If Only...

Stop saying "If only" and start doing! 

It is great to make goals and have visions for our life. As a matter of fact it is healthy to have goals and visions so life does not just pass us by. Goals and visions give us a since of purpose. However, it is not good to continue to put off these goals and visions.

So many of us sit around and think "if only" then I could do what I need to do. For example, some people say if only I had a million dollars my life would be so much better or if only I was married. If only I had went to college or if only my kids would act right. If only I could lose 10 pounds. If only, if only, if only, if only....

Do not wait for "if only" to come. Enjoy where you are today and if you do have an "if only" do something about it. I am not saying go out and marry the first person you see if getting married is your "if only" but what I am saying is start taking steps to prepare yourself for marriage. Read books about marriage, get to know married couples to get tips from them and so on. The same thing applies for people who want to lose weight or go back to school, start moving toward those goals today.

Even for someone who wants to be a millionaire. Start making goals, plans and visions then put them to action. Start reading books about money, investing or starting your own business depending on your goal. Set a goal, research, start taking steps to achieve that goal, then endure. Endure the beginning stages, test and trials, do not shrink back. Stay consistent and before you know it that "if only" will become a reality. Stop saying "if only" and start taking action.

Another key thing to achieving your "if only" is do not let anyone talk you out of it. No matter what is going on around you. If family members come to you discouraging your "if only" saying it is not a vision or goal, just turn your head then keep going. If people tell you that is not possible say yes it is and keep going. Some people may stop talking to you because you stand up for your "if only" goals but keep going. Adopt the Energizer Bunny mentality and just keep going, going, going, going...then BAM. Your "if only" finally is in reality. You lost that 10 pounds, you started that business, you graduated from school with honors, and so on.

Don't let anyone stand in your way of the "if only" goal, including yourself. Stop saying "if only" and start taking action.

Lessons From Our Kids

I have talked about this before in blogs about when observing my kids I learn about myself. Today I learned another lesson, from my son. He is two in a half, full of joy and energy. He is also very curious and adventurous. He can also be very destructive. He loves trains and has a book about them that he loves so much. Today he was looking at the pictures but I guess he wanted to see what would happen if he tore the page. I saw that he was getting ready to start tearing it and of course I tried to stop him. My trying to stop him did not do its job. His curiosity out weighed my warning.
After the page was torn into two, he realized what he had done. His facial expression was so heartbreaking, he looked like he had lost his best friend. He cried and got mad at me! I told him I tried to tell you not to do it but you did it anyway. He wanted me to fix it but I could not, why, because I have no clear tape. So now he is going to have to wait until I get some more tape.

How many of us have done that?
We made a wrong choice out of disobedience and when we saw the damage we had done blamed it on something else. I have done that many times. Instead of blaming someone else it is better to take a moment and evaluate yourself. Once I realized it was me I was able to repent and wait patiently for the problem to be fixed. I put the problem in God's hands. He is such a loving God, He forgave me so I faithfully trusted and waited on Him then He fixed it. He will also do the same for you.
That was a great observation I learned from watching my child. Take the time to observe your children today to see what lesson God shows you.

Successful Women Motivate Successful Women

Today I was out and about running errands when I ran into a very pretty woman. Her make-up, hair and clothes were beautiful. Before when I would see a woman who seemed like she had it all together I would covet then start to feel bad about myself. Now I see myself different. I compliment and sometimes ask for advice like where did they get a nice jacket from. Anyway, back to the woman I saw, I complimented her make-up because I promise it looked like she had it done by a professional. She was so excited and surprised. You would have thought I had given her a million dollars. That compliment made her day, especially to hear it from another beautiful woman, myself.

I told that story to say we as women have got to start lifting each other up. There is so much hate, covetousness, and jealousy going on between women these days. It has got to stop! We are all different and we each have something the other may need. It is time to lift each other up and help.

Now I am not saying we all have to be best friends with everybody but do not feel bad about yourself when you see someone with better stuff. We don't know what they went through to get the nice stuff. Plus, they still might be going through something even with the nice stuff. When I say stuff I mean anything from man to nice jewelry.

What if I had hated on that lady and not opened my mouth? Her spirits would not have been lifted and her day would probably have gotten worse. I helped boost someones confidence instead of tear it down by hating on her. I also boosted my confidence by opening my mouth to say something and it felt good to help someone else feel better.

Remember that lifting each other up and treating each other kindly is a good way to receive the same thing. We should treat each other the way we want to be treated.

3 Ways to Beat Stress And Fatigue

Are you tired of being tired? If so, keep reading for tips to help.

A lot of people call this time of year the season to be stressed instead of the season to be jolly. I am here to say that it can be the season to be jolly for everyone. Stress and fatigue can be controlled by making three lifestyle changes.

1. Exercise

Get moving! Laying around hoping and praying that you wake up with a six pack is not the way to get the perfect body. Trust me, I tried. The best way to get in shape and get the blood flowing is to exercise, yes even in the winter time. The chemicals released during exercise give energy and releave stress. There are a couple of ways to do it by a gym membership or at home. Choose the way that best fits your life as long as you do it.

2. Eat Healthy

This time of year many of us are eating a lot of comfort food like fruit cake. That is fine but just remember to eat moderately if you are going to partake in all the sweets. Too much bad carbohydrates will weigh you down and make you feel sleepy. Eating the good carbohydrates like fruits, whole grain wheat and lots of protein will give natural energy to make you feel like you will never have to sleep again, maybe.

3. Last but definately not least, PRAY! 

Praying and having a relationship with God is the key to a peace of mind. Isaiah 26:3, amplified version "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."  When we focus on God, we will be at peace in every area of our lives.

Secret Spending

I was reading a magazine article about a topic that many people do not discuss, why, cause its a secret. The secret is married couples who secretly spend money. As soon as spending money is mentioned the finger pointing goes straight to the female but that is not always the case. Many men have secret addictions that require spending money without their wife knowing. No matter who is doing the spending it can cause a good marriage to go sour. A survey was done and 80% of married couples have dealt with this in their marriage. Just because majority of people think something is okay does not mean it is.

There are some solutions to this problem. The first solution is to be open and honest with each other. If a spouse has a secret addiction that is costing the family money (all addictions cost something) then it is time to be honest. It might hurt but in the end it will be better. The couple can seek Godly counsel to put the marriage on track. A wise person seeks counsel.

Another solution for a couple who just wants to have money for themselves is to reach a compromise for an allowance. Some people call this "mad money". It allows each spouse a little freedom.
I hope this blog will help married couples improve in their marriages. This is the time of year when most spending takes place. It is also that time of year that causes depression and addictions to take place. During these times remain thankful and positive. Remember communicate with people who will help lift up and not tear down.

Who Is Your Engineer?

"When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through." Corrie ten Boom

I thought this was a good metaphor of when things get wacky in our lives, not give up. Sometimes life requires us to sit back and trust the engineer in our lives. The engineer is God. I am at this place in my life now. I have done all I can do, now I am trusting the engineer in my life. I know He is going to bring me through this dark tunnel into the light.

As I type this I think about the coal miners in Chile. They are stuck in a dark hole, waiting for almost three months to see light. When they show them on the news camera they are not down there all crying and panicking. Honestly, I would probably be down there going crazy. Anyway, yes, they miss their families but they have a hope. They know they are not going to be in that dark whole forever. They know they are going to see light.

Today, I am encouraging you as I encourage myself. If you are going through something trust and believe the engineer of our lives, God, is not going to keep us in this dark tunnel. He is going to bring us into marvelous light.

Characteristics Of A Good Wife

1. Loves God. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30.
2. Good conduct. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they without a word may be won by the conduct of their wives." 1 Peter 3:1
3. Submit. " Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" Ephesians 5:22
4. Takes care of the house. "She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27
5. Speaks with wisdom. "She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness."
6. Takes care of herself. " She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22
7. Handles money wisely. "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard" Proverbs 31:16.
8. Hard worker. "She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

Are You A Closet Eater?

We have heard of anorexia and anemia as food disorders but there is one that is new to the scene. It is called closet eating which is binge eating but in private. Some type of eating disorder affects 10% to 15% of women in the United States. The disorder growing more popular is closet binge eating. The difference between binge eaters and closet binge eaters is the mental state of the person. Binge eaters overeat anywhere, any time of the day no matter who is looking. They are not ashamed that they are overeating. Closet binge eaters are more sneaky and try to hide the fact that they overeat which is dangerous.

Closet binge eaters mainly over eat due to emotions. They eat more if they have had a stressful day by sneaking food. If this sounds like something you do, then beware. Closet binge eating is dangerous because it can cause unwanted weight gain suddenly. A person my think they can afford to sneak a binge but then it becomes regular. Before the person knows it they have gained weight and become unhealthy.

The best way to prevent this is self control. A person should find other ways to handle stress instead of sneaking food. Exercise is a good way to handle stress with out gaining weight. It is better to sneak away and do jumping jacks or run on the stairway at work. Do things to improve your health not hurt it. 

A Good Woman

This blog is based of the scripture Proverbs 12:2, "A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."

This scripture is not just talking to man but to woman as well. We obtain favor from the Lord because we strive to be good. The key word is strive because we are not perfect, mistakes do happen. Just because mistakes happen does not mean we intentionally make mistakes. If we do make a mistake then we are to confess, ask for forgiveness and repent. Repent means to turn away from and do not do it again especially since we know that it is wrong. That is what the scripture means by "wicked intentions". God knows our hearts, He knows everything about us, therefore He knows when we mess up on purpose.

God does forgive and will not condemn if we change our ways to be "good".  Some people reading this blog feel like your life is going in a big circle. You keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same result. If this is you then it is time for a change. Change to try to be a good woman who loves God and wants to please Him rather then pleasing everyone else including self. It is time to get off the merry-go-round.

The Crown of the Wise

Growing up it was fun to pretend to be kings and queens with beautiful crowns that shined with jewels for miles away. Now that we are adults we have our crowns, not actual crowns but life. Crowns represents what kind of life we have. Is our life crowned with joy, peace and prosperity? Is our life crowned misery, worry and struggle?

If you have a crown of life that is basically like the crown of thorns they gave Jesus on the cross be encouraged because the bad crown can be turned into a gold crown filled with jewels. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:24 "The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly." The Bible defines the wise as those who honor God with their lives. We honor Him by seeking Him first. First does not mean just the time of day but first in our thoughts and the way we live. We must put God first in our hearts and seek His will in every area of our lives we are wise. If we do this we will receive a crown that is full of riches. Riches are not just money but also include peace, joy, strength. We need these spiritual characteristics to stand against the trials so when around us are not perfect we remain grounded full of joy, peace strength that is everlasting.

Choose to wear the crown of the wise. Choose to put God first in every are of your life.

What's In Your House?

Proverbs 15:6 says, "In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble."

Is your household filled with peace and love no matter what is going on? Does your house always seem to be chaotic and something bad always happening? I ask this because people have to know that what is happening physically around them is what is happening in the spiritual realm. For instance, if someone does not read the Bible except for church on Sundays then chances are your life is not going as smooth as it should be. This person has no relationship with God. They don't know God and He will give some mercy but why not choose all of God. It is the same thing as a married couple who do not spend time together. They don't know each other so it is hard for them to please one another and give what each other truly desires.

When people truly seek God first He will give the desires of their heart. He will fill their houses with treasures. Treasure is not just money but in every area of life. God's desire is to give us a great life. We must desire Him and His will. I pray that everyone who reads this will choose to live righteous. If you have not accepted Jesus in your life as Lord, please reach me through leaving a comment to this blog. Your information will not show publicly. It will come to me first.

What Do Your Clothes Say About You?

I was at my nephew's high school football game last week and was shocked. My husband and I were both taken by surprise the way the girls were dressed. He said, "These girls are in high school?" My first reaction was, "Yeah, and?" with a neck roll giving him attitude that I apologized for later because he was right. The girls were dressed way to revealing. I'm thinking where are these girls' mommas? It wasn't just one click, or a couple of girls here and there, it was everywhere. It wasn't even that hot outside. Those girls were sending the absolute wrong message that I know they do not want to deal with. They were to young to deal with the messages they were sending. I know first hand cause I dealt with those messages and ended up pregnant before I could take care of myself.

Ladies, I am here to tell you the messages you are sending by dressing provocative it is not worth it. My husband told me that men are hunters by nature, so they are going to look no matter what you have on. What message are you sending to the hunter by the way you dress. Are you saying, "Yoo Whoo, I'm right here come get it. You don't have to work hard for it. I am available." The message you should be sending is, "If you like it you better put a ring on it and on yours before this is available. Your going to have to work hard for it baby."

Now, I am not saying start dressing all manly either. Some women need to feminize their wardrobe up a little bit. I like my baggy jeans and oversized t's on occasion but I also like to dress up. You might be thinking well clothes don't make me who I am. Well no, but people will view you how you view yourself. If you view yourself as a one night stand woman and dress like that then that is the message you are sending to people.

I hate to be so blunt but somebody has to be. The lust in this world is getting worse and dressing provocative does not help. The excuse of that is all they sell in the stores has got to stop also. They still sell boot cut jeans in stores and not just skinny jeans.

Respect yourself and you will be respected. Remember you are a precious jewel made by God.

The Munchies: Solutions

Now that we know from the previous blog, The Munchies: What and Why, about cravings, lets look at some solutions. Some of these might be easier said then done but give them a try because it could work.
1 A good support system. Get your family and friends involved by telling them to hold you accountable. Don't be afraid to tell your spouse, "look do not let me eat this whole pint of chocolate chunk ice cream or I will blow up like a balloon." They will appreciate you telling them that you need their help. However, do not give them evil looks or talk back or make excuses when they do hold you accountable. (Like I said before, some of this is easier said then done.)
2. Balanced diet. Keeping track of what you eat is a good way to stop cravings. Eat sweets moderately or even find substitutes for sweats, like fruit. Eating 6 small meals is better then eating 3 big ones. Do not go more then 4 hours in between meals because there is a risk of over eating due to being extremely hungry. Drinking water between meals helps stop hunger. If you are fasting and praying do not over eat when coming off the fast. It is better to start back moderately eating after a fast and not anything too filling.
3. Break habits. It is good to change up your routine to stop the habit of eating everyday at a certain time even when you are not hungry. Also changing up a route that is often driven so you will not have to pass the donut shop. If you are in the habit of eating while watching television after the kids go to sleep, try to find something else to do instead. This could be a time to do some writing, catch up on reading or laundry.
I hope these tips help you to control the munchies better. They have helped me, especially eating the 6 small meals a day. It has really sped up my metabolism and I am not extremely hungry all the time.

The Munchies: What and Why

There are many reasons why the munchies a.k.a cravings occur. Before we all give in to our cravings we should evaluate ourselves and ask why we want the food.

The first reason we tend to binge out on food is our emotions. If someone is feeling sad, lonely or depressed then they may have a tendency to eat more sweets. The same thing could also happen if someone is having the best and happiest day of their life.

Another reason is because eating late at night or during certain events is a habit. For example a person has a habit of eating a bowel of ice cream every day after dinner. This habit can cause a lot of weight gain especially if it is not done moderately.

Mental association is another reason that we crave foods. This is basically like seeing the McDonald's sign as your driving down the interstate then all of sudden the craving of a Big Mac arises. Mental association is when we see things that remind us of food and makes us crave it.
Of course dieting makes us crave food. The moment we decide to remove bread from our diet is when we start craving yeast rolls. Some people say to allow a cheat day or meal while dieting but be careful not to eat 3,000 calories while doing so.

Many people do not realize that craving may also have to do with hormones in our brain. The hormone serotonin controls our feelings of pleasure and relaxation. If the serotonin levels are low in our brains then the more carbohydrates we crave because they contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is a type of amino acid that helps increase serotonin levels. Some diet pills and foods will contain tryptophan to help stop cravings of carbohydrates.

Fasting and Praying

Praise the Lord! God is so awesome!

There is so much going on these days about detox and cleaning out your colon to lose weight. Well there is another way to lose weight but I am not just about physical weight. You can be renewed physically and spiritually by fasting and praying to God. Doing this is a great way to release burdens, get answers to prayers and draw closer to God. It also helps physically as well.

There are different types of fast. It can be food and drink, when a person just drinks water. It can be a Daniel fast when a person just eats fruits and vegetables. It can be a media fast when no entertainment is being used, just reading the word of God.

Let God reveal to you what kind of fast you should do. If there is something that is trying to take control of you and you can not control like sweet food, then you should consider fasting from it. When you fast make sure you pray and don't just pray for yourself but for others. The windows of heaven will open when it is done with a genuine heart for God. Also ask God how long you should fast and stick to it. The enemy will try to creep in and say you can stop fasting your prayers are answered but you had an agreement with God. God will honor you for keeping that agreement.
If you still are not sure about fasting and praying feel free to comment and leave your email so I can respond. Also there are many books about fasting that break it down even further. To the left is an example of a book that is really good. It breaks down the reasons to fast and pray. It will bless you tremendously.

How To Do A Quick & Easy Workout

It is a busy time of year with school starting back and getting prepared for the upcoming season changes. It is also the eighth month of the year which is when a lot of people start slacking off on weight loss goals. If you are one of the people slacking due to not enough time, be encouraged. Doing a quick workout at times when you do not have any time is fine. However, a quick workout may not help you lose weight but will help you maintain so you will not get too far off track.


An example of a quick workout that works for me is the triangle.
The triangle: is 100 jumping jacks, 100 sit ups and 100 butt kicks on each leg. You can also make it a square and do 100 kickboxing air punches. This workout takes 15 to 20 minutes to help you maintain the size and shape.

Below are some exercise tools that are convenient and small to use at home. If you have a traveling job, you can pack these with you and do them in your hotel room. If you're a college student who lives in a dorm room, these items will not take up much space.

I hope this helps all of you busy moms. No matter how busy you are don't neglect you.

How To Color Your Diet

Eating the colors of the rainbow is a good way to know that you are eating right. I am not talking about eating Skittles candy but a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Below is a couple of examples of each color food and how they help our bodies.

Red

1. Chile peppers- a spicy food that helps curb appetite
2. Strawberries- good for vitamin C but also help whiten teeth

Orange

1. Mango-helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells
2. Sweet Potato-full of Potassium

Yellow

1. Corn-helps protect eyes from harmful light
2. Pineapple-reduces bloating

Green

1. Pears-reduce hunger
2. Avocado-mood enhancer

Purple

1. Plums-fights viruses like the flu

Blue

1. Blueberries-improve memory
White
1. Onions-prevent cavities

Do Not Fear Being Too Holy

Jesus says in the Bible "Be Holy as I am Holy". He does not say be Holy but make sure you keep up with what the world is doing so people will not think you are too Holy. Many Christians use that as an excuse to continue to compromise with the world's ways. They call themselves Christians but still test the waters with drinking, listening to music, and going to the club for example.

I am not saying do not go out and have fun but don't compromise with the world. I love football and I enjoy going to the games but it does not embarrass me that I do not know the songs they play any more. It makes me proud to know that when majority of the stadium sings the songs I do not know them because I am not a crowd pleaser but a God pleaser. I am not afraid of standing out like a sore thumb.

As Christians we are to be different and not blend in with the world. If standing out and representing Jesus to people means being different then so be it. I am not going to loose my soul to gain the world. I do not need to keep up with the world to know what is going on in it. Looking at the people when I go different places lets me know what is happening. Looking at the news lets me know what is happening. Most importantly the Word and the Holy Spirit let me know what is happening.

Being a Christian is not just talking the talk but also walking the walk. Surrender your whole heart to Him not just some of it but all.

What Are You Looking For?

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What do you want out of life? I ask this question because many people need to know that what you put into something is what you get out of it. The effort to succeed has to be one hundred percent. The will to be perfect has to be one hundred percent as well. If you are looking for love then walk in love, if you are looking for disrespect then act disrespectfully. People will respond to you the way you respond to them and to your self.
I know that everyone has heard the saying, treat others the way you want to be treated. The statement is true but it does not say some people or just rich people but people. People also includes those that you do not get along with. It is tough but we must treat our enemies with love. We have to trust God that He is going to handle our enemies for us.
What we put into our body, physically, also counts. If you are someone looking to loose weight then the effort must be put into it. A person can not loose weight by eating fatty foods and being lazy. Once again if a person puts one hundred percent into it then they will receive a nice body. If a person starts to slack off taking care of themselves then that is what they are going to get, slack.
The same is for a job promotion, starting a business or financial increase. If you want those things then get the knowledge and wisdom on how to do it. Seek and you will find it, knock and the doors will open for you. If no body is home when you knock the keep seeking soon the door will open.
What ever it is you are looking for, start doing it and then you will find it.

Wisdom is Health

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8.

Living wisely and taking care of ourselves will bring us good health. God says so in the Bible. If we live in Jesus Christ and take heed to the Holy Spirit, He will guide us into all truth and the truth will set us free. The freedom is in all areas of our lives, including physically.

Let God be the guide to all of our physical needs like when and where to see the doctor, for example. He will also provide so that you can purchase the healthy foods. He will guide you to eat the right foods and not to over eat. When we are filled with wisdom from God we do not have to be filled with food when we are going through hard times because we know God is taking care of the situation.

In order to receive God's wisdom accept Jesus into your heart by confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness. Then confess that you believe in Jesus and God raised Him from the dead. Then ask God to poor His widsom on you as you start learning more about Him through the Bible. In Jesus name. Amen

Shopping Tips For New Expecting Moms

Finding out the news of having a new baby on the way is very exciting. It is so much fun searching for the perfect items for the new life entering the world. There is so much to decide on and so many baby gadgets that are cool but some are unnecessary. Here are some helpful tips to help the new mom to be get started.
Tip #1: Is a bassinet really necessary?
It depends on the size of the house your baby will live in. If the new born baby's room is too far from the parents' room then it may be necessary.
Tip#2: What kind of crib should be purchased?
It should be a crib that is suitable for your needs. If you planning on having many children then a strong long lasting crib that can be passed down for each baby will be good. If you are a mom that is planning on having one possibly two children, then a crib that converts to a toddler bed might be better fit your needs.
Tip#3: Is a changing table important?
Like tip #1 it depends on the space. It is great to have because they are elevated so it is easier to change the babies diaper. They are also great because the changing table provides extra storage to help keep the baby's room organized.
Also don't forget decorations. Picking bright colors with lots a shapes helps to stimulate the baby's brain cells. The decorations will also keep baby occupied as they start to mature and discover their surroundings. The baby will stare at the decorations for a while as they figure out what it is.
There are two gadgets that I suggest every parent purchase a monitor system and diaper pail. The monitor system is great to listen to the baby if you are in the room preoccupied by something else. The parents will always be able to hear the baby and some have a small video camera to watch the baby as well. A diaper pail like the Baby Genie for example that keeps the smell under control is a great investment. They really help lock in the odor that the parents do not want the whole house smelling like.
Of course do not forget the grooming products that the baby needs like a bath tub. Investing in a couple of entertaining products is a good idea but not necessary for a new born. When the baby turns about 4 to 6 months of age that is when more toys and swings come in handy. Getting an in house carrier is helpful, especially if stairs are in the home and the living space is large.
Do not worry about the cost because seek the first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added. There are many of bargain places to shop online, like the one below, and in stores. Just seek God for wisdom on what, when and where and he will guide you.

Water is Good, But Not Too Much

Did you know that too much of anything is very harmful to the body? 

Well, it is. It's called intoxication. The things that are healthy for us, if consumed in large quantities, will become harmful. It could happen with fruit and vegetables by taking in too much vitamins. The big shocker is water can do the same thing.

When too much water is consumed it makes the brain swell. The body does not keep a well balanced level of electrolytes when it is dehydrated or over hydrated. Electrolytes activate muscle and neuron activity in the body. Drowning out the electrolytes with water is very harmful to your health. It can lead to medical treatment or even death.

It happened to a woman in 2007. She had entered a radio water drinking contest in California. During the contest she consumed too much water and died a couple hours later.

An adult is only supposed to consume 2 to 2.5 liters of water a day. If you work in the heat or an athlete that sweats enormously then mix water with other fluids like Gatorade that will refuel the electrolytes and quench the thirst.

Remember water is good for you to prevent dehydration but don't over do it. A well balanced intake of water every day is the key to healthy hydration.

How To Stop Yo-Yo Dieting

Do you have five or ten pounds that keep disappearing then coming back, then disappearing again? If you do this is called yo-yo dieting and it is not healthy for you.

Yo-yo dieting is when a person eats as few calories as possible for a long period of time. Then after they loose the pounds go back to eating the same as they did before. Sometimes after the eating less period a lot of binging occurs which will cause double the calorie intake. The body will get confused and not know when it is full which causes the eating to increase. Eating suddenly a bunch of junk food can cause the metabolism to slow down. Which means that soon the weight lost will come right back.

Doing this up and down weight gain is also not healthy for the heart. The blood cells and organs are one week pumping out a bunch of insulin, then next has to slow down. Making drastic back and forth changes in weight over again will eventually cause a metabolism shut down. This can also cause some other serious diseases like diabetes.

The best thing to do is do a lifestyle change. That is what they teach on the "Biggest Looser" and "Loosing it With Jillian". There are only a few people on those shows who have not been successful. They were determined to live a healthy lifestyle and stick to it. A lifestyle change is to keep healthy, well balanced foods in your home at all times and making exercise a regular part of your life. Also stop emotional eating. Getting control of your emotions is another key element that will keep your weight more consistent. Emotional eating is the number cause of yo-yo dieting.

How to stop yo-yo dieting?

1. Exercise at least three times a week.
2. Maintain a balanced diet.
3. Don't deprive yourself.
4. Don't eat until you get full. Eat to live, don't live to eat.

A Precious Jewel

As women we have to learn to see ourselves how God sees us, not how man does. Many men look at women as a piece of meat. It is happening more and more as the world draws away from God. A woman's sexuality is everywhere but we are more then that. We carry the heart of God. We love more then men and we desire love. I am not talking about the wham-bam thank you love, but we give and desire eternity, the agape love. Women that is another thing that the world is trying to take from us, our heart. Guard your heart. Value yourself and other women.

How valuable are you women? Do you think you are not worth anything? If you do it is a lie. God values you so much therefore we should value ourselves and each other.
Think of yourself as a precious jewel worth more then you can imagine. You would not let any body touch it, throw it against the wall, or cover it with food. You keep this jewel in a lock box and where it for that occasion. You watch over this jewel day and night. The jewel is so bright that it lights up a pitch black room.
Now if we can take care of a jewel like this why we can we not take care of ourselves? We are far more valuable then the jewel in God's eyes.
When I say value other women it is time for us to look out for each other. I hear so many women say they can not be friends with women because they are back stabbers. We need to cut that out. Our children are dying and we need each other now more then ever. We have to be strong together and encourage each other, not hate. Do not be envious of anything another woman has whether it is a man, children, clothes, car whatever it is do not envy. We do not know what that woman had to go through to get what she has and just because she seems to have the perfect life does not mean that it is in some cases. If it is the woman who has it all together then we should honor her and have her be a mentor instead of slandering her. This woman can help get you to where you need to go in your life.
Last but definitely not least. If you do not value yourself and want to or if you desire the agape love, accept Jesus into your life. Yes, I am asking you to become a Christian. I am a witness to God's love. It has kept me through some trying times in my life and it is still keeping me. I know that I have someone guiding me for the rest. Now in order to receive Jesus in your heart, do what Romans 10:9-10 says, " And if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead then you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Praise God.                                                                                                                                                                               

The Ultimate Supplement

There have been studies about how different vitamin supplements can be healthy and prevent disease. There is an ultimate supplement that helps a lot of different areas. This super supplement is called fish oil.
Fish oil has Omega 3-fatty acids that are beneficial to good health. Many people do not consume enough fish to get the amount necessary to have a positive effect which is where supplements come in handy.

Some of the things Omega 3-fatty acids help with are:

1. Heart Problems

The Omega 3-fatty acids help get rid of bad blood fat cells and increase the good ones that prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.

2. Inflammation

This is a very important benefit because inflammation is linked to a number of diseases including cancer, arthritis, psorisis and Alzheimer's. They are able to prevent inflammation by stopping the production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules.

3. Anti-aging

It has been found that the ingredients in fish oil can give any cell in the body a longer life span. It does this by slowing down the detioration of the protective caps on the chromosomes.
The fish oil supplement is also good for pregnant women and unborn babies. It keeps the mom healthy and helps the baby's development.

I hope this is some beneficial information and if you have any more questions or concerns contact a medical professional. There is a lot of information out there about this supplement, I basically summed it up but feel free to add comments and more research.

Selfishness Is Not Righteousness

Proverbs 14:14 "The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man (or woman) will be satisfied from above."

This scripture is so powerful. It is basically talking about to stop seeking our own desires and start seeking the desires of the heart of God. When we take our minds off God and start looking at what we do not have, sometimes that can cause us to back slide. Back slide meaning come out of the will of God and start making our own decisions to try to please our selves. When start trying to please ourselves, it usually leads to sin. I am writing this to let everyone know to keep your minds and hearts on things above. God wants to give us what our hearts desire but we have to let Him. We also have to seek Him first and live a life that is pleasing in His sight. It is time for us as Christians to truly be selfless and be God more.

Turn What You Love Into Money

Everybody has something they love to do but do not make any money. Now is the time to think about turning what you love into money.

If you are a person thinking of being a writer then write. Getting a blog or a website on the Internet is easier then ever. You can write about your passion. There are also many freelance writer websites that let amateur writers post articles. On some of the websites they hire people to write articles.
You might be a person who enjoys decorating or cooking. These services can be done part time in the afternoons and weekends until it starts to grow. The love for cooking could become a successful catering service. The love for decorating could turn into a wonderful interior design business.
There are many things that a person could do. Sometimes it falls into our laps while at other times it takes time and self discovery to figure out what we love. You will know what it is because it is the thing you do not mind doing no matter what time of day it is. It is something that you would do for free because of the passion you have for it.

Some people love to go shopping and are really good at finding bargains. This love for shopping could be turned into a great business like a successful secret shopper. The shopping lover could also start to shop for other people who can not find what they are looking for.

The most important thing to do first is research. Knowledge is the key. Get as much knowledge as possible to learn about what you love and also running a business. I know several women who have done this and are successful. I know some one who turned their love for cooking into a restaurant. I know so someone who is very successful at selling Mary Kay. I know someone else who is getting ready to pursue a cosmetic degree because of her love for hair. These women are doing what they love but getting the knowledge to be successful.

You might be thinking I do not know what I want to do. A good way to find out is pray and ask God to show you through visions and dreams. Also listen to what other people are complimenting you on. For example, if every time you have company over your house someone is asking you for decorating tips, you might want to consider interior design. The old saying goes the sky is the limit. The new saying is the sky is not the limit because there are footprints on the moon.

How To Have A Less Painful Menstrual Cycle

We are what we eat. I know every one has heard this many times but the statement is very true. We as women can control our moods and energy by the food we eat. We can also control our monthly visitor called the menstrual cycle. This topic is very interesting and answers a lot of questions about why some months the cycle is perfect when other months are horrible. It is because of how we take care of ourselves.

The menstrual cycle happens because of our levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a steroid hormone naturally released by the ovaries. There are different types of estrogen but we are not going to get into all that. The point is if estrogen levels are low it is hard for women to get pregnant and have a monthly cycle. If they are too high then a lot of heavy and painful cycles may occur. It is also hard for women to get pregnant with high estrogen levels. There has to be a good balance of estrogen in our bodies. The balancing can be done naturally by eating the right foods. Below are ways to cut back on estrogen levels.

-Caffeine increases estrogen levels. Cutting back will help relieve breast tenderness during monthly cycles.
-Eat more chicken and fish. These meats have less fat in them. High levels of fat = high levels of estrogen.
-Stay away from a lot sugar and salt. Both of these affect fat levels which again affects estrogen.
-Eat more B vitamins. Eating more vegetables will help.
-Magnesium and Calcium are also needed for estrogen levels.
-Cranberries are very good for a woman's reproduction system.
-Adding more fiber will also help decrease estrogen levels.
-Exercising regularly helps burn fat which decreases estrogen levels.

Basically living a healthy lifestyle that includes a well balanced diet, exercise and worry free, will help balance estrogen levels. If you are a woman who has a healthy lifestyle but still having issues with the menstrual cycle, then you should pray about it and consider seeking a doctor.

It's Hot, So Eat Healthy

The summer heat can be very draining of physical energy in adults and children. In order to save your energy you must fuel with healthy foods. Ice cream and a nice, big glass of sugar coated Kool Aid is a quick way to cool off but it also weighs a person down.

The sugar in foods has to be broken down by the body and adding the heat from the sun is not fun. It equals to a tired person who is dragging their feet and can barely keep their eyes open. During the summer it is best to eat as less fatty foods and sugar as possible. An example meal plan is for breakfast maybe a bowl of oatmeal, or eggs with fruit. A lunch could be a nice grilled chicken salad or tuna salad with fat free crackers. A dinner could be chicken breast with steamed vegetables. A great dessert that is sherbet or yogurt parfait.

Some healthy snacks during the summer are a great protein shake, fruit, and a good health food bar like in the picture. A good way to keep up with what you are taking in is to write it down. A food diary helps to keep track of calories and sugars.

Remember, there is nothing better to quench a thirst like a nice, cool glass of water. Water will keep any one hydrated at all times of the year. Be blessed!

Is Having An Affair A Fad?

People are taking marriage vows less & less serious. It seems like every week on national news they are talking about some one famous having an affair or getting a divorce. There are also many movies and television shows that make having an affair look fun. However, it is not fun.


The addition of many social networking sites on the Internet does not take the pressure off. It only adds more pressure to have an affair. A lot of it starts innocent with people instant messaging each other as friends then from there the relationship progresses into something more.

I was looking through a magazine because on the cover it had a snip-it of how to make millions without leaving your home or something like that. When I flipped through the magazine and got to the article I was shocked. It was talking about a man who started a website for people to have an affair. The name of the website is called AshleyMadison. I was like oh my goodness, this can not be serious but it is. This website is becoming very popular and making this man very rich. It is for people who are lonely and not completely satisfied in their marriage. This website is wrong on so many levels and the really sad thing is that this man thinks he is helping people but he is not. Websites like this are tearing families apart and sending people down a road they do not want to be on.
Usually if a person is not happy or satisfied in a marriage then another person is going to add even more drama to their lives. Their lives are going to start spiralling downward fast, especially if the person is a Christian. There are many scriptures in the Bible where God is against adultery and that is one of the only few reasons God will allow people to divorce. When a person gets married they make a vow to God and to the person that they will be faithful in the relationship. When an affair takes place, the person has broken the vow to God and the other person. Also there is a lot of hurt and pain that takes place for everyone involved in an affair.

This blog is to make everyone aware of these terrible websites like AshleyMadison that are killing marriages.  Please everyone beware and pray that people will not fall prey to the trap of having a relationship outside their marriage.

Kids and Summer Time

What are your kids doing this summer? 

Many working parents ponder this every year before school gets out for summer break.  Many parents would love to send their kids to something educational with many activities but many of those programs are costly. Majority of children are sent to a relative house or if they are old enough to stay home by themselves then that is the easiest option. There are things parents can do so that the child is not soaking up hours of television and video games.

1. Assign the child a project.

An example is if the child is of middle school age they can do a couple of book reports.

2. Extra Work for Money

Assigning the kids chores that have to be done everyday before the parents get home. It does not have to be anything like cleaning the carpet but they can vacuum and wash dishes if they are older.

3. Give to Others

Don't just wait until Christmas to teach kids about giving, the summer time is a great time for them to do charity work also. If the kids are younger and a relative is keeping them the parents can send crafts for the kids to do. The relative can make sure the kids get time away from the television and do some creative playing time.

4. Fun Education 

Take the kids to museums and other things around town on the weekends. Many museums have specials like kids 12 and under are free. Museums are fun for the whole family, as well as educational.

Parents just have to be creative and find ways to continually stimulate the child's mind in the summer. A balance of fun and learning can be created to give the child an exciting summer.

A Perfect Marriage

Everyone who is married knows that marriage can be tough. The question is does it have to be tough? A lot of people will say yes because fighting in a marriage is healthy due to the making up. I have a question for you, where is that at in the Bible?

Marriage is an example of how Christ loves the church (us). When a man and a woman say their vows they make a vow to the God and become one. The church becomes one with Christ when they confess their sins, ask for forgiveness and acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Sometimes the church may stray away from Christ, hopefully not on purpose, but when the church does Christ still loves the church (us). This type of love is called unconditional or agape love. Hopefully the church is not taking God's love for granted and using forgiveness whenever it is needed. The same thing applies to marriage. We should not take our spouses love for granted and treat them any kind of way then expect the making up stuff (ya'll know what I'm talking about) to be perfect. When a married couple argues, disagrees, seperated and so on it takes time to rebuild the relationship to where the intimacy reaches the best ever. The couple have to become one again and walk in agreement with each other. The same thing happens when a Christian sins. The relationship has to be rebuilt between Christ and that person by spending time in prayer and reading the Word.

How does our marriages and any relationship including the one with Christ stay on a perfect path? By doing the number 1 commandment and that is LOVE.

1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

is the definition of love. It is patient, kind, not boastful or prideful. It is not rude or selfish. It is not easily offended and keeps no record of wrong. It rejoices in the truth, not in wrong. It never fails.

2. 1 John 4:18 

No fear in love. "but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment." Isn't arguing with your spouse torment? Isn't sinning torment?

3. 1 John 4: 21 

If we love God then that means we love everyone including our spouses.

4. 1 John 5:3-5 

The commandment to love is not burdensome because God who is in us is greater and more powerful then the world. God gives us the strength to continually walk in love and gives us the victory.

5. The key 

to always walking in love in every relationship is to continually walk in communion with the one who is love, Jesus Christ.

Celebrate You!

"The best gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you and you cannot be healthy without celebration being a regular part of your life. You can change the entire atmosphere in your home simply by giving yourself permission to lighten up." This quote is from Joyce Meyer's new book Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes.



The book talks about reasons to celebrate life. Women, especially, have issues with taking time out for themselves. God made us to be the nurturers, caregivers and to make sure everyone is taking care of. A good example is the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 in the Bible. It describes how the virtuous woman makes sure her family has food, clothes and a nice home. The virtuous woman also clothes herself in fine linens as well. Clothing ourselves is the part a lot of us tend to miss.

We get so caught up in caring for others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Sometimes when we finally do care for ourselves we feel guilty about it so we do not do it any more. That is why Joyce Meyer wrote the book she did to let women know it is okay to go treat and celebrate yourself as long as we stay in God's will. Staying in God's will means to find a healthy balance because we should not over indulge. We are to be good stewards over everything. Going on a shopping spree once a weak when your family is behind on bills, for example, is not a good way to celebrate yourself. Buying one thing for yourself to celebrate working hard to pay off a bill is a good example. Going for a stroll in the park by yourself to get some quiet time is OK. Your family and/or other responsibilities will be fine for a couple of hours. When we are rejuvenated we have the energy to continue to care for everyone else. As the quote says above we set the tone for the environment. I have heard many husbands say that when their wife is happy, everyone in the house is happy.

I have taken notice of this in my own family. When I am bubbly and happy sure enough everyone else is too, including my husband. It is awesome that God blessed us with that kind of power. We should make sure we do right with the gift from God to have a joyful atmosphere by celebrating ourselves and not feel guilty about it.

Food Commercials Drive Me Crazy

I am writing this blog to vent because this is my weakness. Tuesday night is my favorite television night. I watch the Biggest Loser then TiVo Lost. After the Biggest Loser goes off I watch Lost. Both shows were very good. The Biggest Loser always gets me motivated to exercise. Sometimes I will start doing jumping jacks or sit ups because I am that motivated. However, what is very tempting and not motivating are those yummy looking food commercials. OH MY GOODNESS! My stomach growls at every commercial and it so tempting to run in the kitchen to grab any food I can find. Sometimes I have the urge to run out and buy something after seeing the mouth watering food in a commercial. And I am not ashamed to admit I have done that with cinnamon rolls. I sure did!

Did you know that 80% of commercials is on food? And health experts wonder why America is so over weight. For example, watch Nickelodeon with your kids and count the food commercials. More then half of the commercials will be about food.
How do we stop this madness! It is driving me crazy! Do we stop watching television at night? Help women, lets come together and figure this one out.

The Key to Successful Weight Loss

The  #1 key to successful weight loss is consistency. 

Staying consistent means maintaining a balanced diet for the rest of our lives. It may sound frustrating, maybe almost impossible but I am here to tell you it isn't. I used to look at women on television with their perfectly chiseled bodies and get all depressed because I could not look like that. I have learned that I could if I stuck with it. I made it a habit to count calories, including drinks. I make it a point to exercise five times a week. I am in better shape then I have ever have been and I am turning thirty next month. I treat myself to some high calorie foods about once a week. I advise that treating yourself should not be done until you reach the weight you want or you completely trust yourself. Early on in my journey treating my self for one meal would turn into one day of high calorie foods, then a week. Next thing I knew I had gained three pounds back. Then I was right back to square one.

A good way to get into practice is to make an eating schedule. Planning out your meals in advance is a great to keep track of what you eat. Many weight loss programs, like Nutri System use this method. It helps the person to stay focused on what they had already planned to eat, drink and snack on.
Another thing that helps me stay consistent in my eating habits is keeping a picture on hand of someone famous whose body I admire. Disclaimer, this is a healthy admiration. There is a difference between comparing yourself to someone and it puts you down. A healthy admiration is comparing yourself, but it pushes you to better yourself.

I have a picture of Regina King in the bathroom next to my scale. She is thirty nine and she says she is in the best shape she has ever been in. Every time I get a craving for something sweet out side my schedule I run to the bathroom to look at the picture. It helps keep me focused. I am not doing it to compare myself to her but it gives me a vision of the goal I have for myself.

Remember women it does not happen over night. It takes time to develop good consistent habits. YOU CAN DO IT!

What to do When Emotional Pain Comes

When the initial hurt happens, how should you react?

If you have lived on this earth more then one year then the chances are very great that you have experienced pain. It could be any kind of pain that can cause physical or emotional hurt. Unfortunately, pain is a part of life. Our reaction to pain is what makes us stronger. An example is my two year old son, earlier today he had a cut on his hand. I would have never known that he had the cut if it had not been bleeding. He did not cry or anything. He continued to play without letting the cut hinder his concentration. I washed off the blood and put a bandage on it. He was happy that I did step in to help.


My son's reaction to the cut showed two sides of pain that could happen. The first one is we are brave and do not let it bother us. We get through the pain by not letting it distract us and keep telling ourselves it will go away. The other reaction is not wanting to ask for help but happy when someone does intervene. My son did not show a reaction to pain that people do often, show emotions.

When people react emotionally to pain it can have some bad consequences. Some people over eat, get revenge or worse, kill themselves.
The best way to respond to pain is to calm down and evaluate the situation. A person who has experienced pain should never speak or do anything right away. I know it is easier said then done but it is possible with self control. Ask yourself "Why I am upset, sad, angry or whatever emotion you are feeling". Think about the issue and ask yourself is my reaction going to cause more pain. If you need to seek help about the issue then do not be afraid to ask. Just make sure you are seeking help from someone who is qualified, not someone who will make the problem worse.

My number one source for help is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray about it until I receive peace in my mind and heart. Then the answer on how I should react always comes in my heart. The Bible instructs us to seek Him first and everything else will be added. Jesus knows how sorrow feels. He sympathizes with us. Seek Him about everything big or small, you will be glad you did.

Allergies and Sinus

Many illnesses and sufferings come from something not of God attacking our bodies. God created the earth for us to enjoy, not to be allergic to it. I believe that we can be healed from allergies and sinus ailments if we believe God is able.
Sometimes the symptoms tend to linger but it does not mean we are not healed. I have discovered a couple of home remedies that have relieved me of the symptoms that keep trying to hinder me this lovely Spring season.

1. The first one is a nasal cleanse not a nasal spray. A nasal cleanse comes with a squirt bottle and solution to mix with warm, clean water. The solution is then squirted up each nostril and a lot of drainage comes out. It can be really disgusting but trust me, you can really breath better after. This is safe enough to be done every day to keep the sinus cavities clean from infection. Do not try to make your own solution because it really burns and does not work.

2. The second is boiling water on the stove and while the steam is rising put a towel over your head then lean over the pot. This loosens any tough mucus. Adding a little apple cider vinegar to the boiling water will release a nice steam that will help your sinus clear up even more. The vinegar helps to loosen the mucus as well. Some people drink a couple of table spoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water.

Remember these are home remedies not medicine so they work a little slower then medication but be patient because they do work. Also take in lots of vitamin C everyday to have a stronger immune system.

The book below is a great book to read. It is from the makers of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar and it talks about the many uses of this product. It doesn't have to be just used for cooking or drinking. I've used it in my hair before to help my dry skin.
I recommend this book for any looking for home remedy ideas.

Desensitized World

The world is becoming more and more desensitized. People do not leave anything to the imagination anymore. Sexuality is everywhere and it is starting to become like second nature. Lust and sex becoming second nature is not good. We are to flee from sexual immorality which is lust, fornication, adultery, orgies and homosexuality. All of the things I listed are starting to become more and more accepted by society. Even having sex out side a marriage covenant relationship is starting to become more acceptable. It is called swinging when the spouse basically says it is okay for their love one to sleep around with other people. Really people, Really?

Not only are all these wrong physically but what about spiritually and emotionally. Do not get me wrong we are sexual beings but it is supposed to be to give God glory not lure people into sin. We have to be careful what we expose ourselves to because what is done physically is acting out thoughts that have been there for a while. The Bible says in Matt. 5:28. "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This is also why looking at porn and other sexual content is wrong. God does not just look at what a person does but also at the heart and mind.

I know I am going to get a lot of people to disagree with me but this world is becoming desensitized. We must guard our minds and heart to think on things that please the Lord and not this world. The things that please the Lord are love. We are to love everyone as our self and not like sin.

If you want to live to please God then accept Him into your heart by praying this pray: Father, please forgive me for my sins and wash me clean. Remove anything in me that is not like You and make me a new creation. I believe that Jesus died and rose again on the third day and I want to acknowledge Him as my Lord and Savior. Please come into my heart and feel me with your Holy Spirit to give me wisdom to live to please you and not accept the lust in the world around me. Please remove all lust from my mind and heart. In Jesus name. Amen.

Exercising and Eating Right Works

Hello everyone. It is Friday and it is the weekend. It is also close to the end of the second month of the year. Is everyone sticking to their weight loss goals? If you are getting frustrated about a slow weight loss then try some of these steps that have helped me.

1. Get up earlier to work out. 

It give you a lot more energy through out the day. If getteing up earlies is not possible then try setting a set schedule to work out helps. My kids know my schedule and they leave me alone when I am doing my 30 to 45 min workout. I also stick strickly to the days. I work out five days a week. The days I do not work out are Sundays and Wednesdays. Saturdays is my "last chance work out" when I go at it hard.

2. Cut back on sugar. 

I went cold turkey on sugar for two weeks and substituted it for fruit. A green apple a day helps me cut the sweet tooth cravings. Find a fruit for you that will help do that. Now I do not have a desire for that many sweets. After two weeks my body was used to not having it.

3. Cut back on carbs. 

Only eat one serving of bread a day. Some people might have to go cold turkey in this area as well. Bread and pasta turn into sugar. So also watch the intake on pasta. Eat more protein foods like chicken without the skin. Protein helps to get you fool faster and is great for toning muscles.

4. Watch what you drink. 

Drink plenty of water and only drink one glass of another liquid a day. Drinks have calories and sugars as well. So if you are eating right and exercising but still drinking soda with every meal, STOP. This will make a huge difference in your weight. Try drinking green tea and if you do not like the taste add one drop of honey.

These are a few tips that have helped me. I have lost five pounds and I am half way toward my goal of ten pounds. Remember our body is a temple of the Lord. We belong to Him. Look at it like giving your child or someone you love an expensive gift but a week later they break it and it is torn up. It hurts doesn't it? That is how God feels about us when we do not take care of ourselves. Remember God loves you therefore you should love yourself.

Why Am I Sick?

Isaiah 53:05 NIV version says, "But He(Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed."

Many people seem like they are always sick. It seems like no matter what they take something is always happening whether it be a stuffy/ runny nose or cough. If you are a Christian then you are supposed to be the righteousness of God. Yes things come some times as a test of our faith but it should not last forever. If a person is sick and they are a Christian they should ask God first. Ask God for healing powers, ask Him and then praise Him for the healing. If it does not come right away continue to seek Him for understanding. When God shows you why you are sick, do what He says.

Do not give up on God. It is OK to take medicine to get rid of the symptoms but go a little deeper spiritually if you want to get rid of the sickness completely. Let God do it. God is a healing God. Jesus came to give us life more abundantly as stated in the Bible John 10:10.

If you are not a Christian but you are looking to be healed. You can ask Jesus into your life. Ask Him for forgiveness of your sins. Then tell Him you believe that He died on the cross and rose on the third day. He is sitting in heaven with God. Then ask Him to enter into your heart and renew your life to where it is pleasing in His sight. Ask Him to heal your body and to make you whole on the inside and out. Then praise Him by thanking Jesus for salvation, healing and a new life as a Christian. Pray in Jesus name. Amen.

It is important to find local church that teaches the true word of God. Ask God to let the Holy Spirit lead you to the right church. Let it be a church where you can serve and be involved. Remember that you are a Child of God and He loves you.

Don't Become a Mess Due to Stress

What is the number one cause of weight gain?
 Stress. It is not child birth or medication. It is stress. When things around us as women seem a little bit out of control we grab food. We grab food because it is comforting and delicious. It keeps us also from running our mouths too much so instead we stuff it with food. At the end of a hectic day of dealing with family and work it is nice to sit down relax in front of the television with a big bowl of cereal. It is not the cereal that has whole grain but the kind that has whole grain sugar. Your thing may not be cereal it might be cookies or ice cream. I too struggle with this problem. Then in the morning feel so guilty about eating and then going to sleep on a full stomach. Some of you maybe thinking well at least it is not drugs or alcohol. Food can be just as deadly because it leads to obesity.

Here are a few pointers that have helped me control the late night cravings:
1. Brush your teeth. It gets the taste out of your mouth.

2. Exercise. Doing exercises during commercial breaks will help get rid of the stress, keep you from looking at food commercials and help you get in shape.

3. Go to bed. You do not necessarily have to go to sleep but go lay in the bed and read. It will take your mind off food.

4. Clean up. Get up and scrub the stain out of the carpet you have been looking at for a month.

Do something to take your mind off eating and the stress. Exercise is a really good way to relieve stress and loose weight. If I do not have time to exercise I sneak in some jumping jacks and running in place action. Also sneaking in some sit ups and push ups. I am doing anything to not over eat. Praying that God gives me the strength helps as well. I pray that God gives you all strength to reach your weight loss goals.