Photo: Nancy Canwell

Spring is here and I’ve planted my pansies! They’ve been a favorite flower since I was a little girl. Mom tells me that when I was five, she bought several pansy plants and let me choose where we’d plant them. When we were finished, I got on my hands and knees and put my nose right up to one of the blooms. “What are you doing?” she asked. I looked at her and said, “These make me so happy!” And they’ve made me happy ever since. Now that I have my own yard, I don’t think a year has gone by when I haven’t planted pansies.

Not only do they make me happy, they tend to teach me lessons. Last summer, I wrote about how a volunteer pansy showed up in my front lawn—teaching me that we all belong—even if we’re different from those around us. Each of us is unique and special.

This spring, a different pansy taught me another lesson. I’d checked the weather for the coming week and it looked like it wasn’t going to freeze at night, so into the hanging basket and pots went beautiful pansies. Who would have guessed that a few days later we would have a surprise snowstorm? It wasn’t just a flurry, but large flakes came down and kept coming until the ground was well covered.

Weathered the Storm

When the storm was over, I went outside to check on my favorite pansy. I figured the cold weather and heavy snow had killed it. But as I gently dug through about an inch of snow, out popped a bloom! And then another . . . and another! That little plant had weathered the storm.

Later that day I thought to myself, “I want to be like that pansy. Whatever life dumps on me, I want to come out blooming.” It’s a choice we all need to make. We can stay covered in darkness under the heavy load, or we can choose to break through and reach toward the sunshine.

I think that Colossians 2:6, 7 gives us good advice on how to weather life’s storms: “You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him. Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life. Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.”

The key is to plant our roots in Christ. How do we do that? Through spending time with Him every day. Through reading and memorizing Scripture, and through prayer. Though listening to uplifting Christian music and finding a church family to belong to. These things will help “root” us. They will give us strength to face what comes. And even when life dumps unexpected troubles on us, we can come out blooming.

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By Nancy Canwell. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION ®

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Lessons from Pansies

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Photo: Christian Jung

Do you do the same thing I do when I open a new bag of pistachios? I eat the ones that are saying, “I am going to be the easiest one to open. See how my shell is already split? You’ll be enjoying my heart-healthy benefits, not to mention delicious taste, in seconds!” It’s good that pistachios are usually sold in their shells. I end up eating fewer of them because of the time it takes to open them.

Over this week I’ve eaten all the ones that were easy to open and now only the unopened and slightly opened pistachios are left. Eating those becomes laborious and time-consuming. I’ve haven’t tried using a nutcracker thinking it would smash the little nuts to pulp. I would probably chip a fingernail or tooth using the prying method. I usually end up putting them by the birdfeeder for an industrious squirrel to take as his prize, while contemplating whether to just go for the bag of walnuts, sans shells, in the freezer instead.

Our human nature always seems to direct us to the easy way of doing things. And is that all bad? No, not necessarily. Say you are struggling to pay your credit card debts of $8,000.00, $340.00 and $76.23. Financial advisors will tell you to pay off the $76.23 because it is the easiest to tackle and gives you the instantaneous feeling of, “I can do this!”

Easy Enough

Perhaps you have a big project like the basement, attic, or garage to clean and it seems overwhelming. Organizing experts advise you to pick an easy, small part of the project to get started on or even just set a timer for 15-30 minutes. When it rings stop, though usually you realize that wasn’t hard and you keep working.

If your child has an overwhelming school assignment due (soon!) you probably know better than to say, “You shouldn’t have procrastinated! Now you have two weeks of work to get done in two days.” Better to say, “Let’s make a list of everything that needs to get done.” After looking at the list maybe the easiest thing is to start with a trip to the store for supplies. A stop at the ice-cream shop makes that first step even easier.

Sometimes we make things harder than they need to be. Here’s to making life simpler and taking those easy, small steps that get us going in the right direction whether it be organizing, starting new health habits, or making our relationships more meaningful.

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By Denise Schaller Curnutt. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Eating Pistachios

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Photo: Studiomill

Evelyn is 92. She resides in an assisted living home, and Mark and I transport her to church. It would be an understatement to refer to Evelyn as a typical 92-year old woman. In fact, we wondered at first if some of her stories she was sharing with us were even accurate. After all, it’s easy to assume that an elderly person may not be remembering the facts just right. But Evelyn’s mind is sharp, and her  memory is impressive.  

Evelyn also has a quick wit, which is both refreshing and entertaining. When we asked if it was her birthday, she replied, “Yep, all day! And I’m hoping for cake and champaign!” Now, I have to establish that Evelyn was joking  as she would never use alcohol. But she enjoys getting a reaction, and we admittedly, enjoy supplying it.

At first glance, Evelyn appears her age. Her posture is slumped, and her face is wrinkled with time. But, somehow, the more one converses with her, the more youthful she appears. For example, even through thick glasses, the way she winks at my husband carries an element of spice that melts the years away.

Interesting Life

Evelyn has had a very interesting life. As an orphan, Evelyn went to New York, and working there later, she met many famous people. “I knew Desi and Lucy, you know,” she said casually. Stunned, we asked, “You did! What were they like?” “Well,” she answered, gazing out the car window, “they were nice to me.” She then proceeded to mention names like Gloria Vanderbilt, Ethyl Merman, and others. “You could say I’ve been around,” she states,  then in the next breath exclaims, “Oh, look at those beautiful trees. So many shades of green!”

As entertaining as it is to hear Evelyn’s stories, the ones that take our breath away are not about Desi and Lucy or their peers. It is when she speaks of her Bible work that came after her conversion that really gives us goose bumps. Speaking of what it was like to work with H.M.S. Richards, Sr., the founder of the Voice of Prophecy radio show, her countenance shines and her voice becomes earnest. “He was just like Jesus. Kind and never turning anyone away.” She will likely end any conversation with, “Well, I know one thing: one day the sky will open and there will be Jesus to take us home!” Then she will break into jubilant clapping.

Evelyn’s life has been full, but it is so inspiring to see that the story above all stories that she loves to tell is the story of Jesus. No other experience tilts her head heavenward and coats her elderly voice with music like talking about Jesus. What a testimony! This world has so many things to offer to get our attention. But when it is all said and done, there is no spice in life like a life with Jesus!

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By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Spice of Life

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Photo: Melodi T

Let’s face it—finding time to exercise is tough. Yet exercise appears to be the magic bullet for better health. It also helps us live longer and more productive lives. Fortunately, being fit doesn’t have to mean spending long hours in the gym. It can, in fact, be as simple as walking.

Walking is the most popular fitness activity in the world, perhaps because the health benefits of simply walking are astonishing. A regular walking regime can help reduce body fat and control weight. It will also reduce stress, enhance circulation and mental alertness, and improve sleeping patterns. You can do it virtually anywhere. And all you have to buy is a good pair of shoes!

Although you may not be surprised that walking is considered a superior health habit, it may surprise you to learn just how much research has confirmed the far-reaching and diverse health benefits that regular walkers experience. Regular walking lowers your stress level and helps protect you from serious chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. In fact, recent research shows that walking daily reduces the risk of dying from major illnesses by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Some physicians and scientists even believe that walking regularly can reverse illness and aging, making the act of walking quite possibly the most underrated prescription for good health.

Tips

Not only can walking equal more vigorous forms of exercise in terms of its ability to improve your health profile, it’s easier on your body (especially your joints) than activities such as running. Here are a few tips for doing more walking:

1. Take a short walk in the morning and another at lunch time or after work. Physical activity can be accumulated throughout the day rather than all in one session.

2. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend walking. Use a pedometer if you also want to measure your distance.

3. Establish the habit of parking farther from your destination and enjoying a brisk walk to arrive there.

4. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every little bit helps.

If possessing the motivation to walk regularly is a challenge for you, try to find a responsible walking partner. Ideally this will be a person who enjoys walking and is fun and interesting to be with.

If you can’t find a partner, establish the habit of using walking time for listening to recorded books or music, or for meditating. Nurturing your mental health is another important part of overall wellness. And doing that while walking has the added benefit of clearing your mind and improving your mental outlook. No other prescription for your health is as free and easy as walking.

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By Brenda Forbes Dickerson. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Walk, Walk, Walk!

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Photo: Dria Peterson

They have been around since time immemorial. In fact, many people believe that the apple in the Garden of Eden associated with Adam and Eve’s fall from Divine favor was, in fact, a pomegranate. The name pomegranate means “apple with grains” which refers to the many clear ruby-colored seeds. According to Jewish legend, the perfect pomegranate has 613 seeds, one for each commandment given to Israel.

Pomegranates were prominent in the life of the residents of the early Near East. The fruit ripens at the close of summer and are consumed on the Jewish New Year. The Hebrew spies carried back home luscious pomegranates and grapes after checking out Canaan. The first sherbet was thought to be a mixture of pomegranate juice mixed with snow. Embroided pomegranate flowers and fruits appeared on the bottom edge of the high priests robe. The capitals atop the pillars on the porch of Solomon’s temple were each adorned with 200 carved pomegranates. Solomon in his famous Song of Songs frequently compares the beauty and magical charm of his lover with the attractive orange-red pomegranate flowers or the large fleshy fruit.

Pomegranates were found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and medical papyri of 1500 BC indicate that pomegranates were used in herbal medicine. Their astringent properties have long been utilized to expel tapeworms, roundworms, and pinworms. The seeds found use in the treatment of bronchitis. In addition, pomegranates have been widely used to treat diarrhea, sore throats, and skin problems.

Pomegranate Industy Thriving

In California, the pomegranate industry is thriving, thanks to some favorable new research highlighting the value of this fruit from antiquity. The pomegranate (Punica granatum), originally coming from the Middle East, that is now commercially grown in California is the “Wonderful” variety, a variety with large purple-red fruits, and deep pink flesh. From Wonderful pomegranates an excellent juice is prepared. This juice is available nation-wide through WalMart and other stores.

Pomegranates have been found to possess the highest concentration of antioxidants among the edible fruits. These polyphenolic compounds include the potent anthocyanins, and occur in higher levels than those observed in blueberries and grapes. Pomegranates are also very rich in tannins, including ellagic aid and punicalagin. Pomegranate juice has recently been shown to retard the growth of highly aggressive prostate cancer cells. Other studies have shown that the anthocyanin-rich juice inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer and colon cancer cells.

Furthermore, the potent flavonoids (a class of polyphenolics) in pomegranates inhibit cholesterol oxidation and significantly inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions, with a 20-40% reduced build-up of plaque seen in experimental trials. Elderly individuals drinking Wonderful pomegranate juice also experienced a small drop in their systolic blood pressure levels.

How are pomegranates consumed most easily? The enjoyable fruit can be eaten as a dessert, or made into a jelly or sauce. From the fruit a tasty beverage is prepared. This can be consumed on its own or mixed with either blueberry or red cherry juice.

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By Winston J. Craig, R.D. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Wow They’re Wonderful

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Photo: Helder Almeida

Michael Gates Gill, 63 years old, was a high-flying, six-figure-earning advertising executive. He had created huge campaigns for companies like Christian Dior and Ford and lived an even bigger life, with luxury automobiles, lavish vacations and fabulous clothes. After 26 years at J. Walter Thompson, a leading advertising agency, the then 63-year-old Gill was invited to an early breakfast and was told that he was getting the boot. He made too much money. Someone younger would work for less, he was told.

“I remember walking outside and bursting into tears,” he says. “I was stunned. I knew that that part of my life was over.”

But that was just the start of a terrible reversal of fortune. In a few short years, Gill, the Yale-educated son of the famed New Yorker writer Brendan Gill, closed the consulting business he started after he was laid off, got divorced and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had hit both the rock and the bottom and was continuing to fall.

A trip to Starbucks would irrevocably change his life. Unbeknownst to him, the coffee shop was holding a hiring fair the morning he walked in for his daily hot drink. A manager approached him and asked if he would like to apply for a job. Without thinking, he said yes.

Srubbing Toilets

That was five years ago. These days, when the divorced father of five is not whipping up a caramel macchiato or perfecting his latte foam, he’s sweeping floors and scrubbing toilets.

“I still have trouble with some of the drinks,” he admits, “but I’m a good cleaner…. I can make a toilet shine like a Ferrari.”

Imagine that – from power meetings to potty cleanings and a life completely turned upside down. When life throws you a curve, how do you respond? You get the phone call from your physician that your blood tests show something disturbing – cancer. You get called into your boss’s office and are given a pink slip. You come home and your spouse and all her things are gone. How do you respond when life throws you a curve?

It’s natural and easy to throw up your hands in despair and give up. It’s easy to get stuck in the blame game. It’s easy to get sidelined by an obsessive search for answers. It’s easy to cave in to shame or guilt and withdraw from life. But when the natural process of grieving the loss runs its course, what then? What attitude takes over? What actions do you take?

Michael Gill had an impressive perspective. “When I lost my job I thought my life was over,” he says. “I didn’t realize it was just the beginning, at 63 years old.” He smiles contentedly and declares, “I may have a part-time job, but I have a full-time life.”

He refused to give up. He refused to stay angry and hurt. He refused to get lost in his losses. He chose instead to become engaged in life – a new life for himself – one that he turned into a full-time life. He used his losses to turn his attention to the parts of his life he had denied or ignored in his compulsive drive to succeed. And that change in perspective gave him an empowering focus and fulfilling direction and experience.

When life throws you a curve, catch it, throw it back, and get ready for the next pitch.

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By Greg Nelson. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. 

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Life Throws a Curve

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Photo: Natalia Bratslavsky

When I was growing up, we had fresh food on the table all summer long. My mom kept colorful fruit for us to munch on and included a lot of vegetables in her cooking. She watched for the latest sales and with our help, grew a big garden full of tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, peas, and cucumbers. 

When I got married, and moved to a new town,I found myself missing the family garden. The grocery store produce wasn’t quite the same and tended to be expensive. It frustrated me that I was finding it hard to maintain a healthy diet. It was at a friend’s suggestion that I found the answer to my problem—the local farmer’s market!

I’d never been to a farmer’s market and I didn’t know what to expect. My husband and I got up early one morning and drove down to the square, where we found a number of booths set up. I hesitantly perused the products offered, surprised by the friendly atmosphere. A little boy helped his daddy put cherries into bags for the customers and a young girl rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she gave us our change. I picked up zucchini, beets, fresh herbs, and apricots, pleased at the prices and very pleased at the quality!

Since then, I’ve made the farmer’s market a regular part of my shopping. It’s provided me with a greater variety of fresh produce and the food is far more flavorful. It’s a fun part of my shopping trip. I never know exactly what to expect and enjoy discovering what is available each week. If you would like to check out the farmer’s market in your area, here are a few tips from my experience.

Shopping Tips

• Arrive early. The best produce, especially the berries, tends to sell quickly, so get ahead of the crowds.
   
• On the other hand, arrive late. If you aren’t interested in something that sells quickly, coming near the end may get you better deals as the sellers lower their prices.
   
• Try new things! I bought some fresh basil on a whim and discovered that basil pesto is one of my favorite foods. I had never tried yellow zucchini before, but I found that it made a yummy, steamed vegetable.
   
• Buy a variety. I made the mistake of buying too much of one item and we soon grew tired of that particular fruit. After that, I picked up a variety of fruits and we enjoyed having an assortment to choose from.
   
• Don’t drive too far. The first farmer’s market we visited was a 25 minute drive away. I realized that although the prices were cheaper there, the local market just down the road was worth the gas savings, even if their prices were a little more.
   
• Enjoy! Fresh fruit and veggies can be a delicious part of your summer and your local farmer’s market can give you  fresh, local options and the plus of being a fun thing to do. 

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By Danae Schilt. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Farmer’s Market

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Photo:Benko Zsolt

Dr. Billy Graham once told the story of a man who became lost in the Great Smoky Mountains. This man had been born and raised in the mountains, and he thought this could never happen to him. But it had, and now he was hopelessly lost and confused.

Finally, he came upon an old man in a log cabin, who gave him some advice he never forgot: “When you’re lost, never go down. Always go up. When you get to the top of the ridge, you can get your bearings, and find your way again.”

You and I have two choices in life: We can go down, and get lost in discouragement, confusion, drugs, alcohol, loose living, emptiness and depression. Or we can go up, always looking on the bright side of things. The choice is ours. And no one can choose for us, or take those choices away from us.

Live Longer

It has been proven that people who look on their circumstances in a positive, rather than a negative way, enjoy better health, and get more fun out of life. They also live considerably longer.

Of course, it’s also important to follow a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate rest.  However, many people who do all these good things often overlook a key point: Trust in Divine power. This will greatly enhance the benefits of all the other factors.

This trust in God will come as the result of meditating on the promises found in the Scriptures. As you do this, remember to lift your thoughts to God in prayer. In doing so, you will experience a calm assurance that no matter what comes your way, everything is going to turn out for the best in the long run.

This assurance will lead you to a positive, rather than a negative outlook on life.

So, keep looking up!

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By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Keep Looking Up

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Photo: Ingrid Balabanova

“Eating a variety of veggies is the key to optimizing heart health,” says Melissa Ohlson, M.S., R.D., L.D., nutrition projects coordinator in the Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation Program at Cleveland Clinic. “Go for dark greens and vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds.”

It’s easy to get the recommended daily servings of vegetables if you integrate chopped, sliced, and grated veggies into your meals. Rule of thumb: more color, more benefit. Consider these tasty tips:

- Toss grated carrots, spinach, sprouts, and/or cucumber slices into sandwiches.

- Add fresh, chopped, leafy greens or tomatoes to soups.

- Liven up coleslaw with shredded red cabbage and grated carrots.

- Turn a basic green salad into a mixture of colors with diced zucchini and yellow squash, broccoli florets, grated  beets, and julienne red or yellow peppers.

Heart Advisor

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Reprinted with permission from Vibrant Life, November/December 2007. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Color Me Healthy

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Photo: Dreamstime

Many of us hold beliefs about ourselves and our potential that might even be incorrect if looked at logically. These beliefs came to us primarily in the form of words we heard coming from our parents, teachers, friends, and even strangers and the media.

Individuals raised in environments where negative comments prevailed often reinforced these negative comments by repeating them aloud to others or even by thinking them. By contrast individuals raised in positive environments where compliments and praise were used regularly grow up to hold a higher level of self-esteem.

Our environment, people, and experiences determine our self-talk and influence not only what we say to others during interpersonal or small group exchanges but also what we think about our self. Our thoughts trigger feelings, which trigger words, which trigger behaviors.

We are not conscious moment-by-moment of how much we are affected by our own words. We accustom ourselves to speaking and hearing in a certain way and assert certain things in regard to ourselves to such a point that we believe them. Can-do thinkers usually have had positive reinforcement in their relationship with others while negativity and put-down language has been reinforced in the interpersonal relationship of can’t-do thinkers.

Internal Messages

Thoughts, feelings, internal decision-making and word-pictures formulated in ones mind is the most powerful “conversation” of all. It is also one of the most powerful indicators of behavior. No other individual is involved in self-talk as during these times messages are both sent and received within our own mind. No one is listening to give us feed-back as to the accuracy of our internal messages. These messages can be logical or illogical, rational or irrational, negative or positive. The outcome is a behavior that mirrors this very powerful internal communication.

Change the self-talk and an adjustment in behavior is possible. Within a supportive environment knowing that change is possible can be a great motivator to replace can’t do with can-do thinking.

Can’t do thinking and negative self-talk can be reduced if one makes it an intentional goal. Within families, work or church groups a covenant can be made to eliminate negativism and put-down language with on another. We do have a power to decide not to use destructive language in conversation. In exchange we can use affirmations and positive reinforcement of each one’s contributions as we strive to reach a common goal.

God wants us to have a healthy self-regard. After all we are created in His image. We cannot afford to let Satan mar that image. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). 

Talk to God. He will help you change your self-talk.

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By Carole Kilcher. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Talking to Self

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Photo: Julian Irusta

Although I now struggle a bit with eating healthy, not too long ago I was a bona-fide health nut. I carefully watched what I ate and when I ate it, I focused on my caloric intake, and I made sure I always had breakfast and drank plenty of water. But as much as I hated to admit it, I was guilty of neglecting one very important element that cancelled out everything else I did—the element of sleep, or my lack of it. I just didn’t get enough sleep, either because I was out with my friends late or reading a book or doing homework. It was a bad habit that I struggled with for a while.

It’s a sure fact that all of us, at one time or another, have had hectic days or weeks where we get very little sleep. Some days we are fine, everything is flowing smoothly and other days we are up and down at a hundred miles an hour! We have one-minute lunches, one-minute phone conversations and at the end of the day we’ve used up a bunch of energy. 
 
What happens when we don’t sleep well the night before? We are exhausted most or all day long. We can’t function properly and our body wants to shut down. That’s where a good night’s rest pays off, because it’s only after recovering energy through sleep that we can face the daily grind of a new day. Research indicates that lack of sleep is one of the major causes of depression, it decreases metabolism needed to digest food properly and it can even double the risk of a heart attack! Our bodies cannot afford to go on without proper rest.

Spiritual Relief
 
I believe there is also another type of ‘rest’ where we gain energy. It helps us face life, and is even more important than physical rest. It’s spiritual rest. This type of rest is designed to help us face the challenges that are in front of us and can be seen, heard and felt, but more importantly the it helps us face challenges that are unseen. I’m talking about spiritual warfare. The Word of God speaks of this struggle, this daily invisible battle that we wage day in and day out: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
 
What does spiritual rest consist of? It is based on a constant relationship with God, reading His Word and praying for strength each day (I venture to say each second) of our lives. Jesus invites us to rest in Him and to receive spiritual energy to stay at His side when the going gets rough. “Come unto me, all you who are weary and tired, and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28, 30).

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By Sebastian Zaldibar. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.  Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Ultimate Rest

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Photo: Studiomill

To minimize your exposure to outdoor health-destroying air pollution:

• Schedule outdoor workouts for early morning when the sun is weaker and there’s less car exhaust. 
   
• Choose open, windy locations with little traffic. Air currents disperse pollution.
   
• Exercise indoors when there’s an air-pollution alert. Air quality index above 100 is not safe if you have asthma or heart disease. Above 200, the air is a serious health concern for everyone.
   
• Breathe through your nose, not mouth. This will reduce the amount of pollutants reaching your lungs
   
• Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains-all high in antioxidants (repairers of the damage caused by free radicals that air pollutants trigger).

HealthWise

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Reprinted with permission from Vibrant Life, September/October 2007. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Finding Fresh Air

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Photo: Richard Hoffkins

With the increase in frequency of natural disasters many people are planning ahead for what they will do in case of an emergency. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security there are three basic steps to preparing for emergencies in your home, business and community. They are:

1. Assemble an emergency kit
2. Make an emergency plan
3. Be informed and involved.

Personal needs will vary, but a basic disaster preparedness kit should include:

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
Food (at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable items)
Battery powered weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First Aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food
For a list of additional items to consider, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.

Your family emergency plan should include a designated meeting place and preferred methods of communication. Being able to access information and contact people organizing rescue and relief operations is crucial.

Spiritual Emergencies

Now…how about being prepared for spiritual emergencies? Your soul needs protection and preservation as much as your physical body. Actually, your spiritual health is more important because it determines your eternal destiny, not just how long you survive on this planet.

Being prepared for spiritual emergencies is similar to being ready for natural disasters—you need to assemble a kit, have a plan and be informed and involved. Your kit should include a Bible and other spiritual reading material. It may also include a prayer journal and inspirational music. For a list of additional items to consider, try www.askGod.heaven.

Plan to meet in a designated place with other people who are seeking similar spiritual preparedness. It is also crucial to establish clear methods of communication with The Ones who are organizing rescue and relief operations.

Following these basic tips will ensure a greater level of preparedness for all types of disasters.

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By Brenda Forbes Dickerson. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Are You Ready?

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Photo:  MorgueFile

The Ampulex compresso is a serious wasp! I recently did a little research on the tiny creature, and was amazed at its ability to use an ordinary cockroach for its plans of pro-creating. Here’s what happens when it’s time for the female to lay an egg:

She finds an unsuspecting cockroach to become her offspring’s host, and gives it two precise and venomous stings. The first is delivered to the mid-section, which causes the cockroaches front legs to buckle and renders it immobile for a while. This time period gives the wasp an opportunity to deliver a more precise sting to the brain. 

Wasp Injects Venom 

After slipping the stinger under the exoskeleton, the wasp injects venom into the spot of the cockroach’s brain that appears to control the escape reflex. Once this is accomplished, the wasp takes hold of the antennae and virtually steers the bug where she wants it to go. The destination is the wasp’s burrow, where the cockroach enters obediently. 

She then lays an egg on the underside of the insect, and when the egg matures, it hatches to produce another wasp which then devours the organs of its host.¹

After reading this amazing incredible account of the Ampulex compresso, I was reminded that you and I are often assailed by an evil, wasp-like enemy who wants nothing less than to manipulate and eventually destroy us. In effect a poisonous “venom” is injected into our lives, and one of the most effective for paralyzing the human mind is addiction.

Whether we’re addicted to food, narcotics, alcohol, sex, or any other toxin that the devil uses from the psychological arsenal of evil, we are often rendered powerless to perform anything less than this addiction demands. 

The scriptures tell us in James 4 that if we stay close to God, we can have the power to resist and finally break the addictions that paralyze us. This divine closeness, harnessed with good education and solid counseling can bring freedom and peace to our hearts.

For many Christians, it’s time to deal with the evil “wasp” who’s been allowed to stay in control for far too long. The antidote exists, but we must claim it for ourselves.

¹ http://scienceblogs.com/loom/2006/02/02/the_wisdom_of_parasites.php

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By Michael Temple. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Bug-A-Boo

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Photo: MorgueFile

Low cholesterol levels in midlife appear to translate into lower mortality well into old age, according to a study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

In the 1960’s, Finnish researchers measured cholesterol levels in over 3,000 men ages 35 to 45. Up to 39 years later, men with the lowest cholesterol levels (193 mg./dl. or lower) at the beginning of the study enjoyed a 25 percent lower mortality rate. In addition, an analysis of over half of the men found that low cholesterol levels were associated with better health-related quality of life.

Health After 50

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Reprinted with permission from Vibrant Life, May/June 2007. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Low Cholesterol Level

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Photo: Josee Talbot

I like to be outside and listen to the sounds of nature. I’ll always remember one gray, bitter, early winter morning. I was outside shoveling snow and it seemed like all the rest of the world was asleep. The birds were still waiting for dawn’s wake-up call. The only sound was the persistent wind as it rattled the trees, sweeping across the fields sending a shiver into my bones as it passed. In the distance I heard a faint sound. I paused from my labor to listen more intently. As I listened, I recognized it was the call of wild geese and the sound was becoming more audible and familiar. I leaned on my shovel and soaked in the chilling beauty as I waited for these south bound travelers to arrive. Their melodious chatter became louder and clearer as I waited in anticipation.

After they had flown over and their voices were lost in the wind, I went back to shoveling. The heavy, dull scratching sound of the shovel, as it pushed against the concrete, reminded me of life. I get absorbed in the duties of the day and don’t take time to stop. I need to learn to pause regularly so I’ll hear something besides the grating demands pushing me along. Perhaps, I’d not only find peace and beauty, but I might even hear God. I knew I’d always remember what I saw, heard, and learned that morning.

Well, sort of. 

Now it is eight years later and I’d forgotten that snowy morning and the lesson until today. It is early spring. The arrival of warmth has given nature and this nature lover renewed energy. As I roamed through the woods soaking in the sight of layers of fresh greenery, a sudden shower began. I’m not normally someone who stands around in the rain, but this time I didn’t move. I just stood there and listened. The rain hitting the leaves sounded like applause before it gently fell to pat the earth. How many times have I heard it rain before and never heard the applause? More times than I can count.

That’s when I recalled the snowy morning and the geese. I hope this time I’ll remember to pause more often and listen. I need to really listen when people talk to me, when my body tells me it needs rest, and when I am seeking God. I believe it is when we stop and listen with our heart, that we hear the most important part.

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By Donice Palmer. Copyright © 2012 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

Citeste mai mult la sursa: Listening

Articol preluat la noutati.intercer.net de la Staying young.