Thursday, December 25, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Healthy Minute- Magnesium
Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal that our bodies need. To be able to absorb calcium, our bodies need double the magnesium intake to calcium intake. If the magnesium is lower, our bodies can't utilize the calcium even if we're eating an adequate supply.
Magnesium helps our muscles to relax, while calcium helps our muscles to contract. They are opposite sides of the coin that are both needed in our life. Most of the magnesium in our bodies is found in our bones and teeth. So, if you're starting to experience a lot of cavities or osteoporosis, you may want to look into your magnesium intake.
Phosphates, found in sodas, will bind to magnesium in the intestines and sweep it away before our body even has chance to absorb it. So, if we're actually ingesting enough, drinking a lot of soda will negate that.
Not only do sodas destroy our chances of getting enough magnesium, but sweets and caffeine, along with alcoholic beverages, also harm our magnesium supply. They can cause the kidneys to secrete what they have in store.
Stress is another thing that can drain the magnesium from our system. And some studies are showing that depression can be linked to a magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium helps our muscles to relax, while calcium helps our muscles to contract. They are opposite sides of the coin that are both needed in our life. Most of the magnesium in our bodies is found in our bones and teeth. So, if you're starting to experience a lot of cavities or osteoporosis, you may want to look into your magnesium intake.
Phosphates, found in sodas, will bind to magnesium in the intestines and sweep it away before our body even has chance to absorb it. So, if we're actually ingesting enough, drinking a lot of soda will negate that.
Not only do sodas destroy our chances of getting enough magnesium, but sweets and caffeine, along with alcoholic beverages, also harm our magnesium supply. They can cause the kidneys to secrete what they have in store.
Stress is another thing that can drain the magnesium from our system. And some studies are showing that depression can be linked to a magnesium deficiency.
Our production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone rely on sufficient magnesium levels. It is also needed for your thyroid hormone conversion.
How do you know if you're magnesium deficient? It's not going to be found in a blood test, because only around 1% of the bodies magnesium levels show up in the blood. The symptoms can range from anxiety, difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or muscle cramps and spasms to bad memory, body odor, digestive problems, and thyroid issues- to name a few.
Where can you get magnesium? Leafy greens and sea veggies, especially chlorophyll, (because the ocean is abundant in magnesium) are great supplies. Also pumpkin and sunflower seeds, a variety of nuts, black beans, brown rice, and my favorite- dark chocolate! Also, epsom salt baths, magnesium oil, and a drink supplement called Calm are other sources for adding to your magnesium supply.
Note: if you are experiencing loose stools, you should take a cell salt form of magnesium- mag phos- instead of the oral supplements. Loose stools mean that the magnesium is going through you instead of being absorbed by your body. A cell salt would be easily absorbed and transported to the cell.
How do you know if you're magnesium deficient? It's not going to be found in a blood test, because only around 1% of the bodies magnesium levels show up in the blood. The symptoms can range from anxiety, difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep, or muscle cramps and spasms to bad memory, body odor, digestive problems, and thyroid issues- to name a few.
Where can you get magnesium? Leafy greens and sea veggies, especially chlorophyll, (because the ocean is abundant in magnesium) are great supplies. Also pumpkin and sunflower seeds, a variety of nuts, black beans, brown rice, and my favorite- dark chocolate! Also, epsom salt baths, magnesium oil, and a drink supplement called Calm are other sources for adding to your magnesium supply.
Note: if you are experiencing loose stools, you should take a cell salt form of magnesium- mag phos- instead of the oral supplements. Loose stools mean that the magnesium is going through you instead of being absorbed by your body. A cell salt would be easily absorbed and transported to the cell.
What type of magnesium should you take?
Magnesium citrate is perfect if you are having some constipation; it is inexpensive and easily absorbed.
Magnesium taurate contains no laxative properties and is the best for people with cardiovascular issues as it helps prevent arrhythmias and supports the heart.
Magnesium malate is the best magnesium if you are suffering from exhaustion and fatigue as it helps with energy production.
Magnesium glycinate with B6 is a great support for PMS, anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia.
Magnesium chloride is helpful for detoxification of our cells and tissue, and aids our kidney function.
Magnesium bicarbonate is good if you're suffering from indigestion and acid reflux.
Magnesium sulfate, also called epsom salt, is a fantastic relaxation aid for sore, overworked muscles.
For more information, watch the video below:
Monday, December 8, 2014
Training Children In Godliness book review
There is a saying- More is caught than taught. This is absolutely true. Most children end up just like the person that they were around the most. Many times, children seem to reflect some of our worst traits.
The reason for this is because a child becomes like he's been trained to be. 'Tis training for the common mind: just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. And it's very true.
Most of us don't realize that every day we are bending our child into what they will become, whether we like it or not. The way we respond to situations, the things we say and do when we think they aren't watching or listening, our attitude through difficult or trying circumstances all shape the way our children react to the same situations.
In the book Training Children In Godliness, Jacob Abbot addresses the ways we mold our children. He points out that every day we are leading our children into their future lives with certain character traits that will be either a blessing or a hindrance for the rest of their lives.
The reason for this is because a child becomes like he's been trained to be. 'Tis training for the common mind: just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. And it's very true.
Most of us don't realize that every day we are bending our child into what they will become, whether we like it or not. The way we respond to situations, the things we say and do when we think they aren't watching or listening, our attitude through difficult or trying circumstances all shape the way our children react to the same situations.
In the book Training Children In Godliness, Jacob Abbot addresses the ways we mold our children. He points out that every day we are leading our children into their future lives with certain character traits that will be either a blessing or a hindrance for the rest of their lives.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (poem)
A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe-
His craft and pow'r are great, And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He-
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same-
And He must win the battle.
And tho this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thru us.
The prince of darkness grim- we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure-
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow'rs- No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours thru Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred to, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still-
His kingdom is forever.
-Martin Luther
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe-
His craft and pow'r are great, And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, the man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He-
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same-
And He must win the battle.
And tho this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thru us.
The prince of darkness grim- we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure-
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow'rs- No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours thru Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred to, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still-
His kingdom is forever.
-Martin Luther
Friday, December 5, 2014
Believer's Heritage- Phil Kidd
Phil Kidd was born in 1959 in Mississippi. He was the youngest of 5 children.
When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They eventually bought a house next door to a bar. This is where he would grow up. His father was a drinking man, and being around booze was nothing new to him.
His first job was setting up bowling pins in a bar. When the bar closed at 2 am, Phil would go back to the alley and drink the beer that was left in the bottles. By the age of 10, he was drunk every weekend.
At 12, he got another job at another bar making pizzas. Because of his job and his money, he was given a "free" sample of marajuana. This began his drug addiction and put on him on the path of total destruction.
To afford his drug addiction, Phil started to sell drugs.
The only good influences in his life were his Uncle and Aunt, Buford and Florene. They were Christians, but every time they came around Phil ducked out. His father warned him to stay away from religion because it would make him crazy.
At 14, he had broken into a meat packing plant. As he was crawling out the window, he caught the gleam of something and pushed back inside. A flash appeared and a gun shot rang out. He had just missed being shot in the head by a police man. He was arrested and put on probation.
In 1973, he had a $3,000 debt that he couldn't pay. There were multiple attempts on his life around his town and even in his own backyard. One day, at a party, he was drugged, beaten, and left for dead on the railroad tracks. Some neighborhood kids, one was his nephew, found him and moved him before the train came along. They took him home. His Uncle Buford and Aunt Florene were visiting. He didn't know they were there, because he woke up later in the hospital.
Uncle Buford and Aunt Florene made a promise that they would pray for Phil morning and night. Phil didn't find out about this until years later.
Another attempt was made on his life that ended up killing a little girl in their neighborhood. In retaliation, Phil and his friends set the man's house on fire that had pulled the trigger. It left this man and his wife in the hospital with serious burns, and Phil facing two attempted murder charges.
The case was dropped when the police found out that this was the man who murdered the little girl. Instead, the man was arrested, and Phil's case was thrown out.
Phil was selling drugs at his school. He gave a guy some drugs for a party. Later, he found out that the boy had overdosed on those drugs. The boy left a letter that was read at his funeral, "life is a dead end street, and no one has the answers".
When he was 16, he was ready to give up. He got the gun that his father had given him for protection and put it to his head. Before he could pull the trigger, the phone rang. It was his Aunt Florene inviting him to church.
He had never been to church before. He went in and found some of the oddest things he had ever seen! People singing and shouting. Then, an old man named Fred Garland got up and told people they were going to hell. Phil was dumbfounded when people put money in a plate to pay the man for this! He told his aunt that they were crazy, but he went back the next day.
The little, old man got up again and preached on hell. Phil knew he was a sinner. He had no hope. But this old man said there was hope even for him. Phil found himself on his knees accepting Christ as his Savior. On November 22, 1975, Phil found forgiveness and a new life that only Christ could give.
His uncle gave him his first Bible. He practically flew home, burst open his dad's bedroom door, and jumped on the bed holding the Bible. He told his father that he had gotten saved. Then he told his dad that he loved him.
On Sunday, Phil went to church and asked the pastor to mark down some verses about salvation for him. The pastor gave him a small, green Bible that would be easy for him to carry with him.
The next Monday, he brought his Bible to school instead of drugs. He got all the guys together that usually bought drugs from him. "I've got something new for you guys!", began Phil, and he told them the gospel.
In 1978, Phil was called to preached. He went to Bible college. He led a woman named Leslie to the Lord. His first convert turned out to be the woman he would marry.
They have 4 children together and travel all over the United States preached the hope that he found so long ago.
For 36 years, this man has told anyone willing to listen about the Savior that could save a sinner and change his life. Phil stands for the truth and looks to give hope to those whom the world has chosen to ignore. He is currently the pastor at Emmaus Baptist Chruch in Tennessee. Click here to visit his website.
Many of his sermons can be heard on youtube.
When he was 2 years old, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. They eventually bought a house next door to a bar. This is where he would grow up. His father was a drinking man, and being around booze was nothing new to him.
His first job was setting up bowling pins in a bar. When the bar closed at 2 am, Phil would go back to the alley and drink the beer that was left in the bottles. By the age of 10, he was drunk every weekend.
At 12, he got another job at another bar making pizzas. Because of his job and his money, he was given a "free" sample of marajuana. This began his drug addiction and put on him on the path of total destruction.
To afford his drug addiction, Phil started to sell drugs.
The only good influences in his life were his Uncle and Aunt, Buford and Florene. They were Christians, but every time they came around Phil ducked out. His father warned him to stay away from religion because it would make him crazy.
At 14, he had broken into a meat packing plant. As he was crawling out the window, he caught the gleam of something and pushed back inside. A flash appeared and a gun shot rang out. He had just missed being shot in the head by a police man. He was arrested and put on probation.
In 1973, he had a $3,000 debt that he couldn't pay. There were multiple attempts on his life around his town and even in his own backyard. One day, at a party, he was drugged, beaten, and left for dead on the railroad tracks. Some neighborhood kids, one was his nephew, found him and moved him before the train came along. They took him home. His Uncle Buford and Aunt Florene were visiting. He didn't know they were there, because he woke up later in the hospital.
Uncle Buford and Aunt Florene made a promise that they would pray for Phil morning and night. Phil didn't find out about this until years later.
Another attempt was made on his life that ended up killing a little girl in their neighborhood. In retaliation, Phil and his friends set the man's house on fire that had pulled the trigger. It left this man and his wife in the hospital with serious burns, and Phil facing two attempted murder charges.
The case was dropped when the police found out that this was the man who murdered the little girl. Instead, the man was arrested, and Phil's case was thrown out.
Phil was selling drugs at his school. He gave a guy some drugs for a party. Later, he found out that the boy had overdosed on those drugs. The boy left a letter that was read at his funeral, "life is a dead end street, and no one has the answers".
When he was 16, he was ready to give up. He got the gun that his father had given him for protection and put it to his head. Before he could pull the trigger, the phone rang. It was his Aunt Florene inviting him to church.
He had never been to church before. He went in and found some of the oddest things he had ever seen! People singing and shouting. Then, an old man named Fred Garland got up and told people they were going to hell. Phil was dumbfounded when people put money in a plate to pay the man for this! He told his aunt that they were crazy, but he went back the next day.
The little, old man got up again and preached on hell. Phil knew he was a sinner. He had no hope. But this old man said there was hope even for him. Phil found himself on his knees accepting Christ as his Savior. On November 22, 1975, Phil found forgiveness and a new life that only Christ could give.
His uncle gave him his first Bible. He practically flew home, burst open his dad's bedroom door, and jumped on the bed holding the Bible. He told his father that he had gotten saved. Then he told his dad that he loved him.
On Sunday, Phil went to church and asked the pastor to mark down some verses about salvation for him. The pastor gave him a small, green Bible that would be easy for him to carry with him.
The next Monday, he brought his Bible to school instead of drugs. He got all the guys together that usually bought drugs from him. "I've got something new for you guys!", began Phil, and he told them the gospel.
In 1978, Phil was called to preached. He went to Bible college. He led a woman named Leslie to the Lord. His first convert turned out to be the woman he would marry.
They have 4 children together and travel all over the United States preached the hope that he found so long ago.
For 36 years, this man has told anyone willing to listen about the Savior that could save a sinner and change his life. Phil stands for the truth and looks to give hope to those whom the world has chosen to ignore. He is currently the pastor at Emmaus Baptist Chruch in Tennessee. Click here to visit his website.
Many of his sermons can be heard on youtube.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Indian Chicken Masala recipe
1 lb chicken breast, cubed
1 cup sour cream
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS grated ginger
2 TBS butter
1 onion, diced
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
1 TBS Patak's concentrated curry paste
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Combine the sour cream, garlic, and ginger into a gallon sized ziploc bag. Add the cubed chicken and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
Cook the chicken in a large skillet until no longer pink. Set aside.
In a large pot, cook the onion in the butter, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, and Patak's sauce.
Once the onion is translucent, add the can of crushed tomatoes and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the cream and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer.
Add in the chicken and simmer for 10 minutes more.
Serve over rice.
1 cup sour cream
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS grated ginger
2 TBS butter
1 onion, diced
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp minced garlic
1 TBS Patak's concentrated curry paste
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
Combine the sour cream, garlic, and ginger into a gallon sized ziploc bag. Add the cubed chicken and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
Cook the chicken in a large skillet until no longer pink. Set aside.
In a large pot, cook the onion in the butter, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, garlic, and Patak's sauce.
Once the onion is translucent, add the can of crushed tomatoes and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the cream and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer.
Add in the chicken and simmer for 10 minutes more.
Serve over rice.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Funny Happenings- Talking Animals
As a Christian mother, I have learned that you need to constantly point your child to the Bible. I've also learned that children come up with the oddest things!
My son was talking about random things when one of the sentences that came out of his mouth caught my attention. "If you hear a talking squirrel you should run, cause it's probably demon possessed!"
I looked at him and replied, "That may not be true. God used a donkey in the Bible to talk to a prophet that wouldn't listen to anyone else."
He smiled and said, "I know. But a talking squirrel... that's just unnatural!"
My son was talking about random things when one of the sentences that came out of his mouth caught my attention. "If you hear a talking squirrel you should run, cause it's probably demon possessed!"
I looked at him and replied, "That may not be true. God used a donkey in the Bible to talk to a prophet that wouldn't listen to anyone else."
He smiled and said, "I know. But a talking squirrel... that's just unnatural!"
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Monday, December 1, 2014
Finding Boaz
As my girls are getting older, I think more about them finding a Christian husband. Not one in name, but one in deed.
The story that I look to is Ruth. How did Ruth find Boaz? Was it chance? Was it Providence? Was it a cunning trap?
I think we first have to look at the character of Ruth. It is said that "A woman must be so lost in God that a man has to get close to Him to find her." I truly believe that is how a young lady will find a godly man, and vice versa.
The story begins with Elimelech taking his family into a heathen country because of a famine.
Ruth 1:1- Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
Ruth was a Moabite. She wasn't a Jew. She was raised in a heathen country by ungodly parents. And she caught the attention of one of these Jewish boys.
Ruth 1:3-5- And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons. And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years. And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.
All the men died. And the mother, Naomi, decided it was time to go back to her home. And here is where we see the first glimpse of how Ruth found Boaz. Ruth wasn't Jewish. She had no children. She had family in the country they were living in. And her husband was dead. There was no obligation for her to stay with her mother-in-law. But, Ruth had spent 10 years with this woman and she recognized there was something about her. Ruth chose to leave everything she knew behind for this woman.
Ruth 1:16-17- And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Ruth and Naomi made the long trek back to Bethlehem in Judah. There, we see another attribute of Ruth. Not only was she willing to leave everything she knew with no promise of a better future, but she was also a hard worker. She took care of Naomi.
Ruth 2:3, 17-18 -And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech. So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley. And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.
Ruth caught the eye of the owner of the field. In fact, she caught the eye of many different people in the town. When Boaz asked who she was, he got an answer right away. And he knew she was a good woman by the report the people gave him of her. She wasn't trying to catch a man's eye. She was just trying to do right!
And here, we see the next thing that makes Ruth special. She could've been looking for a suitor- handsome, rich, young, intelligent. But instead, she obeyed Naomi in following the customs of the Jews.
Can you imagine how awkward it was for Ruth to hear about laying down by Boaz feet after she uncovered them? The humility it must have taken for her to hear "There is someone else who can marry you and I have to ask them if they want you first"? And the patience she had to exhibit when she went home and had to wait to see whose wife she would become?
Ruth 3:11- And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.
Wow! The entire city thought of her as a virtuous woman. The stranger who left all to go with her mother-in-law was thought of in a respectable manner by the entire town!
If Ruth hadn't been a hard worker she never would've gotten Boaz attention. If she hadn't submitted and humbled herself she never would've gained his favor. And if she hadn't waited she never would've gotten the blessing of his hand.
Too many Christian young people are sidelined by the devil because they think they need to be searching for their spouse. God never told you to search for your spouse. He said to work for Him and He would bring you what you need.
Psalm 37:3-5- Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
How did Ruth find Boaz? She trusted God. She delighted in doing what was right, even when it was difficult. And she was committed to having a virtuous testimony. And God gave her the desires of her heart. He brought it to pass!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)