There's a reason they call it "detox".

So, November came and went, and for some reason there seemed to be a whole lot of junk in my diet. It all started with the pie auction at church, then came my birthday, then came my daughter's birthday, then came Thanksgiving...plus eating out more than normal and SNACKING. The intake got to be overwhelming and I knew I needed to get back on track with healthy eating. Yes, I do splurge from time to time. I'm not a health nut freak. But by and large, I've developed a habit of eating way less processed foods and a lot more homemade and natural foods. 

With all that junk came the need to "cleanse", so I went with the Dr. Oz 3-day Detox. There's two sides to this whole detox business. Side one says that the modern day diet (especially in America) is so filled with chemicals and artificial ingredients that we are practically killing ourselves just by what we eat. Side two says that our bodies are designed to naturally rid us of the toxins we ingest and that detoxing is not necessary. I lean towards side one, of course. So, here's how the 3 days played out:

Day 1 - Morning went pretty easily. The drink tasted good; a little sour, but filling. The lunch drink was a little harder to swallow. In fact, there were so many ingredients that went into it that I could barely get it all in the blender. Speaking of blenders...you need a FULL SIZE one, not an individual one like the Magic Bullet. And it had better be a pretty good one, otherwise you'll be consuming chunky, cold soup!  

By midday, I was starting to feel some "side effects". I started to get a splitting headache. That was the hardest part of the day. I also struggled with the fact that it was one of those frigid cold days and I was out and about a lot. Normally, I can handle it better, but since all I was eating were cold smoothies I was a little irritated. By evening, all I wanted was a bowl of nice hot soup!  The detox bath did help and I had another cup of green tea at night. 

Day 2 - This day was the most bizarre day. I had this strange flushed feeling all day and I still had the headache until the afternoon. Also, on this day I figured out that the dinner drink was my favorite, so I had that as my snack, as well. Loved the cayenne pepper in the drink. It gave it a little kick. Also, by this day I was feeling a little extra fatigued. My workout in the morning was a real struggle. About halfway through this day is when the detox really started to kick in, or shall I say...the elimination process. 

Day 3 - The morning was kind of hard. I was a little queasy and definitely felt like I needed to be close to a bathroom. It never did get "ugly" though. Thank goodness! I will say this (without being too graphic)...what goes in must come out! Okay, enough said!  By nighttime, I was really wanting to eat something that didn't come through a straw. I have a new respect for anyone who has to have their jaw wired shut.  A liquid diet gets old pretty quickly. 

So that's the gist of it. I'm glad I did it for the following reasons:

1.  It got me back on track to eating healthy. 

2.  It reminded me of the fact that food in its natural state is really good.

3.  I just felt overall healthier for doing it. 

4. It helped me break the desire for sugar and wheat, two things I want to eat less of and I don't even crave them at this point. 

Although losing weight wasn't my primary goal, I did lose about 4 pounds. But, I don't consider this weight as fat loss. It was more water weight. It did help clothes fit a little better, so that's a bonus! 

Here's something else to consider...credit to Dr. Oz, but I'd like to one-up him on one thing...using the three days to "cleanse" spiritually. It's good to go into this plan with scripture to mediate on through out it. There are moments of weakness during the detox, but letting those moments be a springboard for focusing on Christ builds strength and faith, kind of like a spiritual fast. 

Here are the side effects I experienced while doing the detox: headaches, fatigue, irritability, flushed feeling, and slight nausea. Keep in mind this is an elimination of toxins. Just like with a heroine addict...it's going to challenge the body, but the outcome is worth it. 

Would I do it again? Yes, but with clean eating (hopefully) it shouldn't be a regular practice. 

Making Time For Him

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  Romans 12:1

When I first read that verse my mind wants to think of a living sacrifice as simply taking care of myself:  eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep, etc.  Yeah, yeah....I got that.  But really, what is the sacrifice that God is looking for?  TIME!  That make's me think of the rabbit in "Alice in Wonderland".  "Time?!  Time?!  Who's got the time?!"

Giving Him time is the sacrifice He wants from me.  Time means I give my mind to Him.  I think about Him.  I included Him.  I need Him.  It's the least I can do ("your reasonable service"), considering all that He has done for me.  What does that entail?  If you're like me you might be thinking, "I have so little time as it is!"  Oh yes, we have SOOO much going on in our lives.  Shuttling children around, taking care of our homes, spending time with friends and family, working, exercising, and the list goes on and on and on...  But name one thing on your list that is more important than spending time with God.  I know I can't.  

How do we do it?  Here's a start...and this is a HUGE step in the right direction...TURN OFF THE T.V.!  I believe this is one (if not THE) single biggest problem with American Christians today.  When I gave up secular t.v. programming I freed my mind of the garbage that Satan wants me to focus on rather than God.  Yes, our family still owns a t.v. (eh hmmm...okay, more than one...), and yes, we have satellite programming.  But of all the 300+ channels, we probably watch 10 of them.  Seven are Christian programming, one is PBS (educational children's programming), two are Disney (and the jury's still out on the necessity of that one - quality has gone WAY down in recent years), and then there's the news (which is becoming less and less important because of all the smut stories in it).  I can't even remember the last time I watched the FOOD Channel and I love cooking shows!  But the thing is, even a cooking show can pull me away from time with God.  Instead, if I'm looking for a particular recipe, I'll search for it on Pintrest and then I've saved myself some time.  

I'm not saying that watching something like the Food Channel or a DIY show is a sin, but it's worth asking the question...does it consume time that I can be spending with the Lord?  Do I walk away closer to Him?  Well, there is probably some gray area there.  We can use the knowledge we gain from it to bless others and in turn bless God.  I'm not saying STAY AWAY from it.  Just judge the time spent on it. Everything in moderation.  

And then there is the just, plain darkness of t.v.  That's where things get heavy.  I will NOT waste anytime with crime dramas, murder mysteries, reality shows, crude humor, mindless sitcoms, soap operas, anything that focuses on witch craft, vampires, zombies, sex, fortune telling, or infidelity.  Basically, anything that does not include the Lord and glorify Him.  I just won't do it.  It fills the mind with darkness and is of the devil.  How can I grow closer to God if I'm filling my mind with such oppressive material?  If I truly claim to be a believer in Jesus, but entertain myself with things of the world, I'm not walking the walk.  I'm holding myself back.

I'm also not going to fill my mind with music, movies, books, or magazines that glamorize the above listed things.  They all hold me back.  How can I have the mind of Christ, when I'm filling with songs about "cheatin' hearts" or getting drunk?

Here's the follow-up verse, for the above reference one:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

You know, it is possible to be entertained without having to give our thoughts over to things of the devil.  As a family, we do enjoy movies and entertainment that includes God; that have an ounce of morality to them.  We come away feeling blessed.  I can't say that about those other "so-called" forms of entertainment.  In fact, I wouldn't even call them entertainment.  I see them simply as the devils hooks.  I won't let him get a hold on me anymore!

 

 

A Married Woman's Advice To The Single Young Ladies

This is not your typical advice.  It has nothing to do with "how to land a man".  It's simply a suggestion in what to look for.  Of course, it is not the most important thing, and you may have your own very well thought out list of qualities that you want to see in your Prince Charming.  So, here's the advice:

Make sure he has a good set of tools and knows how to use them, including power tools.  Yes, this is important, in my opinion.  He can work wonders with those tools and save you lots of money.  Plus, when he builds you a big, beautiful walk-in closet with shelves, racks, and plenty of drawers you can throw your arms around him and say, "oh Honey, it's wonderful!"  Sure you can hire out, and for some jobs it's necessary, but he will feel so much more appreciated if you marvel at his work rather than some other guys.

I have a friend who's husband barely lifts a hammer.  If she needs something done around the house she has to call her dad.  How frustrating! 

And don't give him a hard time if he seems to spend a lot of time at the hardware store.  He's thoroughly thinking out his projects; carefully choosing the right supplies and tools. Not only that, but the amount of tools and the boxes that contain them is insignificant.  He knows what he has and it's just the right amount for him to do what he needs to do...unless he needs to do something new (and needs a new tools for it, which is justified).  You don't want him to say you have TOO many shoes, do you?

Why do I feel the need to share this advice?  Because I have grown to appreciate the value of my very handy husband.  It is a gift.  It's part of what makes him special.  Every time he paints a room, puts up a shelf, fixes something broken I love him that much more.  Yes, he loves the hardware stores and can spend many hours in them.  I've been known to give him a hard time for it, but again, it's part of who he is and I love him so dearly.  This love did not develop on its own.  It has grown through the years and through prayer; a prayer that I would see him as Christ sees him; a very special creation to be loved, respected, and cherished. 

Ladies, anytime you go to the Lord and ask Him to help you see your spouse the way He sees him, your love will grow stronger.  I guarantee it!

Oh, and I also recommend that he be able to back up a trailer.  Very handy, indeed!

Scenes From Summer

There certain scenes that I just love: kids running full speed down to the water until their bodies fall into it, grandparents building sand castles with their grandkids, boats being backed into the water getting ready for a day of fun on the lake.  These are the scenes that make me say, "ahhhh, summer...".  I cherish them because like so many other things in life, summer is temporary (and too short).  Winter comes and all this easy breezy bliss will be just a memory.  Does that mean that when it is over that we must be sad.  No, not at all.  Our hapiness need not lie in the temporary pleasures of this temporary life.  Our true happiness is in walking with Christ, living obediently, and receiving the full reward for it.  Knowing that gives me a joy even in the midst of the thought that summer will end.  And also knowing that the Lord's love and grace will never end.

Big Lessons Sometimes Come In Small Packages

My Lydia, who's eight, has always said she doesn't want to have babies because she doesn't want to go through the pain of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I'm not sure where she could have EVER learned that pregnancy involves suffering (I say that with a sheepish wink). ;-) For now, she has decided to adopt. I will support her fully if she continues with that decision. The Lord knows that there are plenty of babies world wide that need loving homes. However, if it's a decision she makes because of selfish reasons, like not wanting to experience a little pain, I think God is already starting to set her straight.

I see how much she adores her new baby brother. I've explained to her that if I didn't want to feel the discomfort or pain, then we wouldn't have little Adrian. Perish the thought! He is such a blessing to the whole family. God is using him to teach his siblings lessons about love and selflessness.

May we never get so wrapped up in our own feelings that we miss out on what God wants to bless us with.

Looking Forward To That Ring Around The Tub!

I used to detest the sight of a ring in the bathtub, but in recent years I have grown to appreciate it for what it represents. Two things: A) The fact that I have children and what a blessing they are and B) the fact that they are getting outside in the fresh air. Never mind the fact that they are getting good and dirty. The point is they are getting outside...something that hasn't happened too much lately. But now that the weather has changed it's time to head back out there to climb trees, dig in the dirt, and enjoy the beauty God has given to us in nature. For instance, Robbie just came running inside yelling, "I saw a butterfly!" That warms my heart.

Yes, I'm constantly cleaning up mud on the floor (hey, it's spring) and yes, my son's fingernails almost always look filthy. But, that's just part of the package and I've chosen to love it all. Besides, they're outside getting exercise and burning off energy and that also makes me happy. It's a win-win, if I choose to overlook the little annoyances.

How wonderful it is when God shows us the beauty in what might normally seem...gross.

The Beauty Of The Storm

At our home in Wisconsin we have the pleasure of experiencing true country living. It's wonderfully peaceful, but there are a few things we're learning along the way. For instance we have a driveway that's about 400 feet long and the last couple of days have brought tremendous amounts of snow to it. Seventeen inches was the last count. So that means we are now officially snowed in. I'm learning to prepare for times like this and enjoy them to the fullest. In fact, it is possible to turn it into a special memory, rather than a dreaded experience. Here's my list of rules to make that happen:

Rule 1. When you hear that first weather alert head straight to the grocery store and STOCK UP, making sure you have plenty of eggs, milk, and toilet paper. It might even be a good time to get a few special treats that your family likes...like that sugary cereal they're always eyeing and you're always saying "no" to.

Rule 2. Plan ahead by mailing out any up coming bills and take care any bank deposits.

Rule 3. If you have library books or movie rentals due back, get 'em back! Or prepare to pay a little extra to have them longer.

Rule 4. Make sure the kids pick up any toys laying around outside. Once the snow hits...they're gone for a while.

Rule 5. This one is most important! ENJOY! Realize that God has given you a special opportunity to slow down a bit and be together as a family. Play games, bake cookies, make a big bowl of popcorn and watch a movie together, and PLAY OUT IN THAT SNOW!

Oh how I dread the tread.

There it is...teasing me...taunting me. Knowing that I think it is the most painfully mundane form of working out, it beckons to me on those days when my only choice is to use it...or just let the toxins build up. Look at where it's positioned. Up against a bare white wall and in a drab warehouse. And is that an old pre-digital era t.v. that only plays VHS?

What can I say. I am not an indoor runner. There is just something unnatural about it. I like to get out and feel the terrain, see the scenes change, and HAVE A DESTINATION!

Attack of the birds!

I used to like birds...and then they did THIS to my kitchen window! What did I ever do to them? I feed them, protect them from cats, admire them from a distance. It's like we suddenly have this love-hate relationship. I loved them and they clearly hate me. And I swear, every time I wash my car (which isn't very often) they wait until it's clean and dive bomb it.

So what should I think of this? If I retaliate, they will surely make me pay next time I BBQ out on the deck. Perhaps I'm starting to understand what the old saying means..."this one goes to the birds"!

My Mom - Judi Alaura

Judi Alaura (Cornwell, Mask) Parker went home to her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, November 5th, 2009. She lived out her dreams of settling in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she volunteered at several churches and taught English to children in the poor communities. She was known for always wanting to help others and her giving spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Judi was born on December 31, 1947 in Riverside, California and spent her childhood years there before moving to Sandpoint, Idaho, with her father and mother, Earl and Ruth Cornwell, as well as her sister Nancy and brother Tommy. She married Jessie Mask in 1965 and attended Sandpoint High School through 1966. Together, they raised two children in Spokane, WA. She later married Raymond Parker and in 2007 they moved to Puerto Vallarta.

Judi is survived by her husband Ray, her three children Merilynn Scharnhorst (Lewiston, ID), Jody Mask (Hauser Lake, ID), and Jamé Braun (Bellingham, WA), and two step-children, Brandi Bosserman and Nick Parker, as well as eleven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 11:00 AM at The Intersection - 905 N. McDonald Rd., Spokane Valley (formerly Open Bible Church).

Whatever happened to "shop till I drop"?

The other night I was shopping for my son. He desperately needed pants that fit since all of his looked like high waters. In fact, he was beginning to look like (dare I say it) a little nerd. I was afraid that if I did not get this task done quickly I would be late to pick up the girls from church. So there I was, (at Walmart, I'm afraid - 3 year old boys could care less where there clothes come from) practically throwing clothes in the cart as fast as I could. I also knew his attention span for such tasks was quite short. He was more interested in climbing the display shelves.

After this speed-shopping job was over, I starting thinking what ever happened to the days when I liked to shop? I remember as a kid getting up on Saturdays and dressing in a really cute outfit and heading to the mall with my mom. We would make a day of it; meeting friends, going out to lunch, spending HOURS inside a dressing room. These days, I can't even fathom it. Even my girls don't seem to have the patience for it. They would rather be playing hide and seek in the racks than browsing through them. Truth be told, I can't remember the last time I truly went shopping at the mall. I think it was back in 2005. At any rate, I guess we just have a different set of priorities these days. At least I know that when my children turn 18, their primary goal will probably NOT be applying for a Nordstrom charge card.

Learning the hard way...

I just learned what an idiot I can be. Let me back up a little...several years ago someone gave me a figurine. It was a cute little scene with a boy and a girl, and a really sweet gesture. But a collector of knick-knacks, I am not...so, I stuffed it in a closet and forgot about it. Later that year, I was cleaning out that same closet and boxing up things to give to Goodwill. The little figurine went into the box without much thought. It wasn't until yesterday that I truly realized what a horrible mistake I had made. As I was shopping along Main Street with my girls, we strolled in and out of several gift shops. They all had something in common...those little figurines were in every store, encased in their own special glass case. I happened to glance at the price tag of one similar to mine. $265! Did I read that right? Suddenly, I could feel my stomach knot up a little. I glanced at more price tags. They ranged from $200-300 easily. A 5-piece nativity scene was over $1600!

So here is the lesson I learned (and it's not about money, necessarily)...what may not seem so precious to me doesn't mean it isn't valuable to someone else. This person obviously cared about me enough to give me something very valuable and something that had meaning to them. I carelessly threw it out, and for that, I deserve the torment of knowing I threw out over $250, just like that. Whether it is someone's dreams, fears, style, political preference, spirituality...it's special to them. I have to respect that about others. If I don't, how could expect them to care about me?

Busy is a four-letter word.

If you hear me utter these words, "I'm soooo busy!" You have my permission to whack me up side the head...and then you can say, "what, like you're any busier than I am?" To say those words is like saying everything I'm doing is more important than you are or what you do is not important. I don't want to be know as a busy person. It's not a compliment; it doesn't make me any more important than anyone else. If anything, it makes it appear that I don't know how to prioritize or organize my time. People are the most precious gift of God. Aside from saving time for Him, He also expects us to make time for others. We get caught up in our own lives and before we know it, kids are grown, friends have moved away, or worse, lives come to an end without the chance to say, "you are special to me." Yes, I want to be known as the person who has time for others.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some phone calls to return!