Diets have never worked for me. The deprivation of all things yummy, isolation of a particular "type" of food and the constant guilt and shame of failure were not a happy mix for me. My brain would not wrap itself around the logistics of low-fat, low-carb, no fruit, no vegetables, no meat, no bread, no rice, no bacon, no biscuits and come up with something worth doing.
I'm a conscientious health nut with a wicked junk food twist.
But, this weekend I decided to take the plunge. Now, I'm on a mission to change how I experience food. From shopping to preparation to eating. Changing my eating lifestyle is the single most difficult thing I've had to face!
Flesh. UGH.
I'm beginning with sugar/sweeteners. Here is a brief list of the many faces of sugar: (I'm sure you can add more!)
Brown sugar
Corn syrup
Demerara Sugar
Dextrose
Free Flowing Brown Sugars
Fructose
Galactose
Glucose
High Fructose
Corn Syrup
Honey
Invert Sugar
Lactose
Malt
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Maple syrup
Molasses
Muscovado or Barbados Sugar
Panocha
Powdered or confectioner's sugar
Rice Syrup
Sucrose
Sugar (granulated)
Treacle
Turbinado sugar
As I swallow the last bite of my final yummy, sugar-filled brownie, I'll share an article with hints for breaking the sugar habit:
http://www.floridajewishnews.com/site/a/Break_the_Sugar_Habit/
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Happy Birthday to ME!
I'm legal. Today, I turned 21 years old in the Lord! I'm so thankful for Truth and the Lords patience with lost, stubborn and hungry souls!
In 1981, I repented of my sins and accepted Christ as my personal savior . It was a powerful experience, as I was coming out of a lifestyle steeped in the occult, drugs and all kinds of crud. However, I thank GOD ALMIGHTY that it didn't work for me!
I looked around at these other Christian-type people, and thought, "What is wrong with them? How do they live this way?" I was saved, and I could still smoke weed! Right ON!
In 1983, Laura and Mary Ingalls showed up at my doorstep. These two women were decked in the 80's hair and Gunney Sack dresses. I almost laughed. Anyhoo, they were at my place to see my roommate. Of course, they had to sit in my living room and testify of the goodness of God.
They asked me if I was saved. I said, "Um, yeah."
Then, they said, "Have you recieved the Holy Ghost?"
Blank look. "Sure. Yeah. When I accepted Christ."
I don't remember the rest of the visit. I was fuming. These women were part of some cult. Worse than Jehovah Witnesses. UGH.
Later in that year, my future first husband DRUG me to this church he started going to. Not only did I have to go with him, but, he made me sit in the second row. Right in front of the preacher.
"Did everone bring their Bibles?" (followed by "amens")
"You better bring your Bible to Church! Or, you're just foolish!" (he had my attention)
"Don't believe me! You gotta READ it for yourself! If you don't bring your Bible and read it for yourself, I could tell you anything!"
I was impressed until he started talking about men, women and relationships. I couldn't believe the archaeic audacity of this preacher! Male cheuvenist pig! But, the Word is the Word.
Regardless of the crazy people.I read the book of Acts about 5 times. Oh, boy. I got madder and madder with each reading, but, I couldn't escape the words in black and white.
"...baptized...Jesus' name..."
In May of 1984, I was baptized in Jesus name-as a declaration of my faith in Christ-NOT because I thought I HAD TO! (riiiiggghhhht...) When I came up out of the water, I was as light as a feather! It was amazing!
It didn't last long, though. My now husband wanted me to change into the women at the church. But, I couldn't wrap my brain around them. I didn't "get" the whole Holy Ghost concept, and, to be honest-I didn't think I wanted to get it.
Abuse, beatings, leaving. I ended up back in Ohio.
In 1987, I was bartending in a local bar. Great fun, great money, free alcohol and a drug budget. What more could a girl want?
I'm glad you ask...
One night, the end of May, I worked a double shift at the bar. I came home 2-3 sheets to the wind, but, wound up from work. I went to bed and decided to read for a while. That always helped me unwind.
I kept a pile of books next to my bed, all in various stages of readage. I reached down, rummaged, pulled one up and thunked it on my pillow in front of me.
Holy Bible.
I didn't think anything of it. I mean, afterall, I was saved. At least that's what I believed before I opened it. When I opened the Bible, it morphed into this verbal, living thing. It told me who I was, everything I'd ever done, all that I was doing now and that I needed the Holy Ghost.
I remembered those women, the church, the preaching and the committment of the people. Whatever they had, I wanted. Even if it was lunacy, it was something they considered worth living for: more than I had at the time.
At the end of my reading, I was stone cold sober, sobbing and repenting. I knew I needed the Holy Ghost and wanted it more than anything. But, how? Where?
The following week, I recieved a phone call from some woman who was from an Apostolic Church. She asked if there was anything she could do for me. Weird.
I asked if she believed in the Holy Ghost. "Yes."
One God, not the Trinity? "Yes."
"Ok. I need the Holy Ghost."
That was Wednesday, June 3, 1987.
On Friday, June 5, 1987, I closed my shift at the bar. Gathered my stuff and walked out.
Forever.
I went to a small church and met with the pastor and the lady that called me. We discussed my life. I repented and told them I wanted the Holy Ghost. NOW.
Ten minutes later, at 10:10PM, I was on the floor, speaking in tongues-FILLED with the precious Spirit of God!
No one can take that away from me!
Apostolic is NOT a denomination.
It is NOT a Non-denomination.
It is an EXPERIENCE!
Hallelujah!!
In 1981, I repented of my sins and accepted Christ as my personal savior . It was a powerful experience, as I was coming out of a lifestyle steeped in the occult, drugs and all kinds of crud. However, I thank GOD ALMIGHTY that it didn't work for me!
I looked around at these other Christian-type people, and thought, "What is wrong with them? How do they live this way?" I was saved, and I could still smoke weed! Right ON!
In 1983, Laura and Mary Ingalls showed up at my doorstep. These two women were decked in the 80's hair and Gunney Sack dresses. I almost laughed. Anyhoo, they were at my place to see my roommate. Of course, they had to sit in my living room and testify of the goodness of God.
They asked me if I was saved. I said, "Um, yeah."
Then, they said, "Have you recieved the Holy Ghost?"
Blank look. "Sure. Yeah. When I accepted Christ."
I don't remember the rest of the visit. I was fuming. These women were part of some cult. Worse than Jehovah Witnesses. UGH.
Later in that year, my future first husband DRUG me to this church he started going to. Not only did I have to go with him, but, he made me sit in the second row. Right in front of the preacher.
"Did everone bring their Bibles?" (followed by "amens")
"You better bring your Bible to Church! Or, you're just foolish!" (he had my attention)
"Don't believe me! You gotta READ it for yourself! If you don't bring your Bible and read it for yourself, I could tell you anything!"
I was impressed until he started talking about men, women and relationships. I couldn't believe the archaeic audacity of this preacher! Male cheuvenist pig! But, the Word is the Word.
Regardless of the crazy people.I read the book of Acts about 5 times. Oh, boy. I got madder and madder with each reading, but, I couldn't escape the words in black and white.
"...baptized...Jesus' name..."
In May of 1984, I was baptized in Jesus name-as a declaration of my faith in Christ-NOT because I thought I HAD TO! (riiiiggghhhht...) When I came up out of the water, I was as light as a feather! It was amazing!
It didn't last long, though. My now husband wanted me to change into the women at the church. But, I couldn't wrap my brain around them. I didn't "get" the whole Holy Ghost concept, and, to be honest-I didn't think I wanted to get it.
Abuse, beatings, leaving. I ended up back in Ohio.
In 1987, I was bartending in a local bar. Great fun, great money, free alcohol and a drug budget. What more could a girl want?
I'm glad you ask...
One night, the end of May, I worked a double shift at the bar. I came home 2-3 sheets to the wind, but, wound up from work. I went to bed and decided to read for a while. That always helped me unwind.
I kept a pile of books next to my bed, all in various stages of readage. I reached down, rummaged, pulled one up and thunked it on my pillow in front of me.
Holy Bible.
I didn't think anything of it. I mean, afterall, I was saved. At least that's what I believed before I opened it. When I opened the Bible, it morphed into this verbal, living thing. It told me who I was, everything I'd ever done, all that I was doing now and that I needed the Holy Ghost.
I remembered those women, the church, the preaching and the committment of the people. Whatever they had, I wanted. Even if it was lunacy, it was something they considered worth living for: more than I had at the time.
At the end of my reading, I was stone cold sober, sobbing and repenting. I knew I needed the Holy Ghost and wanted it more than anything. But, how? Where?
The following week, I recieved a phone call from some woman who was from an Apostolic Church. She asked if there was anything she could do for me. Weird.
I asked if she believed in the Holy Ghost. "Yes."
One God, not the Trinity? "Yes."
"Ok. I need the Holy Ghost."
That was Wednesday, June 3, 1987.
On Friday, June 5, 1987, I closed my shift at the bar. Gathered my stuff and walked out.
Forever.
I went to a small church and met with the pastor and the lady that called me. We discussed my life. I repented and told them I wanted the Holy Ghost. NOW.
Ten minutes later, at 10:10PM, I was on the floor, speaking in tongues-FILLED with the precious Spirit of God!
No one can take that away from me!
Apostolic is NOT a denomination.
It is NOT a Non-denomination.
It is an EXPERIENCE!
Hallelujah!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Spouses Who "Don't"
Here is a brief list of current and common sexual orientations with definitions:
Heterosexual: Male/Female sexual attraction
Homosexual: Same gender sexual attraction
Bisexual: Sexual attraction for both genders
Asexual: Someone who does not experience sexual attraction, regardless of gender.
This group can be hetero-, homo-, or bi-sexual.
A friend of mine (who is a lesbian) came to my office very upset and frustrated. She began telling me about her partnership with an asexual. The pain of the relationship had become intolerable. She said, "My partner refuses to understand my needs for physical intimacy. She can't understand why I get so angry and frustrated!" The relationship ended. Badly.
I have another friend (who is heterosexual) married to an asexual man. She states, "We were intimate for the first year of marriage. Then, he quit. Nothing, except when he thinks I might be thinking about leaving him. He perks up for a few minutes." She is still in this marriage because she's a Christian and she "knows he isn't cheating on me." It's been almost 10 years since my friend experienced any type marital intimacy. She's tried EVERYTHING and ANYTHING! Her frustration is palpable. She says, "The pain and rejection is so embedded in me, that, if by some miracle he did change: would I care?"
According to AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network), asexuality is a sexual orientation. They further explain, "Asexual people have the same emotional needs as anyone else, and like in the sexual community we vary widely in how we fulfill those needs. Some asexual people are happier on their own, others are happiest with a group of close friends. Other asexual people have a desire to form more intimate romantic relationships, and will date and seek long-term partnerships. Asexual people are just as likely to date sexual people as we are to date each other."
Heterosexuals seek other heterosexuals. Homosexuals seek others of the same orientation. Bisexuals, well, my opinion of them isn't very respectful, so, I'll spare you my loathing of this group. However, asexuals can claim ALL other orientations! "Asexual people who experience attraction will often be attracted to a particular gender, and will identify as gay, bi, or straight." (AVEN)
If they intend to maintain an asexual lifestyle, then, WHY do they seek sexuals?
An asexual who goes into a relationship with a sexual is an abuser.
The selfishness of this group of people blows my mind . Especially, if they call themselves Christian and marry within the Church. This adds a dynamic to the relationship that a non-Christian couple don't typically face. The Christian man or woman has Biblical principles to take into consideration before leaving and divorcing a spouse.
It's very unlikely the asexual will "cheat". They're content without physical intimacy. A chronic history of headaches, tireds and not tonights are worn out excuses for this group of selfish men and women. The "Christian" asexual puts their spouse at risk of adultery, lust and depression. I can see the opportunity for sin swing wide open like a screen door without a spring!
For the sexual Christian, it's doubly difficult to justify leaving an asexual partner. Because, the only real problem is the lack of physical intimacy in the relationship. Christian asexuality is a form of spiritual entrapment from which there is no scriptural escape.
"...for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman..." Romans 1:26-27
Heterosexual: Male/Female sexual attraction
Homosexual: Same gender sexual attraction
Bisexual: Sexual attraction for both genders
Asexual: Someone who does not experience sexual attraction, regardless of gender.
This group can be hetero-, homo-, or bi-sexual.
A friend of mine (who is a lesbian) came to my office very upset and frustrated. She began telling me about her partnership with an asexual. The pain of the relationship had become intolerable. She said, "My partner refuses to understand my needs for physical intimacy. She can't understand why I get so angry and frustrated!" The relationship ended. Badly.
I have another friend (who is heterosexual) married to an asexual man. She states, "We were intimate for the first year of marriage. Then, he quit. Nothing, except when he thinks I might be thinking about leaving him. He perks up for a few minutes." She is still in this marriage because she's a Christian and she "knows he isn't cheating on me." It's been almost 10 years since my friend experienced any type marital intimacy. She's tried EVERYTHING and ANYTHING! Her frustration is palpable. She says, "The pain and rejection is so embedded in me, that, if by some miracle he did change: would I care?"
According to AVEN (Asexual Visibility and Education Network), asexuality is a sexual orientation. They further explain, "Asexual people have the same emotional needs as anyone else, and like in the sexual community we vary widely in how we fulfill those needs. Some asexual people are happier on their own, others are happiest with a group of close friends. Other asexual people have a desire to form more intimate romantic relationships, and will date and seek long-term partnerships. Asexual people are just as likely to date sexual people as we are to date each other."
Heterosexuals seek other heterosexuals. Homosexuals seek others of the same orientation. Bisexuals, well, my opinion of them isn't very respectful, so, I'll spare you my loathing of this group. However, asexuals can claim ALL other orientations! "Asexual people who experience attraction will often be attracted to a particular gender, and will identify as gay, bi, or straight." (AVEN)
If they intend to maintain an asexual lifestyle, then, WHY do they seek sexuals?
An asexual who goes into a relationship with a sexual is an abuser.
The selfishness of this group of people blows my mind . Especially, if they call themselves Christian and marry within the Church. This adds a dynamic to the relationship that a non-Christian couple don't typically face. The Christian man or woman has Biblical principles to take into consideration before leaving and divorcing a spouse.
It's very unlikely the asexual will "cheat". They're content without physical intimacy. A chronic history of headaches, tireds and not tonights are worn out excuses for this group of selfish men and women. The "Christian" asexual puts their spouse at risk of adultery, lust and depression. I can see the opportunity for sin swing wide open like a screen door without a spring!
For the sexual Christian, it's doubly difficult to justify leaving an asexual partner. Because, the only real problem is the lack of physical intimacy in the relationship. Christian asexuality is a form of spiritual entrapment from which there is no scriptural escape.
"...for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman..." Romans 1:26-27
Monday, May 26, 2008
12:00:30
30 seconds after the rapture, nothing will matter.
No matter where we find ourselves: Heaven or Earth.
The things that kept us from serving God and following Truth will be meaningless.
"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away;
so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."
Matthew 24:37-39
The valleys and mountaintops, trials and tribulations of the faithful will dim into forgetfulness.
"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:
for the former things are passed away."
Revelation 21:4
Nothing will matter, then.
But it does, NOW!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Overcoming the 'god' in Me
Recently, I received an email that linked me to a website that encouraged people to alter their universe with positive thoughts. It said if you think things that make you feel good, then you're on the right track, and vise-versa. The writer went on to say that our human thoughts can create: think illness, create illness; think prosperity, create prosperity. It was a testament to human god-ness.
Years ago, I was lost in a muddle of circumstance and chaos. Counselors taught me the power of positive thinking, self esteem, power of self and creating my own destiny, etc. I have to be honest, it helped me DEAL with my circumstance, but it didn't HEAL me. I put my trust in cards, astrology, psychic powers and karma, readings, numbers and I even believed in the spoken word as power over my situation. (spells???)
When I ceased to be my own "god" (meaning that I no longer believed that I was the creator of my own universe-destiny), things began to change. This happened when I was introduced to a Creator; the ONE God, the true Creator and Redeemer. When Jesus Christ manifested Himself in my life in a real and tangible way, it rocked my universe!
Immediately the meaning of right/wrong, yes/no, bondage/freedom, sin/forgiveness, free will/pride made sense to me. I understood that my life would NEVER change unless I released myself to the Creator, Jesus Christ.
My life has changed. I have changed.
When I repented of my sins-He forgave me. I felt amazing. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. Then, according to the Word of God, I was baptized in Jesus' name. This washed me clean-again, no experience up to that point had made any kind of impact on me. After being baptized, I was DIFFERENT. It was at that point that I allowed Jesus Christ in to my heart and He came to reside in me according to His promise. I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. This wasn't something I DID...it just happened. It is a gift.
Since then, God has been faithful and AMAZING!
Do I still have choice? Yes, of course. But, I know a better way. I could continue doing those things I did before, but, I've been given a REASON not to!
Do I still have free will? Yes. It wasn't until I received the Spirit of Christ that I had the power to utilize it.
Can my universe be recreated? It has been through the power of Christ-the True Creator.
Do thoughts and words affect my spirit and soul? Absolutely. The Bible says so! Prayer is spoken. Praise and worship are spoken!
Consider Christ. Why is it that He is the ONE thing that all forms of religions and secular beliefs want to dispute/refute? Even among the "Christian" population, there is discord and contention about WHO HE is. Yet, being a God of all and smarter than any of us-He left a map called His Word. It says that man's wisdom is foolishness to God. So, when people say, "I don't believe God meant that for today" or "That isn't what God really meant" I wonder at their arrogance and am amazed that they would think themselves wiser than the Lord!
I encourage all to seek Truth, not religion.
There's just one thing: You must believe.
Years ago, I was lost in a muddle of circumstance and chaos. Counselors taught me the power of positive thinking, self esteem, power of self and creating my own destiny, etc. I have to be honest, it helped me DEAL with my circumstance, but it didn't HEAL me. I put my trust in cards, astrology, psychic powers and karma, readings, numbers and I even believed in the spoken word as power over my situation. (spells???)
When I ceased to be my own "god" (meaning that I no longer believed that I was the creator of my own universe-destiny), things began to change. This happened when I was introduced to a Creator; the ONE God, the true Creator and Redeemer. When Jesus Christ manifested Himself in my life in a real and tangible way, it rocked my universe!
Immediately the meaning of right/wrong, yes/no, bondage/freedom, sin/forgiveness, free will/pride made sense to me. I understood that my life would NEVER change unless I released myself to the Creator, Jesus Christ.
My life has changed. I have changed.
When I repented of my sins-He forgave me. I felt amazing. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. Then, according to the Word of God, I was baptized in Jesus' name. This washed me clean-again, no experience up to that point had made any kind of impact on me. After being baptized, I was DIFFERENT. It was at that point that I allowed Jesus Christ in to my heart and He came to reside in me according to His promise. I was baptized with the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. This wasn't something I DID...it just happened. It is a gift.
Since then, God has been faithful and AMAZING!
Do I still have choice? Yes, of course. But, I know a better way. I could continue doing those things I did before, but, I've been given a REASON not to!
Do I still have free will? Yes. It wasn't until I received the Spirit of Christ that I had the power to utilize it.
Can my universe be recreated? It has been through the power of Christ-the True Creator.
Do thoughts and words affect my spirit and soul? Absolutely. The Bible says so! Prayer is spoken. Praise and worship are spoken!
Consider Christ. Why is it that He is the ONE thing that all forms of religions and secular beliefs want to dispute/refute? Even among the "Christian" population, there is discord and contention about WHO HE is. Yet, being a God of all and smarter than any of us-He left a map called His Word. It says that man's wisdom is foolishness to God. So, when people say, "I don't believe God meant that for today" or "That isn't what God really meant" I wonder at their arrogance and am amazed that they would think themselves wiser than the Lord!
I encourage all to seek Truth, not religion.
There's just one thing: You must believe.
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