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Category Archives: Living Naturally

Discouraged? Keep moving!

06 Apr

We all have times of discouragement.  Often I know I have unwittingly set up some of these times for myself by not resting or eating properly or by being overly self-critical, demanding, or seeking assurance through IMG_2101activity-overload.

Other times we are called to suffer for the cause of Christ.

Both circumstances bring the possibility of depression. Yet in either circumstance we are told to seek out and think on what is good, and to keep on rejoicing.

Depression is loss of joy.  It is like being trapped in a foreign land – foreign because it has no joy.  When the Israelites were captured and forced to sing a joyous song they asked Psa. 137:4 How can we sing the LORD’S song in a foreign land?  Depressing, right?  Captured, enslaved, and expected to sing your happy song from home?

Rejoicing, on the other hand, means to fill with joy.  To fill takes action, and when you fill something, there is no room for anything else.

Sometimes it is really hard to ‘feel’ the joy…to find the joy in the circumstance. Other times you can fill the emptiness by adding little drops of joy, one after the other.

Today I read something about rejoicing that surprised me.

1Pet. 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.

The length of time, the intensity of the trial, all can wear us down, but  here we are told to not stop rejoicing…to keep on rejoicing!  To the degree of the trial.

 

So if it goes longer, gets more painful, and depression escalates, it’s a sign we need to rejoice MORE.

 

Os Hillman (TGIF devotionals) expresses it as an attitude change “from discouragement to praise”.  He tells the story of a time he was discouraged:

A godly man came to me and said, “You must keep moving! There are too many who are depending on you in the Kingdom.” I didn’t totally understand what he meant at the time. Now I know he was saying that God is preparing each of us to be the vessel He wants to use in the life of another person, but we will never be that vessel if we give up and hide in our cave of discouragement.

Does that encourage you to realize that you could be in a time of discouragement to prevent you from encouraging another person?  That turning your attitude around can affect more people than yourself?  It encourages me to look beyond myself to the person(s) God wants me to bless.  It excites me to shout:

Let’s get out of the cave!  Let’s keep the rejoicing flowing!

Turn up the music, put down the top on the convertible, dance like no one is looking,

REJOICE! 

Especially if you are in a strange land.

What did you do today to fill up your tank with rejoicing?  What are some of the emotions that cause you anxiety, fear, depression, sadness, loss of joy, that you have seen routed through practicing the presence of Christ, and rejoicing?

 
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Posted by on 04/06/2013 in Living Naturally

 

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What if?

01 Apr

The world is in turmoil and many are speculating on potential outcomes.  I know personally the difference bridgeoutbetween sympathy and empathy.  World drama becomes personal tragedy when it invades our space, our family, and our bodies.

 

One group says read our books and prepare for the financial meltdown.  They say the stock market will crash bigger than it did the first time.   What if they are right?

 

Another says no one is safe from the tornados, earthquakes and other natural disasters happening across the world and across our nation. – fault lines run everywhere and it is only a matter of time…  What if they are right?

 

Yesterday someone told me the government has purchased 1.6 billion rounds of ammo, and are preparing for massive civil unrest when unexpected changes and control are revealed.  What if they are right?

 

Medical records show that it is not disease that is the #1 killer, but human error, both in surgery and prescription error and side-effects.  Natural news shows alarming government intervention to prevent people from using alternative healing methods, and some say the government is controlled by big pharma.  What if they are right?

 

Medical resources now say one in two males and one in every three females will get cancer.  What if they are right?

 

Many say if I do not follow their warnings, and run with them to prove their charges, I will be an outcast… What if they are right?

 

I could go on and on, but the point is the same.  What will I do if they are right?

 

I will run …make that RUN to the Lord for direction, for comfort, for strength, and for provision to not only help our family to survive but to be a blessing to as many as possible for as long as we can.

 

 

Mark 13:7 “And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end

 

Luke 17:23 “And they will say to you, ‘Look there! Look here!’ Do not go away, and do not run after them.

 

1Pet. 4:4 And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you;

 

Until then, the Message outlines it well…

 

Get your info from the Book of Truth:

1Tim. 4:7 Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please!

 

Discipline yourself to be in the Word daily

1Tim. 4:8 Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.

 

Share what you have been given, from where you have been placed

1Tim. 4:11 -14

  • Get the word out. Teach all these things.
  • Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.
  • Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching.
  • And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

 

 

Continue to grow in skill and knowledge

1Tim. 4:15 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes!

1Tim. 4:16 Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it.

 

Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.

 

That’s what I’ll be doing.  How about you?

 

 

 
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Posted by on 04/01/2013 in Living Naturally

 

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Victory in Defeat

21 Mar

I recently visited the Alamo in San Antonio, TX and was impressed with the determination to fight honorably. Even though every man knew it meant death, only one walked away, leaving 200 to fight 2000.  It was a commitment to certain death.

Yet they felt it would be a victory in defeat.Alamo

How can that be?  It’s quite the concept, but my rebellious nature understood some of the possibilities immediately.

Things like:

 defeating comfort-eating jags = bring physical and emotional victory

God defeating/ I surrendering insecurities to the Lord = confidence Christ will strengthen and enable me

defeating useless and degrading self talk = allowing God’s words to embolden & guide

defeating looking back saying should I, could I = looking forward to what’s next

defeating the enemy’s permanentizing (you always, you never) = rejoicing that the only forever words are God’s positive description of himself (I always, I will never)

defeating self pity of the hard place I am in = repenting of not accepting God’s plan, and His strength for me to bless another through the crisis

defeating thoughts that life is all about me = a burden lifted because I am not responsible to fix everyone’s problems – only God can do that anyway.

I recall praying once, that I felt so responsible to fix something, even though I knew it was an impossibility for me.  I recall bursting out in laughter at God’s whisper to my heart cry: “Last time I checked there were still only three in the Trinity, and you were not one of them!”

 and a most difficult one for me 

Personal defeat giving up the “right” to demand justice (especially when I know I am right) = victory for self and cause of Christ:

The Message states it so clearly: Wouldn’t it be far better to just take it, to let yourselves be wronged and forget it?

More of you Lord.

Less of me.

John 3:30

Have you also experienced victory in defeat?  What was your experience?

 
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Posted by on 03/21/2013 in Living Naturally

 

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Through it ALL – Blessings!

21 Jan

This past weekend, I attended a one-day conference featuring musician and song-writer Laura Story as the CDLauraStorymain speaker.

The Word ALL featured in the tale of her husband Martin’s brain tumor, uncertain prognosis for his healing after surgery, doubt they could ever have a child, an adoption betrayal and more.  The ALLs in scripture were Laura’s comfort, and we were reminded, ours as well.

Rather than resting on the bouncing ball of emotions, or the confirmation of our hopelessness from others (if they believe it it must be true), we were reminded to understand that even those testings and trials could be blessings.  When I see injustice, I want to react, and to stop it. Most times it is not in my power to do so.

The challenge to rest on the TRUTH of God’s Word instead of emotions was a great reminder for me. And though I may say or do hurtful things I cannot take back or break promises, or sin by not doing something I should do, and though others may not be as perfect as I’d believed them to be, I know that God is ALL that I want to be, all that I need, all that others cannot be, and more.

If you too, are experiencing some of those dramatic or tragic challenges of life, I pass on the encouragement to you.  Above all, know that God has not forgotten you, and He will not abandon you.

Deut. 4:31 GOD, your God, is above all a compassionate God. In the end he will not abandon you, he won’t bring you to ruin, he won’t forget the covenant with your ancestors which he swore to them.

If you too feel held down by other people or other powers, praise the Lord, for the heart cannot contain both bitterness and praise. Head for the comfort of His people and those who will join you in praising God for Blessings that you see, and the trials that as of yet do not look or feel like blessings.

Psa. 27:6   God holds me head and shoulders

above all who try to pull me down.

I’m headed for his place to offer anthems

that will raise the roof!

Already I’m singing God-songs;

I’m making music to GOD.

If you too have come through deep trials, share your story with me, and with others!

Psa. 135:5           I too give witness to the greatness of GOD,

our Lord, high above all other gods.

If you too, are in a place wondering how you will get through the other end of that long, dark tunnel, start here:

Prov. 4:7          Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!

Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!

And I believe this prayer for you too that in ALL things, God will be with you, and will deliver you and bring you blessings.

 I Rom. 15:13  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

If you have not yet heard Laura Story’s testimony or heard her music, go here:  Laura Story’s Website.

and Facebook – Laura Story  OR listen now to her song, Blessings:  Blessings Song – Laura Story

 
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Posted by on 01/21/2013 in Living Naturally

 

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2013 – A Single “Resolution”

01 Jan

It’s the New Year!  Every year resolutions come and go. It’s a fact that only 40% of people make it to the IMG_3644second month of most resolutions.

I have only one resolution this year and that is to live expectantly in the Lord instead of listing high expectations for myself.

Oh, I need plenty of help – I could list stay on schedule, exercise, eat better, spend less money, limit Facebook time, and on and on.  And some, if not all of those things, will be in God’s plan for me, for they would not disturb me if His spirit were not directing my ways.  When I set up my own expectations (demands) I often can ‘expect’ to fail!  LIving by God’s plan is far different.  That’s why I choose to live expectantly!

To live expectantly, I plan to open three doors:

1:  Stop – each morning I want to stop planning today already and look back and remember what God did in my life the previous day.  Perhaps protect me, perhaps allow me to share something with someone else, or allowed me to be blessed through another, or perhaps I was taught something new…He was there in my life, and I need to recognize it.

If I think “nothing” happened yesterday, that itself is something to celebrate.  Comparing it to the news and seeing all that I have (or don’t have) can prepare me for an act of fellowship with God (thankful for no new crisis) or for ministry the following day.

2.  Look – Reading the Word, reviewing the names of God and their meaning in my life personally, prayer and journaling are some of the ways to look for God’s direction for today

If I ‘think’ I heard or saw nothing new for me today (seldom happens, but if it does) I go through pictures of family and friends and repeat the praying for them and their needs.

3.  Listen – As I go about my day I purposely plan to pause to listen to God’s voice, to notice people and things; being watchful and see what God is doing today.  I keep a note card and pen in my purse to write down a word or two when I see something that touches my heart.

I know from experience that God will surprise me every day.  I expect God to be actively present in my life because He promised to do so and He keeps His promises.

This year I will look at God’s Word as His resolutions for my life – and stop, look, and listen to note how many are kept in 2013.  I’m expectant! 365 or more noticings to come!

2Chr. 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

 
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Posted by on 01/01/2013 in Living Naturally

 

NuNaturals Giveaway and Dee-Licious Chocolate Cheesecake

21 Nov

Just a few of you?  Need a personal pickup (or 6 or 8)? 

Have only 1 package of cream cheese on hand and a craving for cheesecake?  Here’s the answer:

Dee-licious Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes

Makes 8 mini cakes in cheesecake pan, and 4-6 in muffin cups

Preheat oven to 315 degrees – Place inserts in cheesecake pan

Crust:

Two tablespoons each: Almond Butter, Almond Flour and Foods Alive Raw Cocoa

15 drops Liquid Vanilla NuStevia

Mix well.  (I used a ‘bullet’ blender)

Filling:

8 oz. Cream Cheese

¼ cup cocoa

¼ cup sour cream

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 egg

2-1/2 tsp. NuStevia™ PreBiotic Blend™

1 Tbsp. Maple syrup

Whip all together (I used food processor)

Divide crust ingredients by teaspoonfuls into wells and press into place.

Spoon filling on top of crust.

Bake 25 minutes.  Remove from oven. Let cool completely in pan.

Remove cheesecakes. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve.  (If you can wait that long – I ate one immediately!)

Note:  I used a mini-cheesecake pan with removable circular metal inserts.  After baking you push up the metal circle through a hole in the bottom of each well, and gently peel the metal off the cheesecake bottom.  They work great, but if you don’t have such a pan,

Alternatives are:

  1. Line the muffin cups with paper liners
  2. Grease the muffin cups. Line the cups with two wax paper strips to make an X. Strips extend an inch or so above the top of the cup. Place a cookie in the bottom of each cup for the crust and fill.

After baking carefully run a flat-bladed knife around the edge and use wax paper strips  to lift out each cheesecake.

Variations:

Chocolate Mint: I added 15 drops of Liquid Peppermint NuStevia to the filling.  It was a very mild, barely discernable mint. Next time I think I would add more.

Vanilla:  Use ¼ cup Foods Alive Maca Powder (instead of cocoa) Add 20-30 drops Liquid Vanilla NuStevia.  Top each cheescake with fruit

Mandarin Orange: Use ¼ cup Foods Alive Maca Powder (instead of cocoa) Add 15-20 drops Liquid Orange NuStevia and ½ tsp. grated orange peel to filling.  Serve each cheesecake with dab of whipped or sour cream and one wedge of canned mandarin orange

Lemon-Poppyseed: Use ¼ cup Foods Alive Maca Powder (instead of cocoa) Add 15-20 drops Liquid Lemon NuStevia, ½ tsp. grated lemon peel and 1 Tbsp. Poppyseed to filling. (I prefer grinding in coffee grinder first)

Vanilla Pecan: Use ¼ cup Foods Alive Maca Powder (instead of cocoa) Use about ¼” of ground pecans for the crust.  Add 1/8 cup ground pecans and 1/8 cup Foods Alive Maca Powder instead of cocoa, and top with sprinkle of NuNaturals Prebiotic Stevia Powder and pecan pieces.

Discounts and Giveaway!

DISCOUNTS on all orders placed on our website :  www.nunaturals.com .

When you get to the checkout page enter the DISCOUNT CODE ;  BLG1212  and you will receive – 15% DISCOUNT on the ENTIRE ORDER. This discount remains  EFFECTIVE UNTIL  DECEMBER 31, 2012.

Online ordering customers may also receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U. S. on all orders exceeding  $ 35.00 after discounts.

Giveaway:

4 prizes – each receive (1) one bottle of each of the Lemon, Orange, and Peppermint Flavored Stevia Liquids – value of $42.75.

To enter:  1) Comment with your favorite sugar-containing food that you’d love to enjoy without worrying about the sugar content!

2) go to the NuNaturals Facebook page and “Like” them.

Contest runs now through Monday, November 26th.  I’ll list the winners on Tuesday, November 27h and winners need to contact me with shipping address. NuNaturals will ship the gifts directly to the winners.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

 
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Posted by on 11/21/2012 in Living Naturally

 

Me ‘n the Vine

06 Oct

One of the most profound experiences I’ve had was the result of a free course on food addiction called The Lord’s Table. (www.settingcaptivesfree.com)

 

The heart of the course – the Vine – John 15, and those lessons, and a passage from Zephaniah have run through my mind all week, I’m sure because this Monday I began a month-long commitment to movement and health with ShapelyGirls Fitness. 

 

Zeph. 3:17              The LORD your God is with you,

he is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

he will quiet you with his love,

he will rejoice over you with singing.”

 

So picture the Owner – the Master – in the Vineyard, singing over his vines as he cares for them.

 

My first thoughts run with those of a friend who is going through a valley right now –and then the GPS last night as my path unexpectedly detoured again and again through construction, the call rang out – ‘make a U turn’, ‘make a U turn’…

 

And I’m thinking, shouldn’t I have learned these lessons already?  How did I get here again? 

 

So Monday I begin by responding to the invitation to spend some time in the vineyard. I work out grudgingly because I don’t realize how weak the unstretched muscles have become and how much it hurts to wake them up!

 

Tuesday I acknowledge I have the privilege to live in MY Father’s Vineyard, where I’ll be cared for more tenderly than anywhere else in the world, because He cares for me like no other ever has or will.

 

And the passage from Zephaniah comforts me that the rest of this journey will not only be possible but will, if I rest in the Father’s loving care, be a time of joyful singing – somewhat likely happiness that I made it through that experience (!) and also a celebration that I’ve been so loved – taken care of with DELIGHT (have I so delighted in the fact that He has committed to be with me, not for a month or a year, but forever)

 

That LOVE – His love – has quieted me.

 

Oh, my.

 

It is seldom that I am quiet.  Seldom that I have less than 3 things going at once. (leaving in a few minutes for another).  And this is the quiet you sigh with great release and a peace that all is well with my soul.  His love quiets me like that – satisfies me so I’m not needing to rush about seeking that illusive something to correct the way I feel.  Being close – connected – to the vine, is enough.

 

AND then

He SINGS over me.  His little branch, that time and again says I am too busy for water, I can get by, and then finds out she is wrong…I need to stop, and let the vine sing over me like I’ve sung over my babies, holding them close and letting them feel my heart beating.

 

Ah. It has been a crazy week, and yet, I can already tell, this next one will be even better.

 

Join me, would you, for a month-long retreat in the Vineyard.

 

If you are like me, you will want to experience all there is to enjoy, and you may struggle to relax enough to enjoy it!

 

I’m praying for you this month as a part of my monthly commitment, that you also will be reminded of who is with you in this sometimes-painful journey in the Vineyard.

Inspired also in part by chapter titles from In My Father’s Vineyard, by Wayne Jacobsen…titles used by permission of Thomas Nelson publishers.

 
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Posted by on 10/06/2012 in Living Naturally

 

Oct 1 Shapely Girl Fitness Month

01 Oct

I am one of 27 women reviewing Debra Mazda’s ShapelyGirl Fitness DVD routines.  This will likely be the most unusual 4 part review I’ve ever done for any product. I will be testing the product a minimum of three times a week and reporting/journaling at least once a week.

I did a countdown of detoxing for four days prior to today’s actual performance of a selected routine from Debra Mazda’s ShapelyGirl Fitness DVD Cardio with weights.Areas detoxed included spiritual, emotional (closet), cupboards and refrigerator, and preparing menus, snacks to carry, and a plan to get myself to keep hydrated while increasing my exercise with the ShapelyGirl Fitness routine.

Why would I get so carried away with this?  Because this is my birthday gift to myself.   I want to see less of me by my Nov. 1 birthday!  What a perfect opportunity, I thought, to join this group and have the mutual support, laughter, and encouragement that come from a couple dozen ladies doing such a personal project together.  While I am not quite as comfortable as some to publicly share weight and measurements, I do hope to lose inches and at least one size within the next month.

So here goes! Yikes – DO pray for me – it’s a huge challenge to make this commitment with you all watching, but now I know I won’t want to goof off for the next 30 days!  Appreciate your comments, suggestions as I follow the plan just as if I were one of Debra Mazda’s clients – which includes good nutrition and hydration and

For the record: what I like so far about the DVD:

  1. Debra tells about herself and where she is coming from.  It is refreshing to see a normal size person leading the exercises and to hear her story of change through exercise.
  2. Several routines are on the one DVD, so the pattern can be learned but also used with just cardio,  just weights, or both
  3. A shorter routine also makes it realistic for those days when we want to mix up our exercise with part walking or bike riding and part cardio, just don’t have time for the regular (28  minute including warmup and wrapup) routine or want to add an extra short routine at the end of the day.
  4. A longer routine is also there for those who prefer to do their full day’s exercise in one extended (61 minute) routine.

Suggested weights at the beginning is 3 pound, which all the subjects in the video use, or if desired, 5 pound weights.  It would be thoughtful to mention the suggested equipment on the packaging, in case a purchaser did not have the opportunity to check out the video sample on Debra Mazda’s ShapelyGirlFitness website like I did.

I received a free copy of this Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

 
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Posted by on 10/01/2012 in Integrative Health, Living Naturally

 

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Shapely Girl Countdown minus 2

29 Sep

Only two more days to starting our month of health with ShapelyGirl Fitness.com. 

Today’s preparation is to Remove roadblocks to health!

Detox the cupboards and fridge!

Look for REAL FOOD …

This could take all day :) -

But why not?  If I were having a life-saving surgery, there would be appropriate preparation before the surgery as well as planning for post-surgical health.

Our nutrients and exercise DO maintain our lives, so here goes:

Today’s Goal – Look for downfalls to healthy weight and energy and REMOVE THEM:

Why:  Many (especially the four white standards featured at most fast food restaurants) are chemically addicting, and some cause depression and anxiety – who needs that!

So:  Find a box, or shopping back and read labels to remove:

  1. Corn syrup – especially high fructose corn syrup (for me it is all corn products, and any other GMO grains)
  2. MSG – Monosodium Glutamate (also listed on ingredient panels in up to 40 different ways: http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html)
  3. Processed foods – read the list of chemicals in the label!  Yuck.
  4. White food – flour, refined sugars including sucrose and dextrose, shortening, and processed salt  (either get whole grain flour or consider going gluten free this month)
  5. Especially hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil of any kind
  6. Artificial Sweeteners – NutraSweet, Splenda, Aspartame, Sucrolose, Saccharin, etc.
  7. Nitrites (cause hormonal imbalances, allergies, food cravings, and lead to weight GAIN)
  8. All juices, bottled canned or in cartons – the only exception would be fresh home juicing to be used in recipes

What?!?  That was my reaction to the response of no juice after I proudly told my naturopathic doctor how healthy I was, replacing soda with pure fruit juice.

His response:  when God gave us fruit did He place bottles on the fruit trees?  He knew that I also knew why, if I’d only thought about it – I could consume A LOT MORE SUGAR from just drinking the juice instead of eating the whole fruit.  Not good …

OK – done?

Now, head for your garden or the farmer’s market, and bring in some real food!

Is. 55:2             “Why do you spend money for what is not bread,

And your wages for what does not satisfy?

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,

And delight yourself in abundance.

P.S.  One of the best health websites I have found is SELF Nutrition Data:

http://nutritiondata.self.com/

. Anyalyze your recipies, find your best diet, check the inflammatory reaction of each ingredient and more – make sure you are eating as healthy as you can!

And on the juice – a tidbit from Bellavitae – a Chef’s blog – about how juice is manufactured:

After the oranges are squeezed, the juice is stored in giant holding tanks and, critically, the oxygen is removed from them. That essentially allows the liquid to keep (for up to a year) without spoiling– but that liquid that we think of as orange juice tastes nothing like the Tropicana OJ that comes out of the carton.

In fact, it’s quite flavorless. So, the industry uses “flavor packs” to re-flavor the de-oxygenated orange juice.  When the juice is stripped of oxygen it is also stripped of flavor providing chemicals. Juice companies therefore hire flavor and fragrance companies, the same ones that formulate perfumes for Dior and Calvin Klein, to engineer flavor packs to add back to the juice to make it taste fresh. Flavor packs aren’t listed as an ingredient on the label because technically they are derived from orange essence and oil. Yet those in the industry will tell you that the flavor packs, whether made for reconstituted or pasteurized orange juice, resemble nothing found in nature.

These flavor packs are simply by-products that originate in oranges, so they are considered an “ingredient,” even though they are chemically altered.  What’s the point of drinking juice that is only palatable if it needs to be chemically altered?  Okay, it’s convenient, it’s consistent, and it tastes good.

Fruit juice is high in sugar, devoid of healthy fiber, and high-priced relative to fruit.  I think of fruit juice as a turbo-charged glucose and fructose injection

Drinking juice (or other sugar-loaded processed drinks) delivers sugar directly to the blood stream, which causes inflammation in our body’s cells, resulting in what scientists believe accelerates the aging process.  Oranges in one glass of juice: Three to four.  At 23 grams of sugar per orange (and 92 calories), one glass of juice has 69 more grams of sugar and 276 more calories than merely eating one juicy, satisfying orange.

 
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Posted by on 09/29/2012 in Living Naturally

 

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Unexpected

24 Sep

Have you had good unexpected interruptions?

Often my unexpected interruptions have been the other sort – issues with children, family, health, others’ needs, financial issues, etc. that interrupt ‘my plans’ for the day, or week, or longer.

Last weekend I had a sometimes pleasant and sometimes painful, but all in all a very personal and precious unexpected interruption in Indianapolis, IN.

I’ve been to women’s conferences before and been blessed and taught and inspired to a closer walk with God.  But boy oh boy (funny I should use that expression) the True Woman conference was far more than I’d expected.

Expected:  Good spiritually-based music

Unexpected:  every one of the Getty’s performances were understandable.  Imagine – worshipful and fun music that includes understandable words and wasn’t so loud it hurt.

Expected:  Prayer

Unexpected:   The personal connection of the woman prisoners who prayed for each of us individually, the challenge to pray personally and honestly with not only friends but strangers, and the growing burden to pray for revival in our country

Expected:  Testimonies

Unexpected: Personal videos of women’s stories showing the devastating effects of unforgiveness, bitterness, fierceness (living out Eve’s curse of a desire to dominate the spouse), and lack of repentance.  Personal testimony from their spouses and family members recounting the life-changing relationships when God was put first. Incredibly powerful.

Expected:  Women with hair and clothes and figures that I would long for.

Unexpected: Atmosphere so charged with worship, prayer and modesty, that I honestly cannot recall any of my usual tendency to gawk or wish for whatever I don’t have

Well Known Female Speakers: Joni Tada, Janet Parshall, Nancy Lee DeMoss, Priscella Schirer, Mary Kassian and more.

Unexpected:  Every speaker focused on aspects of God’s divine plan and design for womanhood

Unexpected: Byron Paulus of One Cry – with a tender, thought provoking, and powerful illustrative message that all revival begins with repentance, and the circle story of Gypsy Smith, the English evangelist, was once asked the secret of revival. His reply: “Go home. Take a piece of chalk. Draw a circle around yourself. Then pray, ‘O Lord, revive everything inside this circle.’”  In other words, let it begin with me.

One Cry – A Nationwide call for Revival and Spiritual Awakening

Seeking Him – Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival – by Nancy Leigh DeMoss at Amazon.com

Personal Revival

Expected:  To be blessed

Unexpected:  To be validated and empowered as a woman. Being humbled, affirmed, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word to know that I have been blessed to be created a woman,  called of God and enabled by God to live out the calling of a True Woman without diminishing my husband, thereby enabling him to also fulfill his God-given role.

Unexpected:  Follow-up resources to encourage and enable accountability in fulfilling spiritual and other commitments

What’s Next?   - Resources and links whether or not you were one of the 8000+ women who attended the conference in person or via live-stream

 
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Posted by on 09/24/2012 in Living Naturally

 

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