DETOX SUPERFOODS:
Consume These Foods As Often As You Can
Apple: Helps excrete heavy metals and cholesterol and is supports cleansing for the liver and kidneys
Artichoke: Purifies and supports the liver and has a diuretic effect on the kidneys
Asparagus: Superb detox food because of its diuretic effect; helps maintain healthy bacteria in the intestines
Blueberry: High in antioxidants and are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and credited for improving eyesight
Broccoli: Like sprouts and cabbage, increases levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant that helps the liver expel toxins
Carrot: Packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant; antibacterial and antifungal
Cranberry: Antioxidant-rich; destroys harmful bacteria in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract
Fennel: Has strong diuretic action and helps body eliminate fats
Garlic: Powerful antioxidant that is also excellent at helping eliminate toxic microorganisms
Ginger: Supports relief from abdominal bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Helps to stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding efficient digestion
Lemon: Stimulates the release of enzymes – an essential part of the liver’s detoxification process
Olive Oil: Antioxidant; helps prevent cholesterol from being transformed into a harmful free radical
Onion: Rich in antioxidant quercetin, which protects against free radical damage; onion enhances the activity of healthy intestinal flora and is antiviral
Parsley: Diuretic and helps kidneys to flush out toxins; contains phyto-nutrients that support the liver and is rich in antioxidants
Quinoa: Easily digested cleansing grain that is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
Rasberry: Almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes, shows research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the journal BioFactors
Rice: Brown rice in particular cleans the intestines as it passes through and prevents constipation; antiallergenic and helps support normal blood-sugar levels
Salad Greens: Superb antioxidant and cleanser of the digestive tract
Tomato: Rich source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to prevent a variety of health issues
Watercress: Purifies the blood and expels wastes from the body
Yogurt: Live yogurt contains pro-biotics that may support reduced intestinal inflammation and fungal infections and eliminate bad bacteria that damage the gut wall
The Importance Of Fluids: Drink At Least 8 Glasses A Day
This will help avoid fluid retention and keep your body’s waste disposal system – the liver, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, lymphatic system, and skin – functioning efficiently. Water flushes out toxic material, reduces bloating, helps keep your skin clear, and is essential for a successful detox.
Drinking fluids throughout the day, reducing the intake in the hours leading up to bedtime is important so that you don’t have to get up in the night. Drinking with meals dilutes the digestive enzymes, so try to avoid drinking before or up to an hour after meals. Herbal teas are excellent alternatives to water, and green tea is rich in antioxidants. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetables juices are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes and help to keep your system alkaline, but they need to be drunk immediately as the nutrients are destroyed on exposure to the air.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Tough Times, Tough Faith
I always appreciate my Pastors perspective & just had to share this from my March newsletter from our church :)
Tough Times, Tough Faith
By Pastor Wendell Smith
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 5 If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. 6 Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. 7 Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, 8 adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:2-8 (MSG)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)
If you live long enough, you will endure many hard times. Life is good, but there are always difficult and challenging things that every earth-dweller encounters. We live on planet earth- a physical realm dominated by sin and darkness, where storms and resistance seem to rule and problems and troubles are commonplace.
The Patriarch Jacob lived one hundred thirty years but said his days were few and evil. King Solomon said that if a man lived many years, let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Jesus prophesied of days coming on the earth when men's hearts will fail them for fear. The Apostles wrote letters and described perilous and stressful times that would come.
In today's global economic crisis, we find ourselves in the middle of one of the most challenging situations many of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. But before we give in to depression, we need to recall that the Bible is filled with hope and faith and an optimistic view of how life should be lived- even in the face of adversity.
Most baby boomers and their children cannot recall many difficult financial years. A few older saints might still be alive who were children during the great depression. Today, we all struggling to varying degrees as we go through the current economic calamity. Some of us have lost jobs, houses, retirement accounts or value of some kind. These kind of hard times can shake our faith and make us ask hard questions but as people of faith, we need the divine perspective to get us through.
The perspective we need is a much more long term one- i.e. one that spans most of human history. In the Bible, for example, there were several famines, many in the Old Testament and a few in the New. But in the midst of each of them the Lord supernaturally provided for His people.
God provided for Abraham in a time of famine.
Isaac sowed and reaped 100 fold in a time of famine
God provided for the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the widow chosen to help them in famine
The Churches of Asia sent aid to Jerusalem and the Judean brethren during a great famine
Financial gurus, wall street brokers, heads of the nation's most prestigious banks and some of the brightest minds of our times are all in a quandary about how to solve the present emergency. It seems that "all the king's horses and all the king's men" cannot put our economy back together again. The same hurricane that is blowing against us is also blowing down the house down next door.
But Jesus said if we obey Him and practice what He says, we will build on a foundation that will weather the storms and remain standing when everything around us is being washed away. If we follow God's divine principles and stay connected with a community of believers who are walking in truth, we will make it through this crisis- just as millions have done before us. Our fathers survived the ancient crises of the Old Testament. Prophets were miraculously provided for during famine. And the early church disciples endured many and varied trials and came through them all victoriously. If they made it we can make it.
From a biblical perspective, how do we get through such severe financial catastrophe?
Remember first, we all need community, a local church of loving friends and family of believers to stand with us. When one is lacking, others provide. In the very first church, there was none that lacked because they met each other's needs out a selfless desire to help.
Believers also have a secret advantage. We have a divine connection with the provision of God Almighty through our prayers. Simple asking evokes simple provision. The same God who multiplied loaves and fishes for Jesus and the disciples, is the same God we serve. Ask and you shall receive!
How important it is also to renew our minds and think God's thoughts when facing a crisis. If we spend our time just meditating on the bad news, we will be discouraged and our faith will be drained. But faith comes when we hear the Word of the Lord, made alive by the Holy Spirit and giving us daily guidance.
Out of the faith base of the Bible, a personal relationship with the Lord and the connections of a community of believers, sprouts another crop that blossoms in the heart of every faith filled follower of Christ. Wisdom comes from God. It comes when we meditate day and night on His Word and it comes from walking with wise men. . One decision can make or break a family's finances or a business's momentum. Don't make major decisions alone, in time of crisis. Seek the Lord, ask for counsel and make sure and careful steps during these times.
Lastly, don't stop doing what got you this far. We tithed by faith trusting our Heavenly Father to keep the windows of heaven open over our lives. We gave and sowed seed into the lives and needs of others. We can now trust that the harvest of what we planted will come back to us. And no one who has given to the poor will be forgotten by God. He Himself will repay anything we have given in His name to those in need. If, in a time of testing, I panic and start to withhold, I run the risk of stopping with life giving flow of faith and love that runs through my life.
There are many practical things each of us can do to walk wisely during times like these but the greatest thing we can do, is position ourselves in faith to maintain our trust in God, Jehovah Jireh, who has always helped us and always will. Going through tough times- ask God to give you tougher faith; fight the good fight of faith and take a stand. The storm will pass. Your foundation will remain and your life will reflect the pleasure of God who rewards those who walk by faith!
Tough Times, Tough Faith
By Pastor Wendell Smith
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 5 If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. 6 Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. 7 Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, 8 adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:2-8 (MSG)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)
If you live long enough, you will endure many hard times. Life is good, but there are always difficult and challenging things that every earth-dweller encounters. We live on planet earth- a physical realm dominated by sin and darkness, where storms and resistance seem to rule and problems and troubles are commonplace.
The Patriarch Jacob lived one hundred thirty years but said his days were few and evil. King Solomon said that if a man lived many years, let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Jesus prophesied of days coming on the earth when men's hearts will fail them for fear. The Apostles wrote letters and described perilous and stressful times that would come.
In today's global economic crisis, we find ourselves in the middle of one of the most challenging situations many of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. But before we give in to depression, we need to recall that the Bible is filled with hope and faith and an optimistic view of how life should be lived- even in the face of adversity.
Most baby boomers and their children cannot recall many difficult financial years. A few older saints might still be alive who were children during the great depression. Today, we all struggling to varying degrees as we go through the current economic calamity. Some of us have lost jobs, houses, retirement accounts or value of some kind. These kind of hard times can shake our faith and make us ask hard questions but as people of faith, we need the divine perspective to get us through.
The perspective we need is a much more long term one- i.e. one that spans most of human history. In the Bible, for example, there were several famines, many in the Old Testament and a few in the New. But in the midst of each of them the Lord supernaturally provided for His people.
God provided for Abraham in a time of famine.
Isaac sowed and reaped 100 fold in a time of famine
God provided for the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the widow chosen to help them in famine
The Churches of Asia sent aid to Jerusalem and the Judean brethren during a great famine
Financial gurus, wall street brokers, heads of the nation's most prestigious banks and some of the brightest minds of our times are all in a quandary about how to solve the present emergency. It seems that "all the king's horses and all the king's men" cannot put our economy back together again. The same hurricane that is blowing against us is also blowing down the house down next door.
But Jesus said if we obey Him and practice what He says, we will build on a foundation that will weather the storms and remain standing when everything around us is being washed away. If we follow God's divine principles and stay connected with a community of believers who are walking in truth, we will make it through this crisis- just as millions have done before us. Our fathers survived the ancient crises of the Old Testament. Prophets were miraculously provided for during famine. And the early church disciples endured many and varied trials and came through them all victoriously. If they made it we can make it.
From a biblical perspective, how do we get through such severe financial catastrophe?
Remember first, we all need community, a local church of loving friends and family of believers to stand with us. When one is lacking, others provide. In the very first church, there was none that lacked because they met each other's needs out a selfless desire to help.
Believers also have a secret advantage. We have a divine connection with the provision of God Almighty through our prayers. Simple asking evokes simple provision. The same God who multiplied loaves and fishes for Jesus and the disciples, is the same God we serve. Ask and you shall receive!
How important it is also to renew our minds and think God's thoughts when facing a crisis. If we spend our time just meditating on the bad news, we will be discouraged and our faith will be drained. But faith comes when we hear the Word of the Lord, made alive by the Holy Spirit and giving us daily guidance.
Out of the faith base of the Bible, a personal relationship with the Lord and the connections of a community of believers, sprouts another crop that blossoms in the heart of every faith filled follower of Christ. Wisdom comes from God. It comes when we meditate day and night on His Word and it comes from walking with wise men. . One decision can make or break a family's finances or a business's momentum. Don't make major decisions alone, in time of crisis. Seek the Lord, ask for counsel and make sure and careful steps during these times.
Lastly, don't stop doing what got you this far. We tithed by faith trusting our Heavenly Father to keep the windows of heaven open over our lives. We gave and sowed seed into the lives and needs of others. We can now trust that the harvest of what we planted will come back to us. And no one who has given to the poor will be forgotten by God. He Himself will repay anything we have given in His name to those in need. If, in a time of testing, I panic and start to withhold, I run the risk of stopping with life giving flow of faith and love that runs through my life.
There are many practical things each of us can do to walk wisely during times like these but the greatest thing we can do, is position ourselves in faith to maintain our trust in God, Jehovah Jireh, who has always helped us and always will. Going through tough times- ask God to give you tougher faith; fight the good fight of faith and take a stand. The storm will pass. Your foundation will remain and your life will reflect the pleasure of God who rewards those who walk by faith!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Shayans Law: or How'd You Like to Pay Out Of Pocket For Autism treatments?
I found this blog today and had to share as we are trying to get Shayans Law passed.
Shayan's Law or: How'd You Like To Pay Out Of Pocket For All Your Doctors?
http://geeked-up.blogspot.com/2009/01/shayans-law-or-howd-you-like-to-pay-out.html
You want to know something that's really awesome? When I take Bug to his doctor visits regarding his Asperger's (high functioning autism), I only have to pay around $200 a visit. I'm lucky, because his autism is high functioning and the free programs via his school system plus work I'm able to do from home are enough to get him along every day and help him succeed.There are families out there with children who have autism far more severe than Bug, who pay thousands a month for their treatment. Because Washington State does NOT require any insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment.
Which means all costs--the expensive doctors: the main doctor, the speech therapist, the behavioral therapist, play therapy and even medication, comes straight out of parent's already-tight pockets (Thanks economy!).
People have been forced to move out of their homes to be able to afford treatment for their children, which is absolutely monstrous. Treatment these kids thrive on, treatments that help them adjust and succeed in every day life are seen as 'optional', I've met doctors who give LESS of a damn about what they do because they think they won't get paid and some parents aren't able to get their kids the aid they need at all because of the cost.Some very excellent and hard-working people have put together Shayan's Law, and passing it will mean insurance companies must cover ASD treatment in our state. This cause is a very near and dear one to my heart, as it directly affects not just my own family, but tons of other wonderful people across the state.
If you guys could take ten minutes today to show your support for us, yourselves and other people you know, that'd be wonderful. I don't really do this kind of thing often, but it's extremely important this law gets passed and what better platform to turn to than you guys?Thanks, all, we really appreciate it (and just to note, the phone script isn't mine).
Two Ways You Can Help
By Phone: Make nine brief calls to the Senate health care committee members' offices and read them the following script:
Hi. My name is _____________. I live in ______, and I want to ask you a favor. I have/know a (child/grandchild/godson with autism) or (am a teacher/ therapist of a child with autism), and I would like for you to vote yes!!! for Shayan's Law-Senate Bill 5203.Shayan's law provides medically necessary treatments for autism. Please vote 'yes' on this bill.
Karen Keiser, Chair: (360) 786-7664
Rosa Franklin, Vice Chair: (360) 786-7656
Randi Becker: (360) 786-7602
Cheryl Pflug: (360) 786-7608
Darlene Fairley: (360) 786-7662
Chris Marr: (360) 786-7610
Ed Murray: (360) 786-7628
Linda Evans Parlette: (360) 786-7622
Margarita Prentice: (360) 786-7616
If the Legislator or Legislative Aide asks for more information about the bill, refer him or her to Arzu Forough, Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org
By email:
1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!
2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!
Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
How cool-- Chalkboard Paint
Since my sons bedroom could use a bit of repainting (perhaps a light blue color, since the color blue has a calming effect-- LOL) I thought this would be a great idea for one of Noah's bedroom walls as well, but use "magnetic" chalkboard paint. :)
Look! Chalkboard Paint on a Kitchen Wall
We see so many cool things that people do in their homes, and this one seemed perfect for Art Month, since you can make the art yourself.
This comes to us from Brenda and Dave in Chicago. They used chalkboard paint not just to paint a patch of their wall, but to paint the WHOLE wall. Now they are and their son can scribble and keep notes and numbers on the kitchen wall without anyone getting into trouble. (thanks, B & D!)
Look! Chalkboard Paint on a Kitchen Wall
We see so many cool things that people do in their homes, and this one seemed perfect for Art Month, since you can make the art yourself.
This comes to us from Brenda and Dave in Chicago. They used chalkboard paint not just to paint a patch of their wall, but to paint the WHOLE wall. Now they are and their son can scribble and keep notes and numbers on the kitchen wall without anyone getting into trouble. (thanks, B & D!)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
20 Things that I have learned about Life :)
"Life is a Journey, not a Destination!"
I was just brainstorming the other day & since my birthday is next week; I had fun looking back & jotting down a few things that I have learned about life & myself along the way.:) Wow-- I sure have grown! :)
I've learned that:
1. I believe that the Lord puts dreams in our hearts for a good reason. Give your dreams over to God & trust that he will work them out in his own timing and not our own! :)
2. In elementary school, I occasionally got into trouble for staring out the window and daydreaming. Today, I am still dreaming with childlike faith & I still dream big! Ive also learned that when a dream dies, then just dream another dream for another opportunity to come my way! :)
3. Share your dreams with those who understand and and can be supportive. Life is full of naysayers, so I try to not to let them discourage me & give up on the dreams that the Lord has put in my heart! :)
4. Attitude is everything-- choosing to be positive makes a big difference in rising above adversities! Ive heard it said that our ATTITUDE determines our ALTITUDE in life. :)
5. Dont sweat the small stuff and pick your battles carefully. Life is just too complicated as it is! :)
6. Forgive others quickly & turn offenses over to God. Holding unforgiveness in our hearts is like drinking poison ourselves and wishing the other person dead & a hazard to our health!
I'd rather focus on what someone has done FOR me, rather that TO me. :)
7. Having a child diagnosed with Autism isnt a death sentence-- It just means that the Lord trusted me & my husband enough to care for this very special child . I feel honored that we are entrusted with Noahs care.
8. Everyone is not going to like me and that is okay, cause I like who I am. I no longer let others opinions define me.
9. Standing up for what I believe in, even if it means losing a few friends along the way!
10. To Not take things so personally.... why carry the burden?
11. Sometimes when someone/something annoys me, it is like looking into a mirror image of a certain weakness inside of myself that needs my attention. This can be good thing, even though its painful sometimes... cause we all want to grow, right???
12. The word "FEAR" is just False Evidence Appearing Real!
13. Dont live in the past, cause I cant move forward if I am still looking backward!
14. Dont waste precious time worrying about what others think-- cause I wont always be able to please everyone.
15. If I dont like my circumstances and I cant change them, then I try to change the way that I think about it. Getting a fresh perspective & looking for the bright side of somthing surely works!
16. To not beat myself up over past mistakes and things that I cant change or have no control over. I'd rather focus on my milestones and not my mistakes.
17. Home is wherever we make it and it is so much more than my familys address whether it be a house or an apartment. Besides, its the memories that I cherish the most... :) I still have fond memories of when I was a single Mom living in an apartment with my 'tween boys before I met and married Joel.
18. To treat our grown children as equals and enjoy their friendship. I may or may not always like their choices, but I have to realize that I have to cut the apron strings sometime and give them the freedom to make their own choices/mistakes or how will they learn and grow?
19. I never let a day go by without telling my children/family/spouse how much I love them, cause tommorrow is never certain.
20. Its okay to indulge every now and then to get away from the kids.
Ive heard it said that "Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others," which is so very true& time away from my kids makes me a better Mom!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Top 10 Blessings
Here are the Top 10 blessings when you live in God's grace-
Romans chapter 8 :)
1. Peace (8:1) - no matter the circumstances, you can experience and live in God's peace
2. Life (8:6) - there is life and joy when you abide in God and trust his promises and principles
3. Wonderful relationship to God as our Father (8:15-16) - The Holy God of the Universe is our Father! Wow!!
4. Access to God's riches (8:17a) - what Christ has is yours, you are co-heir with Jesus Christ to all heaven's riches!
5. Privilege of suffering for Christ (8:17b-18) - might sound like a weird blessing, but many Christians can testify to a fantastic intimacy and a fantastic growth in their relationship with God during suffering for Christ!
6. Power of the Holy Spirit (8:26) - The Holy Spirit lives in you. He helps you, he guides you and he constantly intercedes for you!
7. Assurance that God loves us (8:28) - God loves you just the way you are!
8. Promise that we'll get all we need (8:31-32) - God, your Father, takes care of you and will give you all you need!
9. Victory over all evil (8:37) - God if for us! Who can be against us?
10.Assurance of remaining in God's love (8:38-39) - God will never let you go! He'll always love you!
Romans chapter 8 :)
1. Peace (8:1) - no matter the circumstances, you can experience and live in God's peace
2. Life (8:6) - there is life and joy when you abide in God and trust his promises and principles
3. Wonderful relationship to God as our Father (8:15-16) - The Holy God of the Universe is our Father! Wow!!
4. Access to God's riches (8:17a) - what Christ has is yours, you are co-heir with Jesus Christ to all heaven's riches!
5. Privilege of suffering for Christ (8:17b-18) - might sound like a weird blessing, but many Christians can testify to a fantastic intimacy and a fantastic growth in their relationship with God during suffering for Christ!
6. Power of the Holy Spirit (8:26) - The Holy Spirit lives in you. He helps you, he guides you and he constantly intercedes for you!
7. Assurance that God loves us (8:28) - God loves you just the way you are!
8. Promise that we'll get all we need (8:31-32) - God, your Father, takes care of you and will give you all you need!
9. Victory over all evil (8:37) - God if for us! Who can be against us?
10.Assurance of remaining in God's love (8:38-39) - God will never let you go! He'll always love you!
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