Post 16

Thus far, my 30 days of blogging experiment has been a success! Today is post 16, half way there.

I must admit, I wasn't exactly sure of what the results of this experiment would be.

My main concern was about being disciplined. So often it is real easy to push most things aside for another day. Committing to writing something, for better or worse, at least once a day has often been a challenge; especially when there seemed to be nothing to write about or the evening, coupled with being sleepy, crept in on me. 

Overall, my experience has been a good one. Setting a goal for myself has been challenging and I like a challenge. Not only that, I also really enjoy writing. Blogging everyday, in order to meet my goal, has really caused my creative brain juices to flow more which results in a written product and a sense of accomplishment.

I'm thankful to have decided to do this project, hopefully it will cause some of you to seek out projects of your own. I'm also very thankful for those of you who read my blog. To be honest, sharing my goal with you has been a form of accountability to help  keep me disciplined. So thanks for hanging in there with me, for better and for worse, for rich writing and poor writing and till the 30 days are up.

Paleo Cookies

That's right. Paleo cookies.

No, not cookies from the paleo era.... those would probably be hard as rock! Rather, cookies made the paleo way.

Paleo nutrition as been a topic of conversation at our household for a while now.

Put simply, Paleo nutrition means eating foods that our Paleolithic hunter and gatherer ancestors would have eaten. Their diets would have consisted of meats they could hunt and vegetables and fruits that they could gather. Grains and dairy were not their thing.

Technically, we eat an occasional grain. For the most part grains are something we don't keep in our house though. I know that right about at this point, I am losing most of you. However, hear me out for a second.

It is one thing for a person to just say grains (and other non hunter gatherer foods) are bad for you, don't eat them. It is a completely different story when that statement is followed by a scientific explanation why these foods are not a good idea to eat.

As part of our research of the Paleo diet, we have been reading the book The Paleo Solution, The Original Human Diet by Robb Wolf. Although I am not quite finished with the book, I am very impressed with the amount of scientific research presented for this way of eating. It is not just a book of dont's, it is a book of do's and dont's backed by scientific research.

Our body really is designed to function a certain way and when it doesn't get the nutrition it needs, it malfunctions. It is extremely important that we give our body the food it needs. Paleo eating is more than just a diet, it prescribes for our body exactly what it needs. In turn, when the body receives what it needs, a person becomes healthy; health issues such as diabetes, infertility, colitis, thyroid problems, obesity and autoimmune diseases disappear and are prevented.

For anyone interested in improving their health I would recommend that you check out Paleo nutrition. An expert in the field is Robb Wolf, see his website for more details.

Potato Chips, Pretzels and Slavery

What is illegal everywhere and yet happens nearly everywhere?

Slavery.

'Slavery?' You may be thinking. 'Surely that doesn't really happen today.'

Let me assure you, slavery does happen today and in grossly grand proportions.

Twenty seven million people are enslaved today. Fields, brothels, homes, mines, restaurants, to name a few, are some of the industries that often profit by enslaving people.

Slavery today is a huge issue.

It is easy to turn a blind eye, especially when we live in a location where the true ugliness of the issue is more than likely never seen or experienced first hand. Can any effort made truly make a difference?

As human being we can't afford to not make an effort. Once a price has been put on life (currently, the  global average cost of a slave  is $90) no life is safe no matter where that life may live.

As believers in Jesus Christ it is even more crucial that we involve ourselves in such matters. Fasting is the topic of conversation Isaiah 58. Apparently the Israelite people were fasting yet God was not pleased with their fast. Below are just a few verses, if you haven't read the whole chapter I encourage you to do so, it is really eye opening.


Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,

only a day for a man to humble himself?

Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed

and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?

Is that what you call a fast,

a day acceptable to the Lord? 

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice

and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free

and break every yoke? 

Isaiah 58:5-6 

Is this not exactly what Jesus did for us? He left His rightful place with God to come to earth and live a human life, die on our behalf and raise in victory so that He could 'loose the chains of injustice' and 'set the oppressed free' (the oppressed, by the way, was us)

If God did this for us, then how much more so should we be willing to help others? 

Okay, I could go on and on standing on this soap box. I will stop now. 

You may be wondering, 'what difference can just one person make?'

A good first step is to become informed and then help others become aware too. For more information, check out the following Ted Talk. Also, check out Kevin Bales website for lots of good information. http://www.freetheslaves.net 

Currently, it would cost roughly $10.8 billion to ensure global sustainable freedom for all people. This figure seems huge, however, seen from a global perspective $10.8 billion is a drop in the bucket. Americans will spend this amount this year on potato chips and pretzels alone.

'Just one' can truly make a difference when joined with other 'Just ones.' Who knows, maybe it is just a matter of giving up our potato chips and pretzels.

Daily Dose of Apple

The saying goes, 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away,' but is it true? Will a daily does of apple keep a person healthy, strong and without need for a Doctor?

I once heard a nutritionist say that most diseases in the U.S. today are lifestyle related, namely lifestyle choices that involve diet and stress. While developing countries struggle with communicable diseases (Hepatitis, measles, malaria), developed nations struggle with chronic diseases (diabetes, some heart issues, and some cancers) which are all influenced by life choices.

Honestly, my information on this is limited. I haven't done much research on the topic of nutrition but I plan to do so. Just think, if many of the ailments today are caused by the decisions we make about what we eat and how much stress we allow in our lives, then eradication of these diseases is completely within grasp.

In my quest to research nutrition and its effects on health, I will begin by simply considering the apple:

An apple contains:
-Pectin- a type of fiber that lowers both glucose levels and blood pressure; it also helps maintain        digestive health.                                                                                                           -Quercetin- reduces the risk of cancer
-Vitamin C- enhances immune system performance
-Phytonutrients- Compounds, such as vitamins A and E, that can help prevent heart disease, diabetes and asthma

Maybe an apple a day could keep the Dr. away, especially if combined with other foods with equally good benefits!

The following site aided me in the more technical aspects of this blog:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/health-myths/an-apple-a-day.htm

Super Cat!

In a previous blog, superheroes were the topic of conversation. What I failed to mention, is that I have a superhero living in my own house......

Super Cat is his name!

Now, I promise this isn't some weird case of animal cruelty during which we decided to put a plastic bag around our cat's neck and pretend to be superheroes. No this was all Gray Cat's doing.

What can I say? Our cat has lots of personality and likes to pretend. 

We first discovered Gray Cat's secret identity of Super Cat after a trip to the grocery store. Per the usual, upon coming home, we began the task of unloading our groceries. Groceries were put in their proper place while plastic bags fluttered to the ground until groceries were all settled.

Gray Cat, attracted to the flying, rustling bags begins to play in and through them. He enjoys this game, but soon realizes that the bags have holes in them that fit perfectly around his neck. This discovery of a toy that not only makes noise but can easily go with him anywhere in the house was almost more than Gray Cat could take!

He began sprinting through the house at new speeds, flying over the couch and scaling the cat tower with new vigor and strength. Gray Cat, or shall I say, Super Cat became invincible with his trusty cape.

Alas, all fun must come to an end. Gray Cat's owners forced themselves to take the cape away lest they turn their backs and later find something awful has happened to their beloved Gray Cat.

Gray Cat, still hopeful, waits in anticipation for shopping day and another chance to play Super Cat, if only for a few minutes.

Beauty from Dust

God speaks and out of nothing makes something.

With utterance of mere words God creates light, the sun, the moon, the stars, birds of the air, fish in the sea and creatures on the earth.

Lastly, out of dust, God says a word and creates man in His own image.

Awestruck doesn’t begin to capture my thoughts about a God so wonderful, a God so creative, a God who can make something out of nothing.

Today I’ve been thinking about God as Creator. Just because the earth and everything in it has been created doesn’t mean that God has ceased to be Creator. It seems as though God is continually creating and re-creating.

He not only creates us from dirt, but He also can and does create beautiful things out of our dirt. He can turn any situation, any mess up, any bad thing around for His good.

The following song is one that conveys my heart, my longing to be continually made new and to find my life in Christ. 

True Lob

Two years ago today my Sugarbear and I got married.

It was a beautiful October fall day.

Unbeknown to many people, the week prior was not so beautiful.

My Sugarbear had the opportunity to get a head start on the whole 'in sickness and in health' vow when I fell horribly ill the Monday before our wedding. All of my plans to have a clean, put together house (not to mention, a mattress other than my twin size) fell through the cracks. Survival was all that was on my mind. Thankfully, by the end of the week I was on the mend.

Aside from being a few shades paler (which did present some wedding day make-up issues), our wedding day was beautiful and went off without a hitch. A beautiful beginning to sharing the rest of our lives together.

Two years has truly flown by. We have had our ups and downs just like anyone. I can honestly say though, that I am still just as in lob (love) with my Sugarbear as I was when we committed to sharing the rest of our lives together, if not even more so and on a deeper level.

Here's to many more anniversaries, adventures, shared life and deeper lob (love) with my Sugarbear.

Superheroes

Superheroes have never been my thing. As a child, I played with Barbie and saving the world was definitely not on my agenda. Now, as a so called grown-up, I believe my preferences have changed. 

Tonight my husband and I watched ‘X-men, First Class.’ This movie probably came out a while ago. We aren’t exactly up with the times, nonetheless, the movie was excellent.

Movies, such as this one, appeal to people because themes often portrayed relate to human desire. In this particular movie two themes stood out to me.

1. Unique individuality                                                                                                               2. Commonality – To know others and to be known by others

The mutants in this film felt all alone, estranged by the unique ways they were created. It is when the mutants find one another and work together that the true power and purpose of their individuality is revealed and maximized.

This is a perfect image of how God’s church is supposed to function. God creates us all individually and with a unique purpose. We can do some things on our own, however when we work with other Believers in Jesus (the church), our giftings are maximized and God can do really great things through His creation.

All of the above doesn’t happen naturally. Professor X lovingly draws the mutants together, helps them harness and understand their giftings  and experiences both sadness and joy throughout the journey.

The same is true for the Believer. On our own we truly can do nothing. We are dependent on Jesus to draw us together and to show us how to use our giftings to work together for a purpose for His glory.

May the stories of love and redemption that are woven throughout creation (even in superhero movies!) serve as reminders of our purpose together and spur us on to action.

Changing Seasons

The weather is changing. Cooler weather has finally made its entrance. After an abundance of 100+ temperatures over the summer her coming is welcomed. Gracie, our cat, may be the only one sad to see the weather change.

We have this blanket. It is gray and scratchy. We call this blanket the dog blanket because it is the type of blanket that you would buy for your dog to lay on and to keep warm with. This blanket is not good for snuggling, that is, unless you are Gracie.

Gracie absolutely loves this blanket. During the warm months we keep this blanket stored in the closet. Any time the closet door comes open, Gracie flies in to snuggle with this blanket and stays there all day if allowed.

During the winter we put this blanket on our bed in between the sheet and comforter to serve as an extra layer of warmth.

Therein lies the dilemma and why Gracie probably isn't going to like winter so much. Winter means the end of closet snuggling with her gray blanket.

The farewell was sad and resisted. Winter will not last forever though and Gracie will have her blanket to snuggle with once again. I guess until then she will have to find something else worthy of her snuggles.... perhaps her pet owners, if we are lucky. 

A walk in the park... plus some

I started the weekend early with a visit with my family. We’ve had a really great time together. Let me tell you about our day. Our day began with a trip to Oklahoma City. After taking care of some shopping and lunch at Souper Salad we took an outing to Martin Nature Park.

We hiked for a while.....

And we posed for some pictures.....

We Climbed some towers and cheesed real big.

And we made some sill faces.

Next we took a rest.

We got kind of tired and needed a ride.

But we weren't too tired for some smiles and laughs.

We rode back to the car!

After our adventure at the park we went to the Sunflower Market for some groceries. Talk about an awesome place to shop! 

We completed our day with a trip to Pinkitzel, a cupcake shop!

A delicious treat.

And a great way to end the day!

Taste Tester

This morning I had to make a quick run to Sam’s before leaving town for a few days. 

My goal was to be in and out, my mission was carrots and broccoli. At my Sam’s, however, vegetables are located at the very back of the store. Not only that, but carrots and broccoli are located in the furthest corner in the back of the store. 

Journeying through the store, one can’t help but notice products along the way. Today one particular product caught my eye. 

Kiwiberries. 

To my dismay I have no time to check out this odd fruit further. An adventure for another time I thought to myself, carrots and broccoli are calling my name. 

As I make my way toward the checkout I must pass the peculiar fruit again. I notice the kiwiberry has also caught the attention of another customer.

 I’m in a hurry but I make myself slow down sensing that something just as peculiar as this fruit is about to happen. 

This curious customer proceeds to open the package of kiwiberries and picks one up. I think to myself, ‘she surely must be a kiwi connoisseur and knows that the secret to picking out the perfect kiwiberry is through touch.’ 

She smells the fruit bringing the fruit awful close to her mouth. I become suspicious, ‘maybe she is just curious like me and knows nothing of the fruit…..surely she isn’t going to taste it, not in Sam’s,’ I thought to myself. To my surprise and disbelief she looks around cautiously to make sure no one is watching and then sneaks a bite of the fruit!

So brave!

How many times have I wanted to test or taste a product before buying to make certain the purchase wouldn’t be a mistake. Is it okay to do that? I guess the worse that could happen is a guilty conscience or to jip someone out of a kiwiberry.

Anyways, that is my story for the day. It made me chuckle a little.

Family Promise

On any given night in the United States nearly 640,000 people experience homelessness.

Families make up 40% of that number.

In a land as plentiful as the United States it seems absurd that any person should suffer homelessness and the ill effects that accompany it. However, with the economy in its present condition it seems as though more and more people are threatened by the grave possibiilyt of being homeless.

Family Promise is an organization that labors toward finding an end to poverty, an end to homelessness. One means by which Family Promise works to achieve its mission is by a project called Interfaith Hospitality Network.

Interfaith Hositality Network is a group of congregations within a community that join together to provide for homeless families. Food, a place to stay and help connecting with community resources are provided for families until they are able to get back on their feet.

In the Bible, the book of Acts, early believers were characterized by their devotion to God, devotion to one another and devotion to those in need. As Jesus said it would happen: outsiders knew they were His discilpes by their love for one another.

Now more than ever the world needs to be fascinated by the church who is devoted to God, each other and to those in need. Besides homelessness, there are many other injustices in our world that grieve God. Do they grieve us to? Do they grieve us to the point of action?

Programs such as Family Promise are good jumping off points for a life of loving God and loving others as ourselves; a life of fascinating the world to Christ!

Love...

To say we adore our cats would be an understatement.

We love our cats so much that anytime we are around or holding cute cuddly things (babies, puppies etc.) we by habit call those things cats. 

Our cats don’t do anything spectacular to make us love them. They don’t help with the dishes and aren’t toilet trained (although at one point Gray cat was consistently using the bathroom in the sink.) Nope, they are just our cats and we love them.

Sometimes I imagine God seeing us as we see our cats. Just as we love our cats simply because they are our cats, He loves us simply because we are His.

30 Days

Why is it so easy to do the things we don’t want to do and neglect doing the things that we love?

So much wasted time in life. I will be the first to admit that I too, after a long day of work usually want to do nothing more than come home, fix dinner and crash in front of an episode of star trek.

 Instead of falling into the rut of life that so easily ensnares, I would like to try an experiment on intentional living. I found some inspiration in the following Ted Talk.

30 days. Make or break a habit. All of a sudden living life on purpose doesn’t seem like such a daunting task. I don’t have to save the world in one swoop, but rather, as my mom always said one baby step at a time. 

First baby step in order: post a blog every day for the next 30days. 

Wish me luck! Feel free to join in the experiment yourself.