Have you ever purchased too much food at the grocery store and eventually it becomes moldy or stale after a week or so? Why? Because food is supposed to decompose naturally after a certain amount of time. For bread, it is a few weeks or so. Bananas, also a few weeks. But what would your reaction be if you left a piece of bread on the counter for over a year, and nothing happened? If it did not get stale, it did not mold, and no flies were attracted to it? Would you consider buying that brand of bread ever again? Probably not.
In the article Happy Meal Is Still Happy One Year On written by Bethany Sanders on March 24, 2010, consumers of today's fast food industries may or may not be shocked to read about her experiment.
Sanders partner Joann Bruso left a Happy Meal from McDonalds on her shelf for one full year, it maintained a similar appearance by the end of the year. Nothing molded, rotted, or decomposed.
http://www.diet-blog.com/archives/2010/03/24/happy_meal_is_still_happy_one_year_on.php
Now, this is not an attack towards McDonalds because almost all fast food resturants apply preservatives to their food so that it can sit for long periods of time throughout the day and still be edible to the consumer. Just a train of thought, if the McDonalds happy meal still appeared to be edible, don't you find it disturbing that a year old hamburger simply heated in the microwave could be what your child is eating?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Chaos In A Tiny Town
Have you ever been one of those people who have asked "what is wrong with the world today?"
I know I have asked myself that question numerous times during incidents such as 9/11, the terrorist attacks in London, and the health care bill passing recently (really stupid plan people, but that's for another day).
After reading this article, I thought of how each and every town, city, state, and country has their share of murderers, kidnappers, serial killers, burglars, etc. Even the biggest acts occur in the smallest towns. But in the end, it gets you nowhere. I don't understand what would lead anyone to hurt another person. What could possibly be a good enough reason?
This man's reason was because he was "angry with the mental health organization"
http://www.kens5.com/news/Mom-stabbed-in-the-back-at-Stephenville-park-87771417.html
I know I have asked myself that question numerous times during incidents such as 9/11, the terrorist attacks in London, and the health care bill passing recently (really stupid plan people, but that's for another day).
After reading this article, I thought of how each and every town, city, state, and country has their share of murderers, kidnappers, serial killers, burglars, etc. Even the biggest acts occur in the smallest towns. But in the end, it gets you nowhere. I don't understand what would lead anyone to hurt another person. What could possibly be a good enough reason?
This man's reason was because he was "angry with the mental health organization"
http://www.kens5.com/news/Mom-stabbed-in-the-back-at-Stephenville-park-87771417.html
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Central Market Treasure Hunt
Wow, it has been a while since I have posted. But let me say, even though it seems that I have not been focusing on my blog, I have been.
Early this week, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to head down to Central Market in South Austin (off 290 West and Lamar). Of course, the man I went shopping with was in food heaven. Even though I am not too into cooking personally, I really enjoyed looking at all the different varieties of food, some items I have never even heard of such as Golden Raspberries. Nearly everything was organic, even the chocolate, not to mention, the prices were not bad at all, extremely affordable if you know what you want and don't go overboard. We got out with dinner, desert, and lots of different ingredients for about $30. We purchased aged Goat cheese soaked in wine, Goat cheese and Herb Ravioli, tons of items from the candy isle (homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate covered gummy bears, chocolate covered banana chips), sugar plums (more out of curiosity), heavy whipping cream (for our homemade pesto sauce), a few healthy choices beverage wise, and lastly, the reason for my article, Kombucha.
Personally, I had never heard of Kombucha. Kombucha is a pro biotic tea with over a billion organisms. While reading the label on the bottle, the ingredients seem a little intimidating. But because we traveled to Central Market specifically for healthy items, we decided that choosing a detoxifying beverage would be a rather smart decision. Kombucha contains significant amounts of B vitamins and has been proven to aid in fighting off specific health conditions, diseases, and even cancer.
Kombucha does not contain caffeine and the taste was interesting (to say the least).
Kombucha is known to:
http://www.kombucha.org/
Early this week, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to head down to Central Market in South Austin (off 290 West and Lamar). Of course, the man I went shopping with was in food heaven. Even though I am not too into cooking personally, I really enjoyed looking at all the different varieties of food, some items I have never even heard of such as Golden Raspberries. Nearly everything was organic, even the chocolate, not to mention, the prices were not bad at all, extremely affordable if you know what you want and don't go overboard. We got out with dinner, desert, and lots of different ingredients for about $30. We purchased aged Goat cheese soaked in wine, Goat cheese and Herb Ravioli, tons of items from the candy isle (homemade peanut butter cups, chocolate covered gummy bears, chocolate covered banana chips), sugar plums (more out of curiosity), heavy whipping cream (for our homemade pesto sauce), a few healthy choices beverage wise, and lastly, the reason for my article, Kombucha.
Personally, I had never heard of Kombucha. Kombucha is a pro biotic tea with over a billion organisms. While reading the label on the bottle, the ingredients seem a little intimidating. But because we traveled to Central Market specifically for healthy items, we decided that choosing a detoxifying beverage would be a rather smart decision. Kombucha contains significant amounts of B vitamins and has been proven to aid in fighting off specific health conditions, diseases, and even cancer.
Kombucha does not contain caffeine and the taste was interesting (to say the least).
Kombucha is known to:
- Stabilize Blood pressure
- Improve circulation and remove toxins
- Prevents canker sores and oral irritations
- Clears nail fungus
- Flattens and fades old liver spots
- Eliminates and reduces heat rash
- Removes rust
- Returns grey hairs to original color
- Improves conditions of people with liver problems
- Prevents and helps heal bladder infections
- Eases Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- Insect repellent
- Smoothes out cellulite
- Removes toxins from the body
- Helps with Eczema
- Stops severe menstrual cramps
- Eliminates desire for alcohol
- Helps Arthritis
- Soothes sting and swelling from bee stings
- Improves eye site
Give it a try!!
http://www.answers.com/topic/kombuchahttp://www.kombucha.org/
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Just Something Small To Brighten Your Day
If you ever feel like someone is watching you, know that it is God and that He has plans for your every move. Psalms always helps me, maybe it will help you.
O LORD, you have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:1-3
O LORD, you have searched me and You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:1-3
Need2know Common Sense
Today, while trying to concentrate on a crucial english paper, I overheard 2 girls talking about 'the plan'. Being the nosie and curious person that I always have been, I got distracted from my essay because I wanted to know exactly what this 'plan' was that they were talking about.
I then heard one of the girls talking about how she was going to get pregnant without getting introuble with her parents (she was informing girl #2 of the 'ingenious' plan).
"Well first, I'm going to pay one of my good friends to get me prego. I am going to tell my parents that I went to a Fraternity party and got drugged by some guy, then I am going to wait until 3 months into my pregnancy so that they can't press charges. But oh my gosh I'm so excited. I get to have a little baby and it's going to be so much fun".
Before she even got to finishing her 'plan', I was disgusted not only by her immature idea but also by her lack of common sense. She just oozed with stupidity.
I wanted to turn around and say:
I then heard one of the girls talking about how she was going to get pregnant without getting introuble with her parents (she was informing girl #2 of the 'ingenious' plan).
"Well first, I'm going to pay one of my good friends to get me prego. I am going to tell my parents that I went to a Fraternity party and got drugged by some guy, then I am going to wait until 3 months into my pregnancy so that they can't press charges. But oh my gosh I'm so excited. I get to have a little baby and it's going to be so much fun".
Before she even got to finishing her 'plan', I was disgusted not only by her immature idea but also by her lack of common sense. She just oozed with stupidity.
I wanted to turn around and say:
- After you have this baby, your parents run DNA and find out who this baby belongs too and I am almost positive that this guy would rather throw you under the bus than go to jail for rape.
- Do you honestly think having a baby is all 'fun and games'? I highly doubt you factored in food, medical bills, staying up half the night because the baby is crying, raising the child without any help, and not to mention the amount of responsibility it takes to raise a child, which obviously, you lack maturity on a disgustingly pathetic level.
- Did you ever take into consideration that disappointment and anger your parents will have towards you when they find out you lied just so you could have fun with a baby? Did you ever consider the awful life you will be giving this child? What will you do when the 'fun' is done? What will you do when you're infant is sick and you have gone weeks without sleeping, or when you run out of money for food, dipers, medical bills, ect?
The lack of common sense in so called 'highly educated college students' is sickening.
As I stood up from my chair and grabbed my things, all I could think about was the life of this baby. I did not even know what to say to her. So I looked at her and simply said:
"If you honestly think lying about rape will get you out of the consequences you're going to bear, I can't believe you claim to have a brain."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Spiritual Wellness Benefits Health After All
There are many ways to keep your body healthy. Just because you eat healthy food and exercise, that does not necessarily mean you are 'healthy'. There are other factors that play a role in your all around physical being such as Social Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Environmental Wellness, Occupational Wellness, Emotional Wellness, and lastly, Spiritual Wellness. Although all forms of fitness and wellness are important, spiritual wellness really stuck out for me. Why? Because Spiritual Wellness is the unifying power that brings together all dimensions of wellness.
Spiritually well people have claimed to have a sense of meaning and direction in life. Life is a joy to them, as it should be. But how can someone be spiritually well?
Studies show that people who attend church and regularly participate in religious organizations are proven to enjoy better health, have a lower incidence of chronic disease, handle stress more effectively, and live longer.
Next, prayer, otherwise known as a sincere and humble communication with God, has shown increase of Spiritual Wellness in numerous lifes.
Appoximately 200 studies have been conducted on prayer and the affect it has on spiritual wellness and health. As long as prayers are offered with love, empathy, sincerity, and compassion, postive health is an ongoing outcome. Some studies have even shown faster healing time and fewer complications in patients that didn't even know that they were being prayed for, compared with patients who were not prayed for.
Spiritually well people have claimed to have a sense of meaning and direction in life. Life is a joy to them, as it should be. But how can someone be spiritually well?
Studies show that people who attend church and regularly participate in religious organizations are proven to enjoy better health, have a lower incidence of chronic disease, handle stress more effectively, and live longer.
Next, prayer, otherwise known as a sincere and humble communication with God, has shown increase of Spiritual Wellness in numerous lifes.
Appoximately 200 studies have been conducted on prayer and the affect it has on spiritual wellness and health. As long as prayers are offered with love, empathy, sincerity, and compassion, postive health is an ongoing outcome. Some studies have even shown faster healing time and fewer complications in patients that didn't even know that they were being prayed for, compared with patients who were not prayed for.
- Hospitalized people who never attended church have an average stay of three times longer than people who attended regularly.
- Elderly people who never or rarely attended church had a stroke rate double that of people who attended regularly.
- In Israel, religious people had a 40% lower death rate from cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Also, scientific studies have shown that people who are more religious show less cases of depression than those who are not. And those who do become depressed, recover faster than those who are not religious.
Lastly, my previous entry about Lincoln. Who can argue that prayers really work? This child will always amaze me, but in addition to his strength, the strength and power in prayer blows me away.
Matthew 6:7 "When you pray, don't babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered only by repeating their words again and again."
John 15:7 But if you stay joined to me and my words remain in you, you may ask any request you like, and it will be granted!
Matthew 26:41 "Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"
Luke 18:1 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
Most of this information, I have retrieved from my professor during our Health Lecture. I was very impressed that christianity was mentioned in our spiritual wellness chapter.
God listens, so speak up!
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=50874
http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/bible.htm
Miracles Still Happen
The creation of the universe including plants, animals, and humans (Gen 1-2), Daniel saved in the Lions den (Dan 6:16-23), the healing of two blind men (Matt 9:27-31), Water turned to Wine (John 2:1-11), Jesus walks on water (Mark 6:48), the list of miracles goes on and on. A question I have heard lately is "why did miracles happen back then but they don't happen now?"
As I pondered this question from many different people, I simply replied "because you're looking in the wrong places".
Lincoln Hammett has been battling Leukemia since he was 3 months old. Last year, on March 13, he was not eating and was extremely fussy. When the Hammetts took his temperature (expecting an ear infection or the common cold) they found blood in his stool. They first expected a blockage in his intestine due to the lump they felt on the left side of his stomach.
Next, the doctor took x-rays of his chest and did blood work. The doctor informed the Hammetts that the x-rays looked normal, but he was concerned with the blood work. Lincoln's white blood cell count had elevated to over 290,000 (normal never goes over 11,000). March 14, 2009 Lincoln was diagnosed with Infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-MLLR.
About 2 months ago, the doctors told the Hammetts that there was only one other option they could try to save Lincoln's life and that was to try a 24 hour infusion of Chemo for 5 days straight. They also told the Hammetts that if this did not work, Lincoln would only have a few weeks left. Luckily, the Chemo started working even though it was taking a lot of energy from Lincoln's body. Then, one of Lincoln's older sisters fell down the stairs while carrying him and he broke his femur. This was not an easy step for Lincoln.
Thankfully, on February 4, 2010, they found no cancer cells in the spinal fluid. This was great news. And on February 20, his cancer count had gone from 100% to 10%.
In the snap of a finger, February 24 came around and Lincoln was undergoing a very difficult time. He spiked a fever so the Hammetts first reaction was to rush him to the ER. His blood pressure was 62/9. Within hours, Lincoln was in Intensive Care and the doctors asked the Hammetts to leave the room because things could get ugly. Later that day, the doctors had told them that maybe it would be best to unplug everything and just hold him. Being the fighter that he is, his parents believed in him and continued to love and support him. Mr. Hammett was supposed to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force that same week but due to his priority to Lincoln, he announced that he would not be there for the ceremony. But because of Lincoln's progress, the ceremony was held at the hospital in Lincoln's honor.
Currently, Lincoln is out of ICU and back on the Oncology floor. His CO2 level is now back to normal and his heart rate has been steady.
Everytime I hear of Lincoln Hammett's progress and the strength and faith his family has in him, I believe he is a miracle. Lincoln is in serious pain but he keeps a smile and shows the world he is ready to play. He has more strength than any child I have ever known and I believe that is the works of God, the love and comfort of his parents, and the prayers of those who believe in him.
Prayers work. If you would like to know more about Lincoln, visit:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lincoln/journal/1
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/an-air-force-fighter-at-age-1-579158.html?imw=Y
Please keep praying. Thank you!
God bless!
As I pondered this question from many different people, I simply replied "because you're looking in the wrong places".
Lincoln Hammett has been battling Leukemia since he was 3 months old. Last year, on March 13, he was not eating and was extremely fussy. When the Hammetts took his temperature (expecting an ear infection or the common cold) they found blood in his stool. They first expected a blockage in his intestine due to the lump they felt on the left side of his stomach.
Next, the doctor took x-rays of his chest and did blood work. The doctor informed the Hammetts that the x-rays looked normal, but he was concerned with the blood work. Lincoln's white blood cell count had elevated to over 290,000 (normal never goes over 11,000). March 14, 2009 Lincoln was diagnosed with Infantile Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-MLLR.
About 2 months ago, the doctors told the Hammetts that there was only one other option they could try to save Lincoln's life and that was to try a 24 hour infusion of Chemo for 5 days straight. They also told the Hammetts that if this did not work, Lincoln would only have a few weeks left. Luckily, the Chemo started working even though it was taking a lot of energy from Lincoln's body. Then, one of Lincoln's older sisters fell down the stairs while carrying him and he broke his femur. This was not an easy step for Lincoln.
Thankfully, on February 4, 2010, they found no cancer cells in the spinal fluid. This was great news. And on February 20, his cancer count had gone from 100% to 10%.
In the snap of a finger, February 24 came around and Lincoln was undergoing a very difficult time. He spiked a fever so the Hammetts first reaction was to rush him to the ER. His blood pressure was 62/9. Within hours, Lincoln was in Intensive Care and the doctors asked the Hammetts to leave the room because things could get ugly. Later that day, the doctors had told them that maybe it would be best to unplug everything and just hold him. Being the fighter that he is, his parents believed in him and continued to love and support him. Mr. Hammett was supposed to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force that same week but due to his priority to Lincoln, he announced that he would not be there for the ceremony. But because of Lincoln's progress, the ceremony was held at the hospital in Lincoln's honor.
Currently, Lincoln is out of ICU and back on the Oncology floor. His CO2 level is now back to normal and his heart rate has been steady.
Everytime I hear of Lincoln Hammett's progress and the strength and faith his family has in him, I believe he is a miracle. Lincoln is in serious pain but he keeps a smile and shows the world he is ready to play. He has more strength than any child I have ever known and I believe that is the works of God, the love and comfort of his parents, and the prayers of those who believe in him.
Prayers work. If you would like to know more about Lincoln, visit:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lincoln/journal/1
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/an-air-force-fighter-at-age-1-579158.html?imw=Y
Please keep praying. Thank you!
God bless!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Spread of Christianity Through Actions, Not Words
With each blog posted, you learn a little bit more about me, my opinions, and my view of the world. So far, you know that I am in love with a wonderful, romantic guy (unbelievable right?), I enjoy writing songs/poems, I love movies almost as much as I love to read, I do not support PETA because of their immoral advertisements, and I am a fan of EasyHits4u. With this next blog, you will come to find that I am strong in my walk as a christian. I normally do not forward e-mails or even give forwards a second thought, but I decided this would be a good message for those of you who are Christians, but do not spread the word of God through actions. Think about it and enjoy.
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, 'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.''Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'
His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college. Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it.
One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.
Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.
How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him.. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone. Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, 'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.''Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'
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