Thursday, April 12, 2012

A Word From the Wise


The Path of Seeking God First

The Creator did not send his Son for the righteous, he came to seek and save the lost in the loss of pride, ego and material things - faith and trust abound if you did not have any faith before - you will when you are done.

Come as you are - broken and God makes you whole and new-cleans you up and gives you a new job, new tasks, new outlook. He's in the business of creating new things to make you full, deep and abundant.
5 values to base your path on
1. Love God - set Him first.
2. Love Others - serving others fulfills the love.
3. Invest/Invite - if another person is willing to come to church, bring them.
4. Read a verse daily - fuels the spirit and heals the mind.
5. Financial peace - 10/10/80 rule. Save 10%, give 10%, live off 80%. It works with surprise.

These tools will help you to grow stronger everyday. Where is the light and hope in a world full of more and more darkness? YOU. Jesus, through the Spirit that is in you, transforms "stinking thinking" into good thinking and leads you as a light through a dark world. Through Him, you are transformed.

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Message from God to You

ABOUT THIS VIDEO:
This original version of the Father's Love Letter narration was first created in 2001. Special thanks to narrator Roy Lamont and Robert Critchley for producing the music. We now have two other extended versions (10 minutes) of this video available as well. (Click on the title for more information)

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Bad is Good!

9 Bad Habits that Are Good for You

coffee, beer, stressed 

coffee, beer, stress

By Jessica Girdwain

Look at the Bright Side

When it comes to your health, some missteps are OK to make from time to time. In fact, many of these so-called mistakes, such as downing coffee and forgetting to take your vitamins, can actually help you improve your health, feel better faster and boost your mood. Learn the nine "bad" habits you should keep and how to make them work for you.









You drink a huge cup of coffee in the morning... and pour yourself a refill (or two)

WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
A couple of cups of joe may perk you up in more ways than you think. Coffee gets a bad rap because of the caffeine, but it may actually help regulate your mood. A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine showed that women who drank two to three cups of coffee daily had a 15% lower risk of depression. Photo by iStock
"Caffeine helps activate the brain chemicals involved in mood, like dopamine and serotonin," says study author Alberto Ascherio, MD, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health. Coffee is also a rich source of antioxidants and other healthy compounds that may help protect against cancer, according to new research. One caveat: If you don't drink coffee, don't start (caffeine is a stimulant and can cause jitters or an upset stomach in some people). But if you're a java lover, consider this permission to pour yourself an extra cup.
Learn 7 surprising things about your morning cup of joe.

You allow the Debbie Downer in you to sneak out
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
Think you should force yourself to stay positive (no matter what) when difficult things happen? Think again: Research shows that the key to long-term happiness may actually be dropping the "Everything's fine!" act. A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that newlyweds who remained positive in the face of negative but controllable circumstances (problems at work, financial issues) experienced more symptoms of depression four years later than people who looked at situations in a less positive (and more accurate) light. Photo by iStock
"Being realistic drives people to take steps to improve their lives, which helps ease stress and sadness," says study author Erin O'Mara, PhD, an assistant professor at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Also, forcing yourself to stay positive often means you may be suppressing worries or other emotions, which can be unhealthy. Changing your outlook can be as simple as saying to yourself, "We're in debt. What's the first thing we can do to start digging out?" instead of denying the situation.
Discover 9 ways to think more positively.

You forget to take your vitamins
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
Although vitamins can fill in the gaps to make sure you get all the nutrients your body needs (a perfect diet all the time is next to impossible!), there's a downside to always popping a vitamin. It may make you reach for the bag of potato chips instead of an apple-and skip your workout to boot, reveals a new study published in Psychological Science. Photo by iStock
Researchers found that taking a multivitamin every day may make you feel like you have the leeway to blow off other healthy habits-like grabbing dinner at the drive-thru rather than eating right or channel surfing instead of taking a walk, notes Benjamin Caballero, MD, PhD, a professor of pediatrics, nutrition and international health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
In general, your body best absorbs nutrients in their natural form, so rather than relying on vitamins, focus on eating a healthy diet packed with whole foods. If you do take vitamins, remind yourself that they don't replace a healthy diet and exercise or provide a buffer against unhealthy habits.
Find out which 5 nutrients you need the most-and how to get them.
You get angry-and show it! WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
"Anger is actually a good emotion that's often misunderstood or irrationally used," says Mary Lamia, PhD, a clinical psychologist in Kentfield, CA. "It motivates you to take action and remedy situations that are wrong." The key is figuring out how to appropriately channel your anger rather than lash out. Dr. Lamia lays out the three easy steps: Photo by Thinkstock
1) Figure out exactly what triggered your anger. Was it the rude comment your coworker made during lunch?
2) Consider any other emotions that may be behind your anger. Do you feel embarrassed about the snide remark she made in front of other people? Are you really unhappy with your job but afraid of change, so you don't look elsewhere?
3) Plan a course of action to fix the situation. Have a conversation with your coworker to find out why she made that comment. Check job boards and see what other opportunities are out there.
A good rule: Always "sleep on it" or take some time before reacting. The physiological effects of a triggered emotion affect how you think, says Dr. Lamia. Giving yourself a few hours can help you clearly think through what's going on and the best action to take.
Boost your mood with these easy tips.
You drink beer WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
Red wine gets all the attention when it comes to heart-health benefits, but a brew can be good for you, too. "Beer is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants," says Cassie Dimmick, MS, a registered dietitian in Springfield, MO. It also provides a dose of energy-revving iron (dark beers are a richer source than light lagers, says research) as well as dietary silicon, a mineral that helps promote bone formation, which may improve bone density and help protect against osteoporosis. In fact, research shows that some pale ales contain just as much or more silicon than oat bran, which is one of the best food sources of this mineral. Photo by iStock
Beer contains 120 to 150 calories per 12-oz serving, which can add up fast. So if you do drink beer, make sure you stick to one per day (or less) to get the healthy benefits without the added calories and pounds.
Get tasty ideas for cooking with beer.

You get stressed about the little stuff
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
Chronic stress is linked to conditions like heart disease, but short-term stress actually has a positive side, pushing you to get things done-and succeed at them. "Stress triggers the hormone cortisol, which helps energize us, revving up our systems to handle the day," says Judith Orloff, MD, author of Emotional Freedom. "It also motivates us to do better on the things we care about and problem-solve." Photo by iStock
So know that the brief stressed-out rush you get before a presentation at work will help you perform better, and when the car breaks down, a little stress will help you fix the situation quickly. Balance is key, though, so it's important to recharge your batteries every day so those once-in-awhile stressed moments don't turn into a constant thing, says Dr. Orloff. Her suggestions: Spend five minutes every day doing an activity or hobby you love, or if you prefer peace and quiet, sit in a dark room and breathe deeply.

You skip your workout two days in a row
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
You don't have to exercise hard every day to be healthy (and taking a break is actually better). "Three to four days a week is enough to keep you in shape," says Mike Boyle, owner of Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning gym in Boston. Here's why: Days off give muscles time to repair and strengthen, something that happens only with rest, he says. You may also get tired of-or start to dread-a strict routine.
It's a good idea to be active every day (whether that's walking with your friends at lunch or taking your dog out for a stroll around the block when you get home in the evening), but schedule tougher workouts for just a few days a week. At least two of those should be strength workouts with weights, which will deliver the biggest toning and fat-burning benefits, says Boyle.


You procrastinate by reading those forwarded jokes in your inbox
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
It may seem like a waste of time, but taking a break to do something that makes you laugh is worth it. A small study of 30 people from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore found that when people watched a funny movie (There's Something About Mary), the lining of their blood vessels expanded up to 50% more than when they watched a stressful movie (Saving Private Ryan). Here's why a hearty chuckle is so good for you: "Laughter activates blood vessels to release the chemical nitric oxide, which causes them to enlarge and can help reduce blood pressure," says coauthor Michael Miller, MD. Photo by iStock
The harder you laugh, the bigger the benefits-deep belly laughs, not light chuckles, are more likely to trigger the healthy chemicals. And be sure to share that laugh with friends. Social laughter boosts levels of pain-relieving, feel-good endorphins, according to research from the University of Oxford. So watch a funny YouTube clip with your kids or call a friend and watch while on the phone together.

You take an over-the-counter sleep aid occasionally
WHY IT'S NOT SO BAD
Taking these pills to induce sleep every once in a while is OK. They can be especially useful if you have trouble sleeping due to nasal allergies or congestion, says Ronald Popper, MD, medical director of the Southern California Pulmonary and Sleep Disorders Medical Center. Why? Many OTC options (like Unisom SleepTabs) work because of a side effect of an antihistamine, a common active ingredient that also helps relieve allergies. But most sleep specialists don't recommend that you use them daily. All you're doing is taking advantage of the side effect (sleepiness) of antihistamines, which are intended for another use (reducing allergy symptoms). By contrast, a prescription sleep aid acts on the "sleep center" of your brain to induce sleep, says Dr. Popper. Photo by iStock
If stuffed-up nasal passages are what's keeping you up at night, OTC sleep aids may be a good solution. Talk to your doctor or a sleep expert before you start taking anything-antihistamines can cause other side effects because they affect the whole body and the longer you take them, the less likely they are to make you sleepy because your body builds up tolerance to their effect fast.
Get more sleep with these 10 natural remedies.

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com

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Friday, January 6, 2012

Supernatural: Spiritual Warfare

Supernatural: Spiritual Warfare

Since we were able to dream and imagination a world outside of ourselves, we have entertained the Supernatural.
...Just to name a few. But what are we really dealing with here? Is this knowledge or entertainment or a little of both? How much of what we see in movies is real and how much of it is ripped right out of the oldest story known to man? Well the truth is - both. Horror movies, mystery novels and even rock music all glorify the battle at hand: spiritual warfare. Indeed there is a battle for lost souls. Some are aware of this and do what they need to do to protect themselves. Others seek wisdom to learn of these spiritual pitfalls and make a diligent effort to avoid them. And then there are those who worship this way of life and make it a religion. Then there is the small percentage of the world that just doesn't care one way or the other and thinks all the preceding groups are just nuts. Well, no matter what you believe, the facts are the facts. We live in a "fallen" world away from universal peace and good will and our media allows us to expose every corner of our spirit - light and dark. 

You are never pretty enough, skinny enough, strong enough, smart enough, tall enough, short enough you will never be "perfect" why? Because there is an unseen force that is embedded into the modern mind that without buying their product or paying for their service, you will not achieve perfection.
And then there is the obvious...
Guns...
...Cars
 Money...
and Sex...

 Without it even being said, we all know that there are more worldly desires out there in competition for our soul. Now, I left out addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, narcotics, and the abuses or extremes we press upon ourselves. Mainly because well it's self explanatory. Those things we impose upon ourselves only we can blame ourselves for. Those things that are pressed upon us by the world and its ways are things of an unseen force.
The Big Principle: How you "THINK" will determine - How you "LIVE".
The Battlefield of Spiritual Warfare is "OUR MIND".
2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 Peter 5:8-9

It is the thought process that drives, directs, shapes, molds, and creates your reality. It starts with you. Keep a "sober" mind and a "sober" path will be created before you.
The unseen force of evil is a living breathing being with the intent to kill, steal, and destroy. And the enemy of man seeks you out like a lion on the prowl in the wild. The enemy is an opportunist.
So let's just say I subscribe to this point of view...how would I know if I am being "Spiritually Attacked"?
1. Failures lead to DESPAIR. When your will is weak, your guard is down and it is easier to be tempted to do something hurtful and harmful to yourself and others. (Zechariah 3:1-4)
2. Uncertainty leads to DOUBT. When you start to question yourself and second guess your best judgment, you know right, but do wrong, whatever your definition of right and wrong is, you go against the grain and break your own rules and/or the rules and principles you naturally uphold. Becoming indecisive gives "evil" and "opportunity" to sink in. (Genesis 3:1-5)
3. Ambitions become DISTRACTIONS. Guard your mind, body, and spirit. They are the core of you. When they are weak, you can become ill and illness can lead to death. Gain, sew and reap wisdom. (Genesis 3:6)
4. Anger becomes DIVISION. We have all at one point or another said or done something in anger that we regret. This is exactly what the "enemy" looks for to break you down and destroy your relationships and devour your life - breadcrumb by breadcrumb. Anger is hasty, but evil is ever-so-patient. And will wait for you to fall and then kick you when you are down. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
5. Desires become DECEPTION. It is perfectly natural to desire material things: food, clothing, shelter and other necessities of life. Too much of anything will destroy you from the inside out. (Matthew 4:1-11)
6. Anxiety becomes DREAD. Take time to pace yourself in life and in spiritual matters. Getting ahead of yourself will only force you to fall over your own feet and hit  the ground. Getting ahead of your teacher will only force you to miss something of grave importance that you needed to learn. You may regret jumping ahead when you realize that you missed the whole point, the whole message, the bigger picture. (Hebrews 2:14-15)

Sometimes, it's just US! We carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Sometimes, it's just our own baggage pulling us down and holding us back. That's when you have to do what some people will not: 
GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY
James 1:14
Yes, believe it or not, we tempt ourselves and cause ourselves to fail. It's not bad enough we have the world trying to take us down and the unseen forces of evil trying to eat us out, but now we have to protect our eyes, ears, and hands from seeing, listening, and idling in unhealthy destructive actions and behaviors. (Phew! Sounds like a lot of work!
Well, the activity of Warfare is RESISTING and DRAWING NEAR.
Draw Nigh
Seek and Sew the Truth
Ask and Receive

James 4:7-8 ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ; Psalm 8:2
In conclusion, I leave you with this: 
Protect yourself and the ones you love by bringing them up in love, life, and wholesome fulfillment. When you think you know it all, ask yourself what is it I do not know and more knowledge will come to you.
- DeMaster Thomas-
Author of Dreamweaver: Diary of a Fallen
Ephesians 6:10-17

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Eye Of the Bee Holder

We have touched on this before that lust is the cotton candy of the eye. But just like anything sugary sweet, too much of it will eventually make you sick and could possibly kill you. No, not 6 feet under per say, but physically, emotionally and in the most damaging way, spiritually; it can destroy every moral fiber. That is why I cannot stress to you how important it is that if you still find it hard to look past what you see and dive deep into what you feel, please take the time to regroup, rethink and refresh. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you. Not to mention, those close to you will thank you, like your lover, spouse, friends and associates. As for singles, quality and caliber speaks volumes in your character when your physical desires are reserved for the right time.

It is merely a misconstrued notion that true desire comes from pleasure in the flesh. However, it is true that to please the soul is divine. Love making is an art, not an exploitation. This is by design; on purpose for a purpose. Procreation not recreation. When you enter into a healthy and whole relationship with your partner, the physical becomes temporary and the emotional becomes permanent. Another way to say it; sex is temporary, love making is permanent. One is physical, the other is emotional.


Love making is more than an outward expression of feelings for one another, it is a way of communicating a deeper connection to each other. From this great unity, a miracle can happen. We are fruitful and multiply, creating a special being, through love. Just as man was created in love, so shall we reproduce "in love."
 But choose wisely and heed that you do not enter marriage with unusual doubts, unrealistic ideas or unattainable expectations. These are ingredients for failure. The marriage bed is the only place for the art of love making and should be treated with decency and respect. It is the want of the flesh that perverts and distorts the true nature and beauty of this sacred bond between man and woman. There is nothing wrong with starting over.

For those of you who are already in committed, monogamous relationships, if you are looking to rekindle that spark between you, this is one of many constructive ways to do it. (No pun intended.)  Remember how exciting it was to anticipate being with your lover and friend for the first time? Revisit this. And this goes for new couples as well. Start out traditionally, as nature intended. Don't worry, the exploration and learning or relearning of each other will come later. (Again: no pun intended.)

Traditional love making rekindles a youthful spark that if done right, will feel new again to you and your body. This is where romance, foreplay and infatuation finds its way into the picture as well. It may not be your first time, but it will feel like the first time and in some ways, you fall in love, literally, all over again. If you have struggled with sex addiction, porn addiction, promiscuity, polygamy, self-consciousness, low self-esteem or any other issues that keep you from truly making love, then you may need to work deeper and harder on yourself first and then work on the love making with your partner. And there is help for all of these issues and more, you just have to want it bad enough and change will find you.
Love making can be a joyful, profound experience when mind, body and spirit come together in two people that truly love each other. And when you reach this climax, you will feel a rush of indescribable pleasure that no sex can bring. As the saying goes, use your heart and not your eyes. Know who you are in love and spirit; not just in flesh. And then ask, do I love you or do I lust you and hopefully the heart will reply, I love you.

I'm DeMaster Thomas and this is Real Living

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Table for One, Please

Table For One
A short story by: DeMaster A. Thomas
#091201400P

Welcome back to Solitude. "Table for one?" The hostess says. "As usual," I reply wittingly. I order the same thing everyday; tossed salad and scrambled eggs. I get my regular spot by the window...sit and stare into the traffic. The busy city streets blends nicely with the skyline in the distance. My mind wanders with each gaze and bite, with random thoughts of life and how bad this actually tastes.

I came up with a number of reasons of why my life was the way it was at this moment. Did I choose this path or did the path choose me? Were my actions in life proactive or reactive? What if God has something else planned for me and I just haven't found it? In the end, we learn and grow from each experience. The eggs settle as a touch of gas passes through my mind...


Scattered thoughts tell me that it is a combination of all of the above-and more. After all, I have family and friends that have overcome some pretty serious obstacles in their lives. And I am simply amazed at their ability to move forward with such strength and perseverance. It is calming and brings a smile to acknowledge their accomplishments.

Come to think of it, I've learned a lot from the people around me and yet here I sit...alone...still searching for whatever it was I was looking for. I know that it was not to be alone. Again. Or was it?


  Hey, here I am! It reads, "never married, no children". Laughing to myself, I'm thinking, yeah and no career either to chip away at the lonely hours of the day. Bachelor-hood has engulfed me. "Check please? Thanks," I say with half a smile. The waitress is attractive and expresses pity for me behind her eyes. Can't help but laugh a little every time the check comes...wow, how cheap it is to live alone. Yep. Alone in a life that is simple yet unique. It was mine and no one could take that away from me. I have overcome my own share of trials and obstacles and lived to tell. Love, laughter and peace were daily ingredients in my recipe for life. And for that, I am thankful. 

 
Then, I realize-wait. I am still me. I am not defined by a job, social status, physical build or level of intelligence. I am a direct reflection of the soul within. Underneath a blanket of depression, there is a light of pure joy. And with that warm reminder I choose, at this moment, to throw that hurtful blanket away.

This is my bed of memories and I don't have to lay in self pity. I can make a fresh clean path, starting today. I just have to choose to. I sign the check and grab my coat to leave, smiling the whole way through. I decide at this very moment, it's okay to dream. It's okay to believe in myself and be truly happy with my accomplishments.

It's okay to be a bit awkward and misunderstood. It's okay to be - me. After all, who else can I be? No one else is as good at being me than I am. On that note, I head out the door of the deli and promise myself from this day on, I will do things differently...starting with ordering the house special of the day.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Mid Life: Crisis or Crossroad?


So you've reached mid-life...

Relax, don't panic and slowly step away from the dealership...the secretary...the pool boy...and the 'mirror, mirror on the wall'! It's going to be okay. Breathe. There you go. Now. Let's face it. It's midlife, most of us do not look forward to this day. We dread wearing black and cringe at jokes and wise cracks like Lordy, Lordy look who's 40! And god forbid someone gives you yet another card or balloon that says, "Over the Hill!" Who invented those anyway? Probably someone in their late 20's or early 30's.

Nonetheless, one thing is for certain, if you have reached your idea of what you consider to be your mid-life, remember that along the way, you have gained insight and wisdom and you have learned to perceive things differently. You have come to see things are not always as they seemed through the young and ambitious rose-colored glasses. You have come to learn and appreciate the old saying, "money can't buy you love" and of course, like most, you have come to find that "chasing the dollar bill" and "climbing the corporate ladder" only leads to two things: arthritis and migraines!

And then there are matters of the heart. If you are like most, you have been around the block a time or two when it comes to love and relationships. You have experienced the good and bad of healthy and unhealthy relationships, you have discovered what it means to love someone and you have learned to love yourself and others as God loves you...right? Okay, so maybe we don't always get that one completely right. But that's okay. It's all part of the journey.



Because you see, there is truth in the old saying, age before beauty. Things that were considered priority to you at 20, are not as important at 30. And things that were important to you at 30, don't seem to matter as much at 40. This is because as we get older, our tastes, likes and dislikes, even our habits, tend to change. This is a good thing. So you may or may not be the strongest guy at the gym or the hottest girl at the club, but you are the most distinguished gentleman among your peers and the most accomplished woman in your field.

Mid-life is not a crisis-it is a crossroad. It's all in how you look at it. Stop. Do the inventory on your life. Did you achieve the career and love goals you set out to attain? Did you make a string of decisions that led you astray? Were you on the right track and got detoured somewhere along the way? No matter how you got here, you're here! Welcome to today: the first day of the rest of your life. And it is a good place to be, because now you have the wonderful opportunity to apply a very simple but effective principle: concentrate on the present and use the past as a guide for future.

Today, you can choose to make healthier decisions for yourself and your family. If you've been meaning to start exercising and eating right, rebuilding or repairing a broken bond with your spouse, children, family or friends then guess what! You can! It starts with you and it starts today. The Corvette is not going to love you back. The secretary will disappear when the money does and the pool boy is tweeting that he bagged a cougar or a sugar mama literally within minutes on Facebook and Twitter.

If you've been meaning to start that new hobby, take that new class or that much needed vacation, now is the time.

There are several sites with activities, advice and information available online for mid-life crossroad travelers. Now there is something that you can take with you down the road of the second half of your life: that spark that burned inside of you to finish college, raise a family or run your own business, it's still there, waiting for you. All of the things on your list that you haven't done yet, with realistic approach, revisit them and when able, take the appropriate steps to experience them. This could be any of the things mentioned here or other things like write a book, start a website or take up a new interest like teaching or community volunteering. The applications of your accomplishments and knowledge cover such a wide variety of areas.

Many believe that once at the mid-life mark, they lose their ability to make a difference in the life of others and for themselves. Nothing is further from the truth. Maybe you didn't have children, there is adoption, foster parent programs and mentor programs. Maybe you didn't finish school, there are night classes, online courses and tailored education programs that fit just about any budget and assessment level. Maybe you never had a faith base or believed in yourself, there are several churches, organizations and non-denominational groups available that can help you to find the best path for your spiritual journey.

click to enlarge

Lastly, remember that you matter. You matter to others in more ways than you may imagine and you touch more people thank you think. You are at that fantastic point in life that rewards you with fulfillment of your purpose in life. You do have a purpose; you do have goals; you do have a reason. It is not about reliving the first half of your life all over again, it is not about giving up on the people and things in your life that truly matter and it's definitely not about giving up on the 2nd half of your life and doing nothing at all.


It is now, that you take your experience and turn it from success into significance. Everything you've been through up to this point, in some way or another, can be a lesson and blessing to someone else coming up behind you. Be ready to pass on your knowledge, love and passions to the ones who follow. Sometimes, your pothole is their speed bump; your failure is their success. Sometimes, you can help prevent or help someone else get through a similar situation in their life. Your mid life crossroad was the cure to their 1st half of life crisis. See how that works? 

By being a lesson and blessing to others, you will find new purpose, new fulfillment, new reason, new hope, new light: new faith in the foundation of your beliefs, new love in hearts of the ones closest to you and most importantly, yourself.

Until next time, I am De Thomas and this - is Real Living.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Poetry Corner



Prayers transcend space and time. 
In our prayers, we open the mind and explore the soul.
We go where the spirit takes us. 

Phone Call To God
by: DeMaster Thomas

Hello God, I called tonight to talk a while.
I need a friend once again who’ll listen to my trials.

You see, I can’t seem to make it through one day on my own.
I need your love to guide me so I’ll never feel alone.

I want to ask you please to keep my family safe and sound. 
Come in and fill their lives for whatever fate they’re bound.

Give me faith dear God to face each hour throughout the day.
And not to worry over things I can’t change anyway.

I thank you God for always taking my calls.
I thank you for giving me advice and catching me when I fall.

Your number, God, is the only one that answers every time.
I never get a busy signal and never had to pay a dime.

So thanks God again for easing my sorrow.
Good night, I love you, too. And I'll talk to you tomorrow :-)

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Eat Good-Live Better!

Diabetic Diet for Non-Diabetics

Diabetic Diet for Non-Diabetics
Photo Credit Andrea Bricco/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Overview

Following a diabetic diet plan could improve your health whether you're diabetic or not, says MayoClinic.com. Diabetics and non-diabetics alike can benefit from the simple, non-restrictive guidelines for healthy eating that the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, has established. Weight loss on this plan doesn't require buying expensive supplements, taking medication or making radical dietary changes that you can't maintain; it's a matter of following basic nutritional principles that help control your blood sugar and your weight.

Diabetes and Prediabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which your body can no longer process sugar normally. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin, the hormone that allows you to utilize sugar. Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood and requires insulin therapy to keep blood sugar stable. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, develops when your body has stopped producing enough insulin or responding to insulin. In prediabetes, your blood sugar is high enough to indicate that you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors for prediabetes include a family history of type 2 diabetes, being overweight and inactive or having a diet that elevates blood sugar. Prediabetes is a reversible condition that can be prevented with diet and lifestyle changes, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.

Dietary Guidelines

The diabetic diet aims to prevent diabetes and its complications by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and body weight. Instead of excluding foods from your diet, the ADA recommends eating more fruits and non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and legumes, non-fat dairy products and unsaturated fats. Because even healthy foods can cause weight gain, the ADA advises controlling your portion sizes. In addition to preventing diabetes, these basic principles help protect your cardiovascular system and lower your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Foods to Avoid

Your overall intake of carbohydrates and your body weight have a greater impact on your risk for diabetes than the type of sugar you consume, says the ADA. You don't have to omit desserts, high-calorie snack foods or soda, but the ADA advises cutting back on these foods or replacing them with low-calorie options that won't promote weight gain. If you do indulge in a sugary treat, you can compensate by cutting back on carbohydrates in other foods that day. Replace commercial sodas, which are often high in corn syrup, with water, unsweetened juice or sugar-free tea. Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all, suggests the ADA. Moderate drinking includes one drink per day for women, two drinks for men.

Physical Activity

Because being overweight is one of the greatest risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, the ADA's recommendations for physical exercise are as important as its guidelines for healthy food choices. Exercise suggestions are flexible -- find an activity that you enjoy and gradually work up to 30 minutes of that activity three to five times a week. Walking, gardening, playing with grandchildren or dancing may appeal to you even if you've been sedentary.

Precautions

Consult your health-care provider before starting any new diet or exercise program. Work with your provider to evaluate your risk for prediabetes and develop a diet plan that's right for you.

References

Article reviewed by MaryBB Last updated on: Nov 3, 2010

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/295279-diabetic-diet-for-non-diabetics/#ixzz1ZZOQt8SJ

One in One


Forgiveness and Healing are one in one. You know you have forgiven yourself when  you are able to speak of your experiences aloud and to others without residual effects. Another great measure of success in forgiveness is the ability to share your experience with others and discover that you have helped them heal in some small way. When you forgive you: you heal a part of yourself that has been hurting. When you share with others, they learn how to do the same thing. You may help someone else with what they're going through simply by being able to say, 'I've been there' and 'I know how you feel.'

Honestly, when you hear someone say that, you really think they don't know how you feel, but when you come to understand their road to forgiveness and you see the benefits of their healing, you may find yourself able to really embrace and open up with that person.

Sharing life challenges with someone you trust can lead to a peaceful heart instead of an angry or hurtful heart. It can also lead you to finally understand why you are the way you are. For some, they have tried life one way and it did not work out so well. It short, it flopped.

But then there is the flip side, where you figure it is time to try life a different way with a fresh perspective and a new gratitude attitude and while you may not be completely happy with the things in life that lead you to this moment, you discover that you have more peace as a result of it.

Forgiveness leads to healing and healing leads to a road to achieving happiness; happiness with all that you have learned along the way. Of course you may say, that's not possible. There's really no such thing as "true happiness" or some might say, "how do you blend the two or is there even such a thing..." I answer you this: understand that regardless of the trials and tribulations in your life, if you are still alive and well then your journey in life continues. There is still much more for you to do to fulfill your purpose. Those ups and downs along your path shaped you and made you who are and who you will become. So - Keep Going!

How do you apply the present to the past? You don't. You learn from the past and apply it to the present. And by doing this, you secure yourself a healthier, happier place in your future.

-DeMaster Thomas