, mung,
lentils…whatever you have on hand or whatever you like best. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-4498209326520229742012-09-14T04:47:00.001-07:002012-09-14T09:24:35.543-07:00Favorite Beauty Products<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A friend
recently shared with me about <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">Kelly’s Korner Blog</a> and suggested that I link up
to an upcoming <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">Show Us Your Life</a> link up day. I thought I’d go ahead and give
it a test run today because the theme is “<a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/" target="_blank">Your Favorite Beauty Products</a>” and I
have certainly been through my share of trials and errors when it comes to
beauty products. My name is Brooke and I am a reformed beauty product junkie. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just to give
you a little insight, in my former life I would read InStyle Magazine from
cover to cover and make a list of the latest products and promptly go to
Sephora (yes, I was a Sephora Beauty Insider) and stock up on makeup, hair
care, nail polish, lotions, potions and the like. I even changed my nail polish on a daily basis if necessay to match my outfit. Praise the Lord, He changed my perspective about all of this! I have a much more simple approach when it comes to personal care products these days.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my
mid-twenties I began to have some seriously scary scarring acne which led me on
a hunt through just about every product, from the cheapest to the most
expensive, from the drug store to high-end department stores, which claimed
skin beautifying and most importantly clearing benefits. What I learned has
forever changed my perspective with regards to truly healthy skin. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Beauty comes
from the inside out. Glowing, clear, healthy skin starts with what we eat. A
clean diet of organic fruits and vegetables, wild caught salmon, free range
chicken and eggs, green-fed beef, and healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil,
avocados, nuts and seeds, are the foundation of good skin and good health. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The most inexpensive beauty product is sunshine. A few minutes in the sun each day really brightens the skin and gives a nice glow. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The skin is
the largest eliminative organ of the body and every pore is an escape route for
waste. Many beauty products contain harmful chemicals (that are linked to
cancer and reproductive/developmental disorders) that are absorbed into the
body through the skin. Rather than eliminating toxins, we may unknowingly be actively putting
more toxins in our bodies through the use of these products and quite often we are paying a
pretty penny to do so. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my search
to clear my skin and find a truly healthy beauty routine, I did a complete overhaul and cleared out old products, these are just a few: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sblLPUjMSMc/UFEViS5YiEI/AAAAAAAABKo/cI6fOznIx7U/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sblLPUjMSMc/UFEViS5YiEI/AAAAAAAABKo/cI6fOznIx7U/s320/IMG_2831.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I found that some of
the most beneficial products could be found right in my kitchen. For example,
apple cider vinegar is very effective at clearing up break outs and if used
very diligently a couple of times a day, can reduce the appearance of acne
scarring. Just dampen a cloth with water, then pour on some apple cider vinegar
and rub over any trouble spots. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDwYEmU0uDY/UFEU98cTfaI/AAAAAAAABKY/Bx6Ureezw3E/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tDwYEmU0uDY/UFEU98cTfaI/AAAAAAAABKY/Bx6Ureezw3E/s320/IMG_6304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A great way
to moisturize is with coconut oil which also contains natural anti-bacterial
properties. Just a dab goes a really long way and it smells so good too without
any harsh fragrances like most beauty products. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ah10jSt9qrY/UFEVPAtDk9I/AAAAAAAABKg/dWb3MyC3f_4/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ah10jSt9qrY/UFEVPAtDk9I/AAAAAAAABKg/dWb3MyC3f_4/s320/IMG_6305.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although it
has been a couple of years since the worst of my beauty plight, I had not found
easily accessible, toxic free, organic facial cleansers, lotions, shampoos,
etc. until just this week. <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Beyond Organic</a> has launched a skin and body care line
of products that I am more than excited to get my hands on! Finally, clean skin
care that will ship right to my front door…it doesn’t get much easier than
that. Through September 16<sup>th</sup>, each of the product lines is available
for <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Business_Enroll.aspx" target="_blank">Mission Marketers and Preferred Customers</a> with a BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE
promo. (Not a Mission Marketer or a Preferred Customer? That’s easy, just sign
up <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Business_Enroll.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>, then log in for this great savings) or beginning Monday, September 17th these products will be available at regular retail and wholesale prices. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Advanced Anti-Aging System</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><img align="none" height="185" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/1f5bdd9624a5a38bbe54f7675/images/skincare1.png" width="300" /></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
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<br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Set Includes:</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Botanical Cleanser
4.0oz/120ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Neroli Toner 4.0oz/120ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Radiant Serum 1.0oz/30ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">AM Moisturizer 1.0oz/30ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Replenishing Night Cream
1.0oz/30ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eye Cream 0.5oz/15ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lift Serum 0.6oz/18ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Acai Exfoliator 2.0oz/60ml</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">*Plus you get a 2<sup>nd</sup> set for Free.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Retail Value for 2 sets: $750. <a href="http://beyondorganicoffice.com/"><u><span style="color: windowtext;">Yours today for only $300.</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Beyond Body Care System</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #505050; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><img align="none" height="182" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://gallery.mailchimp.com/1f5bdd9624a5a38bbe54f7675/images/bodycare1.png" width="300" /></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Set Includes:</span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet Orange Shampoo
8.0oz/240ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sweet Orange Conditioner
8.0oz/240ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clean Citrus Shower Gel
8.0oz/240ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hand and Body Lotion
8.0oz/240ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Botanical Hand Wash
8.0oz/240ml</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pomegranate Berry Lip Balm
.25oz</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Triple Mint Lip Balm .25oz</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">*Plus you get a 2<sup>nd</sup> set for Free.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Retail Value for 2 sets: $205. <a href="http://beyondorganicoffice.com/"><u><span style="color: windowtext;">Yours today for only $82.</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having shared
all of this, I believe the most important beauty product ever is the Bible.
True beauty is something that radiates from the inside out and from a life well-lived
in The Word. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Moses may
seem like an unlikely beauty mentor, yet he experienced a supernatural beauty
treatment when he sought the Lord: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his
face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. – Exodus 34:29<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’d say Moses had a healthy glow. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-24861779592827633282012-08-28T09:15:00.003-07:002012-08-28T09:15:36.831-07:00A Thorough Cleansing<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last week I
embarked on my very first (it won’t be the last!) <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">3 Day Suero Viv Cleanse</a>. I
admit that I was a little uncertain as to how I would handle drinking six <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">SueroViv</a> beverages per day and consuming no other foods or beverages. Would I feel tired?
Hungry? Experience blow sugar swings and be contrary? However, I was pleasantly
surprised at how stable my blood sugar remained…and the very few times I did start
to feel the slightest bit tired or hungry, it was time to drink another <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a>
which filled me up and gave me an energy boost. I did not even experience food
cravings during or after the <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv Cleanse</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What did I
experience? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
clear mind to accomplish daily tasks and get settled into a new routine and
some new commitments. </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Energy
to do some pretty insane workouts every morning and extra group workouts two
evenings. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">More
time! I found myself saying, “there are too many hours in the day”. With time
saved preparing and eating meals, I found “extra time” to do things I had been
putting off for another day. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Restful
nights, awaking refreshed and ready for the morning.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Weight
loss</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inflammation
removed </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Smooth
soft skin<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, you may
be asking, “what is <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> and what exactly are the internal benefits to following
a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">3 Day Suero Viv Cleanse</a>?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a>,
meaning Whey of Life, is a cultured whey beverage alive with probiotics and
enzymes, hydrating and packed with electrolytes and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>B vitamins, plus it is addictively delicious with a
slightly sweet/slightly tangy flavor. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drinking
<a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> or following a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv Cleanse</a> aids your body in eliminating waste and toxins that accumulate as a result of pollution, radiation from electronics, and consuming foods commonly found in the standard American diet. The cultured whey works to cleanse your liver, colon, kidneys, and lymph
system. The potassium actually pulls waste from the cells of the body. Check out this excerpt from a recent article on <a href="http://www.draxe.com/bread-is-worse-than-you-think/">draxe.com</a>:</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em><strong>Potassium is in a class known as electrolytes.</strong> When dissolved in water, electrolytes conduct the electricity needed by our muscles and nerves to function. Another function of potassium is to assist the storage of carbohydrates in the muscles. Carbohydrates are needed for endurance, and also play a role in the body’s blood pressure regulation, as well as fluid balance. When the body lacks potassium, not only are the muscles and nerves compromised, but the heart may even have trouble maintaining a normal rhythm.<br />If you follow what I call the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) there’s a good chance you may also suffer from the potassium-sodium imbalance. The good news is this imbalance is not permanent. There are ways to correct it.</em></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cleansing is just a good idea because it promotes cellular health and brings your body into a better
balance by flushing waste out. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cleansing is
something that can be done on a regular (monthly) basis to help keep your body
balanced and in good working order. I felt so good as a result of my 3 day cleanse that I already have my next one planned! An added
benefit to regular cleansing is sustained weight loss. Now, losing weight was
not the main goal I had when I began my cleanse, but I have noticed since turning
31 that I do have to be a little more careful about how much dessert I eat (and
I DO enjoy my fair share of dark chocolate!). Since I like to play with numbers, let’s
consider if I’m consuming around 2,000 calories a day on a regular basis, but I
take 3 days per month to cleanse:</span></span></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-insideh: none; mso-border-insidev: none; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2,000<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">normal daily caloric intake<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">-720<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">daily calories on a Suero Viv Cleanse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1,280<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">calories saved per day<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">X3<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">number of days cleansing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3,840<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">calories saved per cleanse<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">X12<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">months per year<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">46,080<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 239.4pt;" valign="top" width="319"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">calories saved per year<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">AND 3,500 calories = 1
pound…so that is a 13 pound weight loss or avoidance of weight gained over the course of a year, just simply
by cleansing on a regular basis. Pretty amazing stuff! If all of this has you
craving <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">Suero Viv</a> and ready to cleanse, then by all means, visit my <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">BeyondOrganic</a> site and check it out! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-78823013628833640082012-08-22T13:17:00.000-07:002012-08-25T08:34:02.812-07:00New & Old Summer Favorites<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With school starting this week for most students, summer
break has come to an end. Yet we still have several weeks remaining with hot,
humid summer days. I thought this would be a great time to share one of my
favorite meals from this summer. My parents and I returned from Israel very
shortly before the Fourth of July and we were feeling very patriotic. We had
some great new All-American-type recipes to try out and a few old favorites.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the new recipes was a No Potato Salad that I found on
<a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/no-potato-salad/" target="_blank">Elana’s Pantry</a>. Using cauliflower in place of the potatoes intrigued me. Cauliflower is a very versatile cruciferous vegetable and I've enjoyed it made into faux mashed potatoes and pizza crust, so this sounded like something I had to try. I made a few small changes, such as adding more mustard and
more celery. This turned out great and I think it was a crowd pleaser!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHSj5h125vg/UDU08y_ewOI/AAAAAAAABJQ/VjZwTUXlaCg/s1600/No+Potato+Salad1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MHSj5h125vg/UDU08y_ewOI/AAAAAAAABJQ/VjZwTUXlaCg/s320/No+Potato+Salad1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A trusty old stand-by for our family is baked chicken
nuggets. It’s a kid-pleaser and a favorite of the grownups as well. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGXQgv78-HA/UDU1NwiW54I/AAAAAAAABJY/wJDzfkwaueA/s1600/Chicken+Nuggets+Pan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGXQgv78-HA/UDU1NwiW54I/AAAAAAAABJY/wJDzfkwaueA/s320/Chicken+Nuggets+Pan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We cut 2 chicken breasts into about 1-inch sized pieces and
then soak them in coconut milk for 30 minutes or more. Then we combine:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 Cup Teff Flour</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 ½ teaspoons Herbamare Seasoning</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture and
spread out in a 9x13 baking dish that has been oiled with coconut oil. Bake at
400 degrees for 22 minutes. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Two new recipes came from a sneak peak at the Whole Life
Nutrition Kitchen’s <a href="http://wholelifenutrition.net/store/books/nourishing-meals-cookbook" target="_blank">new cookbook</a>. The first was a baked beans recipe. It called
for apple cider; somehow I missed this when making the grocery list, but
applesauce and a little water made a fine substitution. These were a huge hit!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kobFrZXHD2k/UDU1tEowV_I/AAAAAAAABJg/21JC4tsfGD4/s1600/Baked+Beans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kobFrZXHD2k/UDU1tEowV_I/AAAAAAAABJg/21JC4tsfGD4/s320/Baked+Beans.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other new recipe was coleslaw made without mayo. The
dressing ingredients included cashews and a little Herbamare for seasoning. The
salad was a nice crunchy element to the meal. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DLN9jEZa6A/UDU2Fa9dowI/AAAAAAAABJs/M9jSN2my_Lg/s1600/ColeSlaw_Cashew+Dressing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--DLN9jEZa6A/UDU2Fa9dowI/AAAAAAAABJs/M9jSN2my_Lg/s320/ColeSlaw_Cashew+Dressing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To top it all off, we finished up with some seriously
moist and chocolatey brownies made with almond butter and dark chocolate chips.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhhCoY887nE/UDU3B--Vj8I/AAAAAAAABJ0/3vZ_raVSS-Y/s1600/AlmondButter+Brownies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhhCoY887nE/UDU3B--Vj8I/AAAAAAAABJ0/3vZ_raVSS-Y/s320/AlmondButter+Brownies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I could go for one of these right now, but I'm in the middle of a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Products_BeveragesSueroViv.aspx" target="_blank">3 Day Suero Viv Cleanse</a>. In all seriousness, the Suero Viv's are so refreshing that even after looking at all of these food pictures, I'm still not craving any of it. I will be posting about my experience on the Suero Viv Cleanse soon!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-9807531896932041192012-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:002012-08-11T05:55:16.648-07:00What to do with White Fish?<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halibut, when wild-caught, is an excellent source of omega-3
fatty acids which promote healthy brain function, eye health, balances mood,
reduces inflammation (a precursor for all disease) and may even improve
cardiovascular health. With all of these health benefits, I am all for eating
more of this white, flaky fish. I have it shipped right to my door and it
already comes in prepackaged 6 oz. portions. Folks, it doesn’t get much easier
than this! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To me, halibut just doesn’t have much flavor, and if you
read my last post, you know that I am a big fan of mustard, so I thought, why
not spread a little mustard on some halibut and bake it for dinner? The result
was a simple, yet delicious and nutritious dinner in just minutes. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Halibut (cut into 6 oz. portions)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Celtic Sea Salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black Pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stone Ground Mustard</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oil a glass baking dish with extra-virgin coconut oil. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Place halibut in the baking dish. Sprinkle salt and
pepper (it just takes a little) and spread stone ground mustard over each piece
of halibut. I like a lot of mustard on mine, so you can add a little or a lot.
Mustard is a low-calorie condiment and the turmeric in it is anti-inflammatory,
so I am a big fan of it and use it liberally on my fish. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bake for about 12-15 minutes. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asparagus and broccoli salad are perfect accompaniments
to halibut. Light and nutrient dense. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6xMvCUMqCo/UCZUNywtxvI/AAAAAAAABIU/7jL0pbNo8_A/s1600/IMG_6174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6xMvCUMqCo/UCZUNywtxvI/AAAAAAAABIU/7jL0pbNo8_A/s320/IMG_6174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4620068096411334476.post-15896912938661914442012-08-05T16:55:00.000-07:002012-08-05T16:55:15.549-07:00Sesame BreadsticksHave you ever just had a craving for mustard? It is by far my favorite condiment and it's a great choice because it gets that nice yellow color from turmeric, which is anti-inflammatory. I enjoy mustard smothered sardines...don't knock it, it is a great way to get some healthy omega-3's and makes for a quick protein addition to a salad. I also enjoy a <a href="http://brookerowell.mybeyondorganic.com/Web/us/en/products-beef-ground-beef-overview.dhtml">GreenFinished beef </a>burger with mustard on top. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwk_DfmcufE/T47YES1yZ-I/AAAAAAAAAsU/eb4P-t8l9sc/s1600/Burger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwk_DfmcufE/T47YES1yZ-I/AAAAAAAAAsU/eb4P-t8l9sc/s320/Burger.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
But sometimes I just want something "snacky". <br />
<br />
A sesame bread stick seemed like a great option, so I began to think of how to make a grainless breadstick. The result...delicious breadsticks that have some great benefits including: calcium in sesame seeds...vitamin E in almond flour...fiber in coconut flour. Plus, they are super quick and easy to make!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23BmY44NyYE/TydAW8zXpCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/d4Z8TvRVoxM/s1600/Breadsticks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23BmY44NyYE/TydAW8zXpCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/d4Z8TvRVoxM/s320/Breadsticks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Sesame Breadsticks</b><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1/2 Cup Almond Flour<br />
1/2 Cup Coconut Flour<br />
1/4 tsp Celtic Sea Salt<br />
1/4 tsp Baking Soda<br />
2 Eggs<br />
1 Tbsp Grapeseed Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil<br />
1/4 Cup Sesame Seeds<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients. Form into 2"-3" "sticks". Bake for 15 minutes. <br />
<br />
Serve with mustard for dipping.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1