Crab Grass or a Blooming Flower - YOUR CHOICE

It is sad when we become discouraged... BOO whooo, boo whooo
let's cry together.... but just for a few moments...
 
    There is a "Time for everything under the Sun"...

Ecclesiastes 3:4

 a time to weep and a time to laugh, 

 a time to mourn and a time to dance,

When I begin to think (complain) of 

what I do not have.... 

I need to 

"STOP"  take 

several deep slow breaths 

and 

re-center myself 

"WHAT I DO HAVE "

Oh, ya some people appear to have the "perfect" career, the "perfect family dynamics", the " perfect situation in life"

Many times you don't even know that someone you envy is looking at you wishing they had something you have or admire a strength or talent that you have.  True!  Really,  believe me... it's true.

So, when you recognize that "ol man blues" is dragging you down.... see it for what it is... a lack of gratitude.  Your heart is imbalanced.

   But to be really corny ... I'm saying

  "I need to BLOOM where I am planted" and not let the weeds of discouragement, envy, self-pity... choke out my ability to BLOOM...

Bloom.... a FRAGRANT flower that is pleasant to the sight as well as the senses.

That is what I CHOOSE to be:

A BLOOMIN' FLOWER!   

A fragrant Flower
is what you are to those around you when
you focus on what you do have (grateful heart)

                                                    

"Crab" Grass
is what you are to those around you when you
focus on what you don't have (bitter heart)

(note to me:  I've missed you " friend"... oh how I've missed you....)

*************************************************************************
Previous post about how we think affecting our health....

Always something to be grateful for.... A L W A Y S !

Set the tone for the day - usher in a breeze of success with YOUR WORDS!

I just cringe when I hear someone say 

"I have a headache" or "I'm getting a cold"  or "I'm sick"

It may be true that you feel sick, or you're getting a  headache or you're developing  cold symptoms  

PLEASE: 

Don't Speak words that state you are accepting and inviting sickness or illness.  

Your Mind hears what you're saying.  

It will respond when you speak the words 

"I HAVE"  

"I'M GETTING"  

"I AM"

Here is my suggestion - TELL YOUR BODY what you want it to be and DO!  Your words are powerful!

Say: 

  

"I am fighting a headache"   

"I'm fighting of a cold" 

"I feel great, I feel good, I feel wonderful"  

  

NO MATTER how your "F E E L I N G " Speak what you want to be!

This is all about Exercising your MIND!   Feeding your thought life words that are uplifting, life giving, positive.... Nutrition for your mind. 

 In the world of Balance you'll also want to do the following when "fighting off  aches, pains or illness":

Besides feeding your mind  "Nutritious thoughts"

      when developing symptoms of illness, feed your body directly:

i.e.  for headache symptoms one of the culprits is dehydration

i.e.  for cold / flu symptoms your immune systems compromised - try Emergen C Packet 

        (check with your Doctor fist)  

i.e. for Just not feeling well symptoms - you may be starting to fight off an illness So - Stay off the

   Sugars which reduce your immune system.  Chicken soup is an amazing for it's antibiotic properties,

   Drink plenty of water.   REST!  

(Just examples.... )

My recipe for the beginning's of flu symptoms (check with your Doctor before trying this)

At the on-set of a scratchy throat, achy body.... 

Take 2 Bayer aspirins and drink 6-8 glasses of  a juice that you like (100% juice) 

(All that fluid is like getting an IV drip! )

Then Speak the Words: 

"I'm fighting this and I'm NOT going to get sick"   

"I don't accept getting sick"  

"Greater is He that is in my than He that is in the World"... etc.

Get a good nights sleep (another topic)

Ask and Thank God for your healing

B A L A N C E  Yourself

Your imbalance can "welcome" a virus into your body... (aka lower your immune defenses)

Talk with the Lord (some  people call that prayer)... read the Instruction Manual for Your Body "The Bible"  and Detox your Mind and Spirit.  

Are you dealing with the stress of hurt, unforgiveness, anger.. Disappointment, sadness, fear?

Your thought life affects your HEALTH!

It can go either way.... your thoughts  can make you sick or make you healthy.

My favorite, most favorite scripture verse:

PROVERBS 17:22  

 ²²  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: 

but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Even if you are dealing with an illness for day's on end, 

 doing the above (merry heart) will keep you in 

peace and speed up your healing.  

Salute!  To your Health and Wellness

Are you Healthy? Am I Healthy? Is everyBODY Healthy?

Am I Healthy?   

Are you Healthy? 

Hummmm,  let's see

How do you know if you're healthy?

Here are symptoms that may indicate "a decline in health":

      Increase in waist size!
      Increase in BMI  (nice way to say your fat)
      Spells of feeling queasy, dizzy, headaches
      Lack of energy
      Sleepless nights
      Irritability- outburst
      Shortness of breath or chest pain when attempting a jog or walking up several flights of stairs
      Irregularity in ya know what...
      Frequent colds
      Aches and pains in joints
      Easily fatigued
      Bloating, heartburn, indigestion.... GAS
      Inability to concentrate, lack of focus

Ok... using this as a guide 
                 then to say you are healthy could be the following:


1. You have a Waist!  

Measuring your middle Mayo Clinic information "click here" for link

You know you've gained some inches around your torso, but how can you know whether it's an unhealthy amount? You can calculate your body mass index (BMI) or waist-hip ratio, but researchers have found that simply measuring your waist can tell you whether you have an unhealthy amount of belly fat. In fact, BMI may not be an accurate measure of body fat percentage or fat distribution, particularly after menopause.

To measure your waist, run a tape measure around your midsection at about the level of your navel. Breathe normally, don't hold your tummy in, and don't pull the tape so tight that it presses your skin down. In a woman of healthy weight, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more indicates an unhealthy concentration of abdominal fat. Some research has shown that a measurement of 33 inches or more, no matter what your weight, increases your health risks.

2.  You have a healthy BMI

3.  You have energy and strength to handle your activities

3.  You sleep well - at least 6 hrs of sound  uninterrupted sleep

4.  You exhibit patience in stressful situation... 
       you are tolerant, and pleasant to those around you.  


You have a positive, up beat disposition... your kind and thoughtful

5. Regular Normal Bowel Movements (great indicator of health)

Good GI Health link for info on GI health" click here"

Tricks to keeping your poop on track are simple ones: a healthy diet high in fiber, lots of water, and regular exercise.

“Generally, 20-25 grams of dietary fiber per day is recommended, and for many people, you get this much in a healthy diet,” Esrailian says. “If you are having infrequent bowel movements and are experiencing discomfort, then the first easy way to correct it is to increase dietary fiber through food, supplement, or both.”

High-fiber powerhouse foods are whole-grain cereals and breads, fresh vegetables and fruit, and nuts. Usually, a day or two of a fiber-focused diet will put your trips to the bathroom back on track.

Proper hydration is also key for your colon, ensuring you have enough fluid in your body to move stool through the digestive track and out the other end on a regular basis, Esrailian says.

Exercise is also beneficial for your bowels. It helps improve GI “motility,” he says, and can often alleviate constipation by improving your metabolic and digestive processes.

     6.  Able to Jog, or climb stairs  without passing out or getting chest pain

     7.  Seldom sick, and quickly fights off beginning symptoms of illness

     8.  Sharp focus and Mind when preforming task

     9.   You choose healthy foods that nourish your body... 
             not your lust for eating or "MINDLESS" eating.....

   10.  You exercise 3 times a week  or 30-45 minutes (minimum)  

   11.  You are a loving , giving person  asking for nothing in return

12.  MY cardinal sign of Health is that you LAUGH often and 
         it's genuine laughter

Being Healthy is Living Life to the fullest

Enjoying Life

Seizing the moment

Taking on Challenges and making yourself Stronger, braver, better not bitter

When Asking yourself "am I healthy"  Look at the three areas of your life

Are you Physically in good shape?

Are you Mentally in good shape?

Are you Spiritually in good shape?

  

MY Point is... to be truly healthy.....

I believe you must  BE HEALTHY:

    physically

mentally 

 spiritually.

Therefore work on all three areas of your life every day!  

example:  

                             If I am angry at someone... 

       Mentally I'm unhealthy because my anger is robbing my thoughts!

       Spiritually I'm unhealthy, because I'm committing murder in my heart towards this person

                                                         .... and that anger will   

       Physically : unresolved or chronic anger will actually make you physically ill

                          Anger disrupts my sleeping, eating and functioning!   




Make "being" healthy a PRIORITY in your life or you won't have a life!!!

Well, that's my thoughts tonight.....


"Now go Balance yourself" and get healthy

Ciao and Salute to Your health and Wellness

Appetite Suppressant or sing...."The Sun will come out Tomorrow"

I listened last Sunday to a sermon that has stayed with  me all week , about my appetite and my health. 

Pastor Andy Stanley's of  In Touch Ministries

Sermon Titled "More"  

Monday, February 21, 2011

Our natural tendency is to want more. More food. More stuff. More status. Unfortunately, our appetites for more are never fully satisfied. Find out from this message by Andy Stanley how you can control negative appetites, while growing in your hunger for God. Click here for the link to the Video 

What has Stuck with me and I've often thought about is:

Pastor Stanley reference the story of Esau and Jacob in the Bible.  

                How Esau

 gave up his future 

for a bowl of Lentil Soup!  

HE had  a great disrespect and a lack of appreciation  for his Birthright. 
                        His Birthright held his FUTURE... all his Tomorrows!

His Birthright provided:  The Power as the First Born to make decisions for the family,  A Double Inheritance of his Fathers Estate, and the Culture in those day's believed that God's Blessings was  on the First Born.  He would have been mentioned throughout History   and in the linage of Jesus!  

Genesis 25:29-34  

²⁹ Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.

    ³⁰ He said to Jacob, Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished! (That is why he was also called Edom.)

    ³¹ Jacob replied, First sell me your birthright.

    ³² Look, I am about to die, Esau said. What good is the birthright to me?

    ³³ But Jacob said, Swear to me first. So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

    ³⁴ Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.

Esau had NO respect for his BIRTHRIGHT!  

But. Jacob his brother knew it's value and he became a GREAT part of BIBLE History.

God gave us a Birthright:  True Health and Wellness which is:  Strength, Joy, Peace and Love... 

I can't help but think this week, 

when I'm thinking about what to choose to eat... 

... is my choice similar to 

Esau's bowl of lentil stew?  

Am I willing to eat something that may 

be Heavy in Calories and Low in Nutrition

or may

contribute to hyperlipidemia, 

or increase my risk of Diabetes 

or 

 raise my blood pressure

just to satisfy my appetite NOW?  

Am I choosing to be Lazy (resting) and Sedentary (relaxing)  

knowing it is just an excuse to satisfy my current state of mind

when it may contribute to weak  muscles and stiff  joints and a dull  mind?  

What are my CHOICES?

I need to see every choice I make as if it were 

" Esau's bowl of Lentil Stew"! 

Interesting how God choose to use the Story of A  Bowl of Lentil Soup to show us  a life's lesson.

                                           My Choices today determines my tomorrow.

Our Health is a Precious commodity that can't be bought, 

but it is easily thrown away

It's time to RESPECT ourselves, 

by RESPECTING our BODY 

and

 by RESPECTING our FUTURE 

and 

by RESPECTING what GOD has given us... 

OUR BIRTHRIGHT of

 True HEALTH AND WELLNESS.

LENTIL SOUP!  

It is a great choice if you don't have to give up 

your Birthright for it!  :)

Overview

Rich in protein and fiber, lentils lend substance and a mildly spicy flavor to soups. These legumes vary in color and size, depending on the variety. In the United States, commercial lentil soups often feature the larger green lentils, while Middle Eastern and Indian cultures tend to favor small, red lentils, notes FoodReference.com. A bowl of lentil soup can serve as a hearty meal, and a smaller cup makes an energizing, low-calorie snack. Look for low-sodium brands of lentil soup, or make a quick, flavorful lentil soup at home to avoid the high sodium content in some commercial brands.

Nutritional Contents

A 1/2 cup of condensed, canned lentil soup has 140 calories, 8g of protein, 1g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates and 5g of fiber. This serving also offers 3mg of iron and 750 IU, or international units, of vitamin A. Lentil soup is low in calories and fat and has no cholesterol. However, a serving of this canned lentil soup contains 800mg of sodium, over half of the maximum amount of sodium -- 1,500mg -- that you should have each day to avoid high blood pressure and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

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Health Benefits

Lentils are a source of soluble fiber, a form of fiber that turns viscous in water. Soluble fiber slows your digestion and may help lower your cholesterol, which can reduce your risk of heart disease, according to MedlinePlus. Lentils provide both iron and protein, which makes them a healthy option for vegetarians and people who are trying to reduce the amount of red meat in their diet. Lentils also contribute to your daily requirement of vitamin A, an essential nutrient that promotes healthy eyes, skin, bones and connective tissues.

Sodium Content

According to the AHA, canned soups are one of a major sources of sodium in the American diet. Based on the AHA's recommendation that you should aim to have no more than 1,500mg of sodium daily -- about 1/3 tsp. of table salt -- the 800mg of sodium in canned lentil soup detract from its nutritional benefits. When shopping, look for brands of lentil soup marked as low-sodium. A product marketed as "low-sodium" must have no more than 140mg of sodium per serving, the AHA notes.

Homemade Lentil Soup

Unlike other dried legumes, lentils don't require soaking before cooking, MayoClinic.com notes, which makes it easy to add them to your recipes. You can make your own low-sodium lentil soup with minimal preparation time using garlic, turmeric, lemon juice, ginger or ground black pepper to flavor lentils. Spinach, kale, carrots, tomatoes or parsnips can add extra fiber, vitamins and minerals to a nutritious, homemade lentil soup.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/326831-the-nutrition-of-lentil-soup/#ixzz1EnHlSPkQ

Buon Appetito

Ciao and Salute! to Your Health and Wellness