The Road to Hell (video sermon)

What God Hath Prepared

We don't really consider much about the depth of God's creation. We see the shades of colors, the differences in the textures, or the variety of species all around us. But have you ever considered how thoroughly God made each item. From the amino acids to the metabolic pathways, he put everything together in such a way that it works synergistically for our good.

It's when things get out of whack in the environment or our bodies that disease thrives. This is how sin has affected our planet and our persons.

God's original creation was a magnus opus of perfection. I can't imagine what He has prepared for the future even though the Bible tries to tell us all about it.

I Corinthians 2:9- But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I've seen some beautiful places on earth. Landscaping and architecture have reached some impressive heights all around the world. But even these cannot compare to what God has prepared for us in heaven!

John 14:2- In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Jesus told the disciples that His father's house had many mansions in it. If you read through Revelation 21 and the description of New Jerusalem you would see that the new versions changing that to "rooms" is incorrect. It's going to be a huge, amazing place with mansions and golden streets and rivers and trees!

And that is just the beginning!

Isaiah 65:17,20,25 - For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

A completely new planet, if you would. But that's just the start of it. 

II Peter 3:13- Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Not only will there be an amazing new earth, but a regenerated universe. All the stars and planets will be what God had originally intended for them to be.

When this happens, it will be an eternal change.

Revelation 21:1, 3,4- And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Before all this happens, however, there will be a judgment.

Hebrews 9:27- And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Each person will stand before God and give an account of  his actions, thoughts, and choices.

Daniel 12:2- And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

Matthew 25:46-And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

First, the everlasting punishment was never meant for humanity. It was created for one species, and then repurposed for humanity when Adam sinned and condemned the human race.

Matthew 25:41- Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Hell was prepared as a place of eternal punishment for Satan and the angels that rebelled against God. If you end up going there you'll be an eternal misfit in a place that wasn't originally intended for you.

The main reason people will end up in this place is simply because of one decision- whether they accepted Christ as their Savior or whether they rejected Him.

What will you do with Jesus? The religious leaders of the Jewish nation had Him crucified. They rejected Him as their Messiah. But each person has a choice.

Romans 5:17- For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Adam's choice already condemned us. Not making a choice is accepting what is the default position- damnation.

1 Corinthians 15:22- For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Romans 5:9- Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

We don't have to pay for our sins because Christ already paid for them. We just have to make the choice to have that payment applied to our account.

Romans 10:9,13- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Once you make this choice, you will never have to worry about your eternal destination ever again. For all time and eternity hinges on the answer to this question, "What will you do with Jesus?"  

Ephesians 3:20-21- Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

The Secret Garden

 The Bible begins with "In the beginning" and then tells of God as the Creator. But not long into the book, God plants a garden in Eden. 

I've never been good at gardening. I actually have a black thumb, because everything I attempt to grow ends up dying.

But, in Song of Solomon, there is a description of a secret garden that is for the woman and her love.

Song of Solomon 4:12-16 - A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices: A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

I'll point out some of the things that stand out to me, and if you approach this with prayer, I think you'll also see some amazing things from the plants mentioned here.

This garden is enclosed, meaning it's private, not a public park with access to all, but a special, personal place. And there are specifics that we should take note of in this garden. Some are mentioned as a single plant, while others are mentioned in combination. Words matter to God, and the mixtures have just as much of a meaning as each word does.

This garden has a spring of water that is a sealed fountain. A spring and fountain is a source that just keeps flowing. This  water is coming from somewhere else into the garden. It's the water of life that is given continually to the Christian. It's sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise never to be taken away.

Psalm 36:9- For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Revelation 21:6- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

Ephesians 4:30- And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

JUST A NOTE: The day of redemption is what we refer to as the rapture of the Church. The rules change when that happens.

In this garden, there are different plants mentioned. Researching these on both the internet and the Bible reveals some interesting qualities. Of course, I can't mention everything, but if you see something please feel free to leave me a comment!

The pomegranate is a fruit-bearing shrub in the family Lythraceae, subfamily Punicoideae, that grows between 15 to 30 feet  tall. Pomegranate fruit has many seeds inside which are encased in red juice.  The pomegranate was originally native to Iran and Northern India. In the Bible, there are pictures or etches all throughout the tabernacle and Solomon' temple.

Pomegranates are low in calories and fat but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Benefits include antioxidants, heart health, urinary health, exercise endurance, helps with inflammation, has antimicrobial properties, and is good for the brain.

Song of Solomon 6:7- As a piece of a pomegranate are thy temples within thy locks.

Song of Solomon 4:3- Thy lips are like a thread of scarlet, and thy speech is comely: thy temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within thy locks.

It's described as the temple of the head, the part between the eye socket and the hairline and is connected with our thoughts. God is very interested in our thoughts. We are to gird up the loins of our mind- keep our thoughts under control.

Philippians 4:8- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Thoughts become actions. If we aren't careful, the devil can plant enough thoughts that we mess up our lives dwelling on them, and then eventually acting on them.

Camphire is an archaic name for henna. Henna is a flowering plant and one of the only two species of the genus Lawsonia that is best known for its use in dyes. It is also from the  Lythraceae family (like the pomegranate). It only grows to be about 6 to 25 feet tall, and is native to northern Africa, Asia and northern Australia, where the air is semi-arid and tropical. Natural henna produces a rich red-brown stain which can darken in the days after it is first applied and last for several weeks.

Camphire is only mentioned twice in the Bible, both in the Song of Solomon.

It's interesting that Jews are known for being "ruddy" and henna in its natural form produces a red-brown stain. Blood also stains a reddish brown. It seems God likes His people to have a "red-brown" look to them. Are you washed in the blood?

Spikenard is a class of aromatic amber-colored essential oil derived from Nardostachys jatamansi, a flowering plant in the honeysuckle family which grows in the Himalayas of Nepal, China, and India.  the plant grows to about 3 feet in height and has small, pink, bell-shaped flowers. It is found at an altitude of about 9,800 to 16,400 feet. The plant and its oil have been used since ancient times in traditional medicines, and the oil, derived from its woody rhizomes, is used in religious ceremonies. During the time of the Roman Empire, it was the main ingredient in perfumes.

There's something about God and mountaintops. God gave His Law to Moses on a mountaintop. The ark rested on a mountain. Christ may not have been on a mountain, but He was crucified on a hill. God is always encouraging us to go onward and upward.

As a relative of the valerian plant, spikenard may promote mood and emotional health. Spikenard can relax the brain and cardiovascular system, acting as a “strong hypnotic cerebral sedative” and a cardiovascular relaxant. It can be used for inflammatory conditions, pulling excess heat out of the head and upper body.

Aside from Song of Solomon, the only other mention of Spikenard in the Bible is when Mary, Lazarus' sister, used it to anoint Christ before He was crucified.

John 12:3- Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

We think of ointment as a medicine, but in the Bible it appears that ointment is also for pleasure.

Proverbs 27:9- Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus". The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. It also contains a carotenoid pigment, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles. It is believed that saffron originated in Iran. However, Greece and Mesopotamia have also been suggested as the possible region of origin of this plant.

It is a sterile triploid form, which means that three homologous sets of chromosomes make up each specimen's genetic complement. Being sterile, the purple flowers fail to produce viable seeds; reproduction hinges on human assistance: clusters of corms, underground, bulb-like, starch-storing organs, must be dug up, divided, and replanted. 

That is a lot of information! This plant has three genetic compliments that make up just one plant, just like there are three parts to God- The Father (soul), The Son (body), and The Holy Spirit. But it relies on humans to spread and grow. It sounds a lot like the Christian walk!

Matthew 28:19-20- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Only in October, after most other flowering plants have released their seeds, do its brilliantly hued flowers develop; they range from a light pastel shade of lilac to a darker and more striated mauve. The flowers possess a sweet, honey-like fragrance. Upon flowering, the plants are 8–12 inches in height and bear up to four flowers. A three-pronged style emerges from each flower. Each prong terminates with a vivid crimson stigma.

Saffron is considered the most expensive spice in the world. It's an antioxidant, helps treat depression, and can benefit your heart, sight, and mind. 

This plant is only mentioned in this one verse of the Bible. God finds it important enough to mention in our personal garden, but nowhere else in the Scriptures. This is very unique, and perhaps just as individual as your relationship with Him.

Calamus is an interesting one to me. Its a perennial that grows in marshes, swamps, and other wetland habitats. The entire plant is aromatic and has sword-shaped leaves and tiny, greenish-yellow flowers. Calamus is a member of the Araceae family and also goes by the names of acorus, sweet calamus, sweetflag and vacha. It is native throughout Asia, from India to Japan and the Philippines and from Indonesia to Siberia. It is thought that chemicals in calamus cause muscle relaxation and sleepiness. These chemicals might also reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, and kill insects.

This plant with sword-shaped leaves grows right next to water, in fact, I'd dare to say that it wouldn't grow strong unless it had a constant supply of water! 

Psalms 1:3- And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Ephesians 5:26- That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

If you stay close to the water, then you'll grow. If your source of water starts to move away your relationship will wither. This plant needs water and is shaped like a sword- both things that represent the Scriptures.

Ephesians 6:17- And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Hebrews 4:12- For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

As you train with the sword, you should grow stronger and become more familiar with difficult techniques. As you study your Bible, you should also grow stronger and become more familiar with the secrets that God has hidden for those who dig.

In the Bible, this plant is used in the anointing oil. Yet, it is only mentioned three times in the Bible.

Exodus 30:23-25- Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.

Only five ingredients go into the anointing oil- myrrh, calamus, cinnamon, cassia, and olive oil.

Three of these are mentioned right here in our secret garden- myrrh, calamus, and cinnamon.

Cinnamon is probably a common household spice. I don't know many people who have not had cinnamon. Used as a spice for thousands of years, cinnamon comes from the inner bark of various species of cinnamon trees. Cinnamon is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar. The leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots of cinnamon trees have also been used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. It has antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and can protect your heart and your mind.

Cinnamon is mentioned four times in the Bible.

The verse we're looking at bundles three plants together. First, it puts spikenard and saffron together. Then, it puts calamus and cinnamon together. And lastly, it groups frankincense, myrrh, and aloes in a grouping.

When most people hear frankincense and myrrh, they probably think of the Bible story and it being one of the presents brought to Jesus from the wise men. Both frankincense and myrrh are actually mentioned 17 times throughout Scripture. Most references of frankincense involve the priesthood or offerings, while myrrh references purification or perfume. 

Frankincense in theology is associated with priesthood; Myrrh in theology is associated with prophets. As for aloes, I think I see it in verses with either blessings or suffering, and sometimes as human beings with limited "sight" we can't always tell the difference between those two things.

Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. Originating from Africa, India, and the Middle East, it's harvested by incisions (little, purposeful cuts) made in the trunks of the trees which exudes as a milk like juice that hardens on exposure to air. Frankincense is a natural astringent that can help with breathing, healing, and preventing illness.

Myrrh is a gum-resin extracted from a number of small, thorny tree species of the genus Commiphora.  Myrrh is harvested by repeatedly wounding the trees to bleed the gum, which is waxy and coagulates quickly. After the harvest, the gum becomes hard and glossy. It is native to Somalia, Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Somali Region of Ethiopia and parts of Saudi Arabia.

Myrrh kills harmful bacteria and parasites, helps with healing, significantly reduces pain from headaches and sore muscles, and was traditionally used to help stop bleeding. In the Bible, it was mixed with wine and they tried to give it to Christ while He was on the cross, yet He refused it.

All throughout Christ's life, there was Frankincense and Myrrh in the background. They show up at His birth, and they are found again at His death.

Aloes is mentioned five times in the Bible. However, this is not aloe vera that we have in abundance in America, but lign aloes, an Oriental tree with a fragrant wood.  This species of plant belongs in the Thymelaeaceae family. It is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The resin, formed almost entirely in the heart wood, is produced by the tree in response to infection by a parasitic mold. The tree grows to be 18 to 60 feet tall, with yellowish-green flowers and bears a fruit that is a woody capsule.

Numbers 24:6- As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters.

Modern botanists distinguish two kinds; the one genuine and most precious, the other more common and inferior. Only those well versed in it can tell the difference, and the genuine one is said to be very rare and worth its weight in gold.

There are many Bible versions out there, but there is one that is most precious. The differences are many, but the thing that sticks out the most in reference to these plants are that they are native to East of Israel. The King James Version (just one, genuine and precious version) is translated from Manuscripts that come from Antioch, Syria (Northeast of Israel) while all the other translations (more than 300 at last count) come form manuscripts found in Alexandria, Egypt (Southwest of Israel).

Remember that garden that God planted? Its opening was in the east.

Genesis 3:24- So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

The Old City of Jerusalem is surrounded by a wall containing eight major gates. The Eastern Gate, facing the Mount of Olives across the Kidron Valley, is unique in that it is completely sealed shut.  Interestingly enough, this gate is also called the Golden Gate, the Beautiful Gate, and the Gate of Mercy. Jewish tradition states that the Messiah will pass through the Eastern Gate when He comes to rule. 

Ezekiel 43:2- And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Ezekiel 44:1-2- Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

The Eastern gate is right behind the temple. Calvary is guessed to be on the Northwest, outside of the city. Christ would have been led out the west side through what is known as the 'Judgment Gate" towards Golgotha, as the Hebrews called it, or Calvary, as the Greeks called it.

Myrrh, aloes, and cassia are connected with how Christ smells. He smells of these three things as He sits on His throne.

Psalms 45:6-8-Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.

Myrrh and aloe are also connected with suffering. Its these two that He was wrapped in before being placed in the tomb.

John 19:38-40- And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Are we seeing a pattern yet?  All of these have a cleansing or healing effect on the body, many of them have attributes that help the heart and mind. And, they are known for their pleasant scent.

I would love to be in a place that has all these plants and smell the aroma wafting through the air. Some of these would surround the springing fountain of water while others would shade a cozy place to lay under. It would be an amazingly peaceful place!

None of these are native to Israel, they're all a transplant to the region brought in for a specific purpose, to give a pleasurable scent that bids the lovers to come spend time in solitude with each other.

Philippians 4:18- But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

The Bible deals with mainly two groups of people split between types: Jew and Gentile. But when these come together, they make up the most beautiful combination imagined- the Church!

Ephesians 5:27- That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Song of Solomon 4:7- Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

What if I had Quit? (video sermon)

Healthy Minute- Reset Your Hormones

 So, this post took a long time to actually get written. It was a few years of personal living, trying, failing, and learning before I got somewhere that actually helped.

About five years ago I realized something was wrong with my body. I just felt tired all the time, my hair was thinning, and deodorant quit working. I knew I needed some help, but I didn't know where to turn. So, I went to my doctor and told her all these things. She ordered blood tests, hormone panels, and did a female exam. The diagnosis? You are the picture of health! You're probably feeling tired because you have kids.

That was annoying, because I knew something was off. Yeah, I ate healthy. I took supplements. I exercised and got sunshine. I just went back to living life as best as I could with the hand I was dealt. And I slowly got more tired, my joints started to ache, I didn't heal like I should or it took much longer than it should to heal, and I started to pack on the pounds. 

After not being able to walk for a week because I overdid it one day and wasn't healing properly, and  needing to buy new clothing because I had put on 25 pounds, I decided to try another doctor. This time I got some clues. She said that I had a hormonal imbalance and nutritional deficiencies, and that there was a lack of good gut bacteria in my body.

Well, I started doing some research. I read Super Gut by William Davis and started making my own homemade yogurt. I also started adding in scoops off fiber to my diet. Along with these steps, I started to take some probiotics that he suggested. I even added in a modified exercise program to build some muscle and endurance.

While I did notice some benefits, I was still a stuck overweight and the scale was only climbing! Plus, if I worked out too hard, I would find myself  hurting for days while my muscles tried to recover. Then I read the Hormone Reset Diet by Sara Gottfried.

She gave a 21-day hormone reset diet to "defrag" the hormonal hard drive. I figured, "Why not?" I'd already tried going vegan, doing keto, a juice cleanse, and a colon cleanse. What could it hurt?

Here's the basics of it. You eliminate one food group every three days, and continue leaving it out for the duration of the diet. Each group removed correlated to a specific hormone reset.

Days 1-3: Estrogen

• Forgo beef, pork, and alcohol.
• Eat 1 pound of organic veggies daily
• Increase your fiber intake
• Add in good fats

Days 4-6: Insulin

• Limit carbs to between 20g to 49g net daily (subtract your fiber grams from your total carb grams)
• Cut sugar (no more than 15g of natural sugar daily; the kind you find in fruits and veggies)
• Consume clean protein with each meal
• Eat probiotic foods

 Days 7-9: Leptin

• Restrict fructose intake to 20g or less veggies and fruits daily
• Restrict fruits to berries, coconut, avocado, and olives
• Start your day with protein within 30 minutes of waking
• Stop snacking and eat only 3 meals a day

Days 10-12: Cortisol

• Eliminate all caffeine
• No more than one ounce of 80% or higher dark chocolate
• Get at least 20 minutes of sunlight in the morning hours
• Exercise after dinner, but 2 hours before bed (30 minutes; 4 days a week)

Days 13-15: Thyroid

• Cut out all grains
• Eat half of your veggies cooked and half of them raw
• Avoid night shade fruits and veggies
• Only whole fermented, non GMO soy (like natto) is allowed, but limit to twice weekly

Days 16-18: Growth hormone

• Remove all dairy products (including yogurt and kefir)
• Substitute butter with ghee
• Eat your largest meal at lunchtime
• Try to incorporate HIIT workouts

Days 19-21: Testosterone

• Replace toxic products like personal cleansing products, perfumes, and cleaning products
• Start your day with a glass of hot water with lemon juice
• Add in a good multivitamin, magnesium, etc. for what you may be deficient in
• Use real salt and other mineral containing ingredients when preparing your food

It's a pretty easy protocol to follow. And even though it is a little restrictive, it's only 3 weeks long. I decided to do a rotation of four simple salads for lunch and four simple soups for dinner, along with eggs and some veggies for breakfast.

Even though I generally eat very clean and healthy, I do have some areas that need work. My breakfasts generally consist of two eggs made in real butter. My lunches are an Orgain plant-based protein shake with an IQ Bar. I make my own yogurt and fiber blend. And my dinners are generally homemade and contain mostly whole foods but this is where I get most of my dairy in the form of cheese and my simple carbs in the form of rice, white potatoes, and pasta. Changing things up really wasn't that difficult for me since I was already accustomed to cooking my meals from scratch. The biggest challenge would be meal prepping soups and salads to get more veggies into my daily meals. I did have to add in an Orgain shake and an IQ bar just to get all my necessary calories; without them I was barely eating 1,200 a day!

Let me tell you, the caffeine was the hardest hit for me! I was up to four cups a day just to make it through to bedtime. So, when I first read the book, I took a few weeks to slowly wean myself off before beginning the protocol. I started by replacing my fourth cup around 3PM with decaff. Next, I drank only one cup of regular in the morning instead of two. After a few days, I dropped the 3PM decaff. Then, I switched my cup of coffee at work to decaff. By this step, I was ready to begin the diet. The final step was to eliminate my work cup of coffee, and then convert my morning cup of coffee to decaff. By day 10, I quit drinking it all together and was right where I should be with the protocol.

I've been using Limelife skincare products, so I didn't need to remove any toxic skincare. However, the my cleaning products were in need for a reset, so I used the first few days to research which would work for me and then replaced them slowly as our budget could afford.

I found myself with less energy than usual, so I did old school Callanetics along with just a few synergistic weighted exercises (modified for my own health and physical needs). I didn't workout every day because I generally feel pretty tired or I'm surrounded with children and I don't want to be swinging weights or laying down on the floor to get trampled.

I also incorporated a few days of  "grounding"(going outside without shoes and letting my body "connect" with the earth), however in the South, you just get attacked by bugs whenever you're out too long, so I didn't get to do too much of that! 

At night time, I did about 15 minutes of Wim Hoff breathing exercises after my prayers and before trying to falling asleep; I usually prayed throughout doing these when I would remember something I had forgotten to mention earlier.

My last doctor had given me the name of a great multi-vitamin and urged me to take it along with a few other vitamin and mineral supplements. So, I was getting my nutrition covered with the extra Vitamin C and D, plus magnesium and iron. She also encouraged me to include a digestive enzyme into my day so that I could get all the goodies in my food. Let's just say the last 3 days were a breeze!

I got this food journal to help with logging everything. And I used My Fitness Pal app to get the calories, carbs, fat, and protein in each food item. Yes, I did weigh  some of my fresh veggies on a food scale to get an accurate amount for my calculations.

I know that you're probably wondering about the results.

I didn't lose a ton of weight, though the scale did go down about 5 pounds. This is significant because up until this point it has only gone up! I did sleep about an average of 8 hours each night with few wake up period throughout the night, and those were very small compared to the usual half and hour or longer that I was waking. 

My deep sleep isn't the greatest. That's probably because I'm going through perimenopause. You're suppose to get at least an hour and a half of deep sleep so that your body can heal, and I generally don't get much at all. On this protocol I was averaging about 45 minutes of deep sleep.

Would I do this diet again? Yes. I think it's probably a good idea to try at least once a year, if not a few times a year to give your diet and lifestyle a reboot. I'm also incorporating some of these changes into my everyday life, like salads for lunch and more veggies in my dinner.

Who knew messed up hormones could cause so much trouble! I learned so much about working with my cycle to find the balance my body needed. I hope my journey encourages and helps you!

Let Me Be the One to Say Thank You (song)

The Last Call Of Mercy (poem)

Tis the last call of mercy that lingers for thee;

Oh! And will you receive it? To Jesus now flee!

He often has called you, but you have refused

His offered salvation, and love is abused.


If you heed not this warning now offered at last,

Yours will be a sad mourning—the harvest is past;

Salvation I’ve slighted, the summer is o’er,

And now there is pardon, sweet pardon, no more.


Tis the last call of mercy, oh, turn not away,

For now swiftly is hasting the dread vengeance day;

The Spirit invites you, and pleads with you, come!

Oh, come to Life’s waters, nor thirstingly roam.


Tis the last call of mercy, oh, steel not your heart,

Even now she is rising from earth to depart;

The Bride is now calling—”You thirsty souls, come!”

Oh, come with the ransomed, in heaven there’s room!


Tis the last call of mercy that lingers for thee,

Break away from your bondage, oh, brother be free!

Be not a sad mourner—the harvest is past;

The summer is ended, and perish at last!

-author unknown