New Food Frontier For Me

#dairyfree #foodallergies #cooking

I had the most amazing day at Barnes and Noble. A few weeks ago I began my food experiment journey into the world of gluten-free and dairy free recipes. I am happy to report the non-dairy butter was and is awesome. I found a recipe for non-dairy shortening. I haven't tried it yet but since it is from the same cook I expect it to be amazing as well. That experience combined with my new love for certified organic foods got be excited to learn more. I went to Barnes and Noble on a search for a gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan cookbook. That was kind of silly since vegans are dairy free. :-D Nevertheless, I spent some time searching for a cookbook that would satisfy my education and cooking for my Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted to find a particular book that I had seen in an Adventist market. I didn't see it so I went to customer service like a good little researcher and asked about the book. I didn't find the book but I did discover that I had only tapped the service of Barnes and Noble's cookbooks. The WHOLE back wall contained cookbooks. I just HAD to come back another day when i could explore.

Much like that little kid at Christmas, I couldn't wait. I was so excited that I came back and purchased a gluten-free, dairy-free cookbook without the research.. I got home and decided it really did not do it for me. The next day I returned the book and spent that amazing day searching for a cookbook that would meet my needs.

I found it! I found it! I found the perfect book for me. It has recipes but it is more of a "How to make your own" book. It is a Vegan substitution cookbook, The Complete Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions by Steen and Newman. The guide explains the relationship between items used to prepare a meal for carnivores and herbivores and how to make the substitutions for the best results. As I said in the last post, I was expecting a diverse set of dietary needs to visit my home for Christmas. I needed to change my mac and cheese and sweet potato pie ingredients to accommodate animal product free, dairy free, and gluten free allergies. Rather than guessing and serving the meals with trepidation, I went boldly into the kitchen to prepare the requested dishes. The mac and cheese was a hit. I know because there was very little left over. We  ate so much that we didn't have room for the pies. That was left to today's dining experiences.

By the way, corn allergy is coming to visit for the weekend. What's one more. Corn, in some form,is in almost everything.  Read your labels people.Got to label read!

We Forgot!

#peaceonearth #respect #Christmas #joy #stress #spouse #love

I remember when I was a child this was the most inspiring, joyous time of the year. My grandmother shopped downtown listening to Christmas carols being piped through speakers on the city streets. The night air was crisp and clean. People who you didn't know, greeting you with smiles and Merry Christmas on their lips. It may have been stressful to some but it sure didn't feel like it. The list of things to be done seemed like a privilege and a joy. Giving wasn't something you had to do. People who couldn't afford to buy gifts made them. Those were usually the best ones. Sharing what you had was magnified.

But Now...

There seems to be more concern with how much I can get and how much did you pay for it. That put unnecessary stress who can't spend a lot. We forgot the joy is in the giving, however little and the fact that someone thought of you. We forgot! We have taught our kids to be unappreciative. Then we get mad at them when they are.

The stress of this season breaks up relationships. We have come to value the things given over the giver. If your spouse or significant other doesn't give you what you want at the price point you expect, there is NO Peace on Earth. We forgot. 

• Let's remember to treat each other the way we want to be treated; with love and respect.
• Let's remember to value the person more than anything they give, even if all they can give is a smile and a hug.
• Let's remember the joy many of us felt as children. 

    If you don't have those kind of memories begin to make them now. Those of us who have them, share that love with them.

• Let's remember "To do to others what we want done to us."

          I guess in this perverted world I should explain. I mean treat others with the love and respect you want to get. Don't fight in the stores and don't curse people out in the parking lots.

• Let's remember to be kind and spread joy. 

Don't forget. The Messiah's birth was to bring Peace not Stress. 

Remember!

Have Very, Blessed, Joyful, and Loving CHRISTmas celebration!

The Thanksgiving Cooking Experiment

I hope you had a wonderful time with your family. It was just my husband and I. Our children were away this year. I had a ball. Not because they were away though. I experimented with our traditional recipes. I was motivated by my newly vegan son and my dairy-intolerant grand-baby. I had wanted to try vegan cooking for a while and I figured now was a good time.

Mac and Cheese

Attention went first to my mac and cheese. This is my grandmother's mac and cheese so the flavors are sacred. I decided to use rice elbow macaroni. I never used it before. Next concern: How do you bring those southern flavors to vegan world: Butter, real milk, sharp and mild cheddar cheese? I was skeptical but I went all in. I replaced the cheese with veggie cheese. I replaced the milk with flax seed milk. I found it to be creamier than almond and other nut milks I've tried. However, what to do about butter? I found some vegan butter in my favorite organic store but the cost was ridiculous. Google came through. I found several vegan sites that had recipes for making your own vegan butter without using soy products. I made my first non-dairy butter. The results were good but I still didn't know how it would work in my mac and cheese. It was wonderful. That gave me hope for my sweet potato pie.

Sweet Potato Pie

This was not completely vegan but it was still an experiment. I used my non-dairy butter, a blend of flax and evaporated milk and egg. I thought my husband had bought an egg substitute but he bought egg whites instead. The filling was good. The real experiment was the pie crust. I decided to try gluten free flour. Who knows why? I used coconut oil instead of vegetable oil or shortening. I either had a crumbling mess or something that was very oily looking. I wanted that flaky crust I was familiar with. As it turned out, the taste was great but the texture was too thin. Saved by the flavors.

I have learned a lot through this experiment.

1. I will never plan to buy dairy butter again. 
2. I have since found a recipe for homemade baking shortening. That's next. 
3. Coconut oil, refined and unrefined are my new best friends. It has so many uses besides cooking. 
4. I have found a website of a vegan sweet potato expert. Things are looking up for my Christmas pies.  http://sweetpotatosoul.com/2014/01/how-to-make-vegan-sweet-potato-pie.html
5. Sunflower oil has entered my pantry.
6. I found non-soy, non-gluten, non-wheat egg replacer. They also gave the ingredients and I have them in my cabinet. I wonder if I can make my own?
7. I just found an egg replacer recipe using chia seed. Who knew? Got to try this. http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-make-egg-substitute-chia-seeds/

I also found this link for powdered egg replacer recipe. If any of you have used these recipes, I would certainly like to hear from you. My holiday baking begins in about a week and a half. I am planning to experiment ahead of time.

Vegans out there please share your experience and wisdom. I am on fire to test things out.

In the Midst of the Storm

I awaken yesterday morning from a very interesting dream. I was driving down from the mountains in my VW Bug. It was forecasted to snow that evening and I wanted to get home before it did. I left early enough according to the forecast but the snow came earlier and stronger than they predicted. Visibility diminished quickly. I tried to continue but I couldn't see. Suddenly, I heard a voice say "Stop." I thought, "In the middle of the road?Some other driver may hit me. " Then I heard the voice say louder, "Stop!" So I stopped. I want you to know, there was no one human in the car with me or outside the car. After I came to a complete stop, the voice said,

"Leave your engine running, turn off your lights and turn your heat down to a comfortable but low temperature."

 I was bewildered, and somewhat anxious but I obeyed the voice. Then the voice said,

" Get out and pour salt around your tires and a few feet in front and behind the car and along side  your door.

I obeyed. By this time I had decided this must be God because there was no other explanation. I sat in my car and covered up in my blanket. Yeah, where did a blanket come from? I, peacefully, fell asleep. I slept the rest of the night and was awaken by the noise of the snow plows that were clearing the highway. There was a tapping on my window. It was one of the drivers who said, he was able to distinguish the shape of the car because the snow did not completely cover me. What was he talking about. I got out and saw that my car should have been completely covered to look like the snow  bank. It was the salt. Around my car, the snow melted immediately, and did not form one mound. Then I woke up.

This was very bizarre. My first thought.

First of all why would I have salt in the car? Another thing, I don't own a VW Bug. The other odd thing is there were chains on the tires. I don't live in the snow.  Why would I have these things?

 I lay in my bed thinking about it. This was a very vivid, detailed dream and that usually means God is trying to tell me something. But, What? Is an early storm coming? Am I in the midst of the storm now? Is it someone else's storm since I don't own those things? Don't know.

I concluded, that regardless, I was instructed how to handle the storm. I was protected during the storm,  I was delivered from the storm and I was not alone. My All Sufficient, Self-Existing, Omnipresent God was with me.

I had peace in the midst of the storm.

My experience with Essential Oils

For years we have been told about massage therapy and aroma therapy. I really didn't take it seriously until a few years ago. I knew I like candles burning when I took a scented bubble bath. I knew the lavender scent was my favorite because it was relaxing. What I didn't know was why. I didn't even consider investigating the properties of lavender. About two or three years ago I was introduced to Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO). A member of our church introduced us to a couple visiting who were distributors of YLEO. They came over to our home and shared the benefits of essential oils. More than that, the wife massaged my husband's legs and knees with the oils. At that time he was in a lot of pain and was having difficulty walking. The oils relaxed his muscles and aided in the relief of the pain. He was sold. We ordered the oils mainly for him. I still didn't get on board fully. I wasn't against them but just wasn't ready to be involved with selling oils. I had just gotten burned with another so called business opportunity and I wasn't interested. I was satisfied to be a distributor for the purpose of buying the oils for my husband.

Over the next two years, my attitude changed. I began using the oils for my lower back pain, sore throat, congestion, stress and fatigue. The scents were so relaxing. My husband and I joking call the cloves and thieves oil our scented heating pads. Now here is the clincher that tossed me to the business side. My mother has severe arthritis and she has heart disease. Her doctors had to change her arthritis pain medication to something less effective because it affected her heart. For weeks afterwards she had difficulty sleeping. Her pain was worse at night. She told me what was going on so I decided to try rubbing her legs with some of the oils. I decided to use one of our scented heating pads, Thieves. I massaged her legs and feet when I got there. Shortly, she told me the pain was reducing to a bearable intensity.  I hadn't read about the foot reflexology yet. I just massaged her legs and feet. I left the Thieves with her because it did relax her while I was there. She called me the next day and told me she slept the entire night. After four nights I checked in to see if it was a fluke. It was not. She slept every night after that. She then put it on her other joints. My Mom and I are sold. Her side benefit was relief from sinus congestion just by having the essence in the room.

I am now a student of the essential oils. It just supports the belief that God placed everything on earth in our plant life for our health. You can have similar experiences at home that you have at the day spa. You can massage your own legs, feet, hands and neck. You can get a loved one to massage your back. Home spa with the occasional visit to the day spa.

It is not about having more medicine or that the essential oils are medicine in the American Medical Association or the Food and Drug Administration defining way. But if something natural aids your medication or relaxes the tension by infusing it into the air or rubbing it on your body then there is benefit to your well being. It will at least comfort you while the AMA is looking for a cure or better medication for what ails you.

If you would like to experience Young Living Essential Oils or become a distributor, click the Get Essential Oils link on the sidebar. You are not required to distribute if you don't want to. I didn't and no one harassed me to do so. I did, however, get the discount for being a member.  Try it. You won't be sorry.

In Spite of It All

This week has been very interesting for my family. We gathered together for a wonderful family dinner on Sunday at my mother's house. My sisters and their families were there, along with some close friends. The meal was off the chain. We laughed and joked until late into the night. The next morning we gathered at Kaiser Permanente, Sunset Blvd for one of two brain surgeries one of my sister's faced. There were prayers and some were anxious but she and I had complete peace. God promised that He would not allow us to be caught unaware. Translation, He would warn us or give us divine intel so that we could prepare for what was coming. She and I were at peace. There was no need to be forewarned because everything was fine. Parking created the greatest anxiety. It was a tiring day because they kept delaying the time of her surgery. A more critical patient arrived and had priority. The family stayed. We had favor from the ICU staff. They allowed all of us to enter her room at the same time. ICU's usually limit the number of people who can enter.

The next morning those of us who went home to sleep re-assembled. This time they took her on time. So we gathered and waited. About 4pm the doctor emerged to tell us the surgery was a success. The tumor was removed, there was minimal bleeding and her vitals were stable. About 6pm we were able to see her. Yes, they allowed all of us to enter the ICU unit. We stood outside her room and took turns going in. The funny thing is, she gave the orders. She first sent for her kids, then parents, and then sisters. She showed us that she was still our loving organizer. She was released from the hospital on Friday and she is resting at home.

In Spite of the seriousness of the occasion, we had a wonderful family reunion. All that time spent waiting was spent talking and catching up on each others lives. There was no sense of doom. We could have easily still been in my mother's family room. Being with family can be a time of warm, comforting love or a time of anger and chaos. Choose love regardless of the situation.

In Spite of It All choose to LOVE and ENJOY your Family!

Was He Preparing Me?

Today, I watched a video about mental illness and mental wellness. As I watched my mind drifted back to my childhood and I got a powerful jolt. Was God preparing me for this new direction in my life even then? Let me explain.

The last few years I have been involved with the African American Family Wellness Group which is the black cultural competency component for the Department of Mental Health. My interest in joining the group was birthed in my dealing with the young men and women that participated in our after school program. These children had varying mental wellness issues. Some were diagnosed as ADHD; others had image problems that resulted in acting out. Still others were academically deficient but there was no learning disability present. They got behind in their grade level, behaved badly and ended up in special education where they continued to slide down that slope to dropout land. That just exacerbated the problem which were originally unnoticed, unattended, emotional problems stemming from family drama, bullying or some other trauma. I realized that the parents of these kids needed help so they could help their children.

I never had any intent to get involved in mental health. Like most people, when mental illness is mentioned I thought of the clinically insane, mentally challenged people that need medication, continuing therapy and observation and possibly institutionalizing. That was my experience.
When I was a young child, one of our neighbors gathered us neighborhood kids up to take us to entertain people in the minimum security section of the local mental hospital. We called her and the ladies with her, The Gray ladies, because they wore gray uniforms. I knew we made the people happy but I didn't like it when they wanted to hug us and kiss on us. It was creepy. But we had to let them to a point. We were shown how to minimize their contact without hurting their feelings.  Was this the first step in my training?

My next phase of training occurred at age 16. A government employment program designed for underprivileged kids (aka black kids) was the tool used. We were assigned to the Park and Recreation department of Bryce Mental Hospital. Yes, the very same hospital with the Gray Ladies. We assisted the psychologists and therapists with physical activities and games. That was a very educational summer. Our clients included the criminally insane, nymphomaniacs, manic depressives, schizophrenics, and a young lady of society placed there because she embarrassed her parents by getting pregnant.

My last phase at this hospital was while I was in college. I was employed as a file clerk. Phase Three. I worked directly with the Supervising doctor and his nurses. I had access to all their records. That is why I was amazed that I didn't know the gentleman who cleaned my office was a paranoid schizophrenic with homicidal tendencies until my last day there. I knew he was ill but I never had a reason to fear him. That day he asked me if there was anything he could do for me, my office, before Monday. I told him I would not be back. It was my last day because I had to return to college. He lost it. I was trapped in my office. He never threaten me. My fear or panic was short lived. I felt sad that I had triggered him. He was whisked away to be medicated.

Was I being prepared for this next phase in my life? I have a passion for the mental wellness of Black male kids and their families. I want to interrupt the prison pipeline. I want to restore their esteem and understanding that they were created for greatness not prison slavery. I want to wake up my community to the power they possess to change these dynamics. I want to save their lives.

I am more awakened and ready for this journey. Let's do this, God. Thanks for preparing me, even when I could not recognize your hand or your presence.

Comment Mystery Solved

Hey Friends,

Some of you have said you wanted to comment but it was confusing or difficult. I went to the blog as a guest and tried to comment. Here is what I discovered had to be done to be successful.

If there have been no comments click on "No Comments" and a drop box will appear.

In the box that says "Comment As" click on the arrow and your choices will appear.

You may choose:

Google Account - You will have to sign in to your account

                                              This is true for the other accounts listed

                                   Name/URL- Type your name. 

                                        If you have a website, etc type the URL, if not leave it blank.

                                   Anonymous - you don't want to be known

If you chose Name or Anonymous, when you publish it will ask you to prove you are not a robot by typing in the numbers or letters shown.

It will then publish your comments.

I hope this helps. I really would like to read your comments.

My Wagon Ran Off The Road

You know how people say they "fell off the wagon" when they return to an old habit that they had walked away from? Well, I didn't fall off the wagon. My wagon ran off the road, down the hill and flipped over, pinning me down in the ravine. I allowed other people to derail me. Yes, that's right. I allowed. I can't blame anyone else. The funny thing is I continued to study about good health through good nutrition as I rolled down the hill.

So what is your point. My point is that even the knowledgeable, and I have a lot left to learn, can succumb to their weaknesses. I asked myself the question "How can I help anyone else when I can't help myself." The only thing I can see coming from this is an understanding of others' struggles. If this helps me have more compassion for them then it is worth it. It takes a former alcoholic to best help an alcoholic, so I guess I am going to be that foodaholic to help other food drunks.

My victory will come but it won't come without a strong, hard fight.

Once again I am beginning. Detox begins today. Getting the sugar out of my system. I cannot eat from the king's table. I have to remain vigilante minute by minute. I am listening to Fred Hammond's We are More than Able. 

"Remember your every lion's den and your last Red Sea." 

I am more than able.With the Lord on my side I can do it.

 I have to keep repeating that as I Praise Him through the Night. It is so on time.

I allowed former insecurities triggered by other peoples' accusations and the hurt they caused to become boulders on my road. I am getting a brand new wagon and getting back on the road. I have cleared these boulders and I plan to pay attention to avoid future obstacles.

My Victory is Eminent!

Sistah Strength

It was a powerful and beautiful thing to see black woman of different ages and backgrounds working together for a common cause. We dispelled the lie that we are a bunch of angry woman who always want to fight. We dispelled the lie that we are ignorant and hoochie only. We dispelled the lie that no man can work with us and be supported for his strength.
Now this is not news to most of us. We know our strength is not angry. Our assertiveness is not angry. It is knowledge, wisdom and respect. For my sisters out there that have accepted the lie, give it back. You are better than that.

On Saturday, October 11th a group of black women executed the plan that a subset of those women created in order to present to the community a women's symposium on depression. We worked as a team, a well-oiled machine. Additionally, our host an Hispanic Pastor and one of his female (Latina) members worked with us. She became part of the female team. Pastor Ruben was our spiritual leader that day but he rolled up his sleeves and served us. There was mutual respect shown both ways. The other men who were presenters or vendors worked with us. They  were PhD's, Pastors and professionals. They all could have demanded respect because of their positions but they supported us, instead. They did not demand homage to be paid to them. They wanted us to be successful and helped us get there. This is how it is suppose to work; together making possible everyone's success.

Today, I worked with some different sisters at church. This was a mixed ethnic group and once again the "sistahs" worked like a machine. A well-oiled machine. To those who want to continue to portray us as angry, sex-crazed, classless, ugly, bossy, people, let me set you straight.

• We are loving, protective, assertive, strong, sexy but not sex-crazed, beautiful, classy, women.
• When we commit, you can count on us. 
• We are the people who have your back.

So when we seem bossy and angry, step back and ask why. It is probably because we are trying to protect YOU; help YOU. We are working for the best for YOU.

We love YOU.

Stress Reduction Check In

I began a stress reduction plan last month. I thought it might be good for accountability's sake to give an update on my progress.

I am eliminating others peoples drama from my life. Being a pastor's wife puts me in a position to face or be exposed to "other people's drama." I cab't eliminate nor do I want to eliminate the people, but I can eliminate my acceptance of the associated stress. What I am trying to say is, I can listen, empathize, problem-solve and love you without allowing your issue to stress me out. I had a recent situation that actually hurt me and made me angry. After stepping back and looking at things objectively, I realized it was not my issue. I didn't have to hurt and I didn't have to be angry, so I stopped both. Stress reduced!

I have had a few days that I did something I enjoyed that was not about church or the Outreach Center. I need more of those but I have started. Stress reducing!

I have begun exercising. I am still not as consistent as I need to be or would like. Still working on that. Stress Reducing!

Some of you commented or sent me messages stating you were going to create and begin your own stress reduction plan. How are you doing?

Let's keep it up so we can be healthier, mentally and physically.

Why I Can Fly

I Believe I Can Fly was a song made popular a few years ago by R. Kelly. Then someone Christianized it. We took to both arrangements like moths to a flame. Why? The song carried in it a hope that we could rise above our circumstances and live better lives. It empowered us. It lifted us up.

In Isaiah 40:31 the Word says Israel, an us by faith appropriation, can mount up or rise on wings like eagle’s wings. We have a hope in that it empowers us. We believe that we can rise above our circumstances, if only for a minute. We are lifted up.

But why? How?

About Eagles

Eagles are powerful and majestic birds. Dr. Miles Munroe lists 7 characteristics of eagles for his leadership workshops. We are leaders, right?

·        No other bird can fly as high.

o   Up to 10,000 ft

o   Wingspan of 6-7 ft tip to tip

·        Eagles have sharp vision.

o   They can see for miles.

o   They are very observant of their surroundings.

·        Eagles have strong loyalty and nurturing qualities.

o   They mate for life; they work together with that mate to take care of their eaglets.

·        Eagles are fearless.

o   They are territorial.

o   They will fight to protect their own.

·        They are tenacious.

o   Eagles fly into the storm.

o   It uses the winds of the storm to fly to higher heights rather than run and hide.

·         Recognizes the need for restoration. 

o   Every 40 years they pluck out their feathers, break their beaks and destroy their talons.

o   They lay in the sun at the highest place available and rest while the feathers, talons, and beak grow back and are restored.

If we are to mount up or rise on wings like eagles, why can’t we appropriate the other characteristics of the eagle? That is exactly what we have said here at Eagles Wings.

The referenced scripture text is

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
³¹  but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. 

Waiting

Why does waiting on the LORD cause us to rise up on wings like eagles?

First of all, waiting does not mean sitting around doing nothing. It means to be bound up in or twisted up in. So first we are to be bound to the LORD or twisted up in Him. The tense of the Hebrew word for wait is imperfect. That means it began and will not be completed until sometime in the future. So we are to get bound up in the LORD and keep on being bound up until the end, whenever that is. I’d say we are to be bound until the end of time.

I now have the promise that if I am bound up in or twisted up in the LORD my strength will be renewed and I won’t get tired or weary.

How is that? I get tired. When you get tired or weary, He will renew your strength. He will bring your vitality back. So theoretically, you don't get tired. You don't stay tired. Mental and spiritual renew greatly aids physical renewal.

How then is He able to do this? He is God!

God ask Israel and now us in Isaiah 40:18.

Who is like me? With whom will you compare me?

The answer

Isaiah 40:22-25 (ESV)
²²  It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;
²³  who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.
²⁴  Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.
²⁵  To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.

In the book of Job, God has a conversation with Job about this same thing. During Job's loss, his friends came to console him and help him understtand what had happen to him and why. However, in spite of their good intentions, they were way off the mark for what Job needed. Job didn't even know what he needed. He had one perspective and God had another. So the question God asked was 

Job 38:2-4 (ESV)
²  “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
³  Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. ⁴  “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

The remainder of that chapter describes God's supreme creative powers, His supreme sovereignty, His supreme self-existent self. 

And that has what to do with me?

This is He to whom I have bound myself. 
If He has done and is all that

• Surely He can renew my strength. 
• Surely He can cause me to or give me the ability to rise above my problems; above my fears; above other people’s drama; financial shortages; sickness and anything else we have to face.

The question then is to whom are you bound? 
One who can cause you to fly or one who keeps you scavenging on the ground?

If you have chosen to be an eagle rather than a pigeon, chicken or turkey, then remember the characteristics that you possess or have available to you. You have the God of gods, empowering you. And while you are being restored you are being carried on His wings.

That's why I can fly. Are you ready to fly? MOUNT UP!

This is a portion of the sermon I delivered on September 28th at Eagles Wings Christian Church

Feeling Uninspired To Write

It's Monday morning in sunny, hot Southern California. I had a beautiful but busy weekend. I know in the world of blog I need to post if I want you guys to stay connected. But today, at this very moment, I feel so uninspired to write. I only feel like sleeping.

Beginning the day a little tired just makes all that is vying for my attention more overwhelming,

        I wanted to clean up my outlook file.
                It seems to have grown more than usual over the weekend.
        I wanted to shred paper. I think the paper had babies when I wasn't looking.
        I wanted to do some housework. Not all that is needed but just some of it.
               My plan is to do a little each day until I'm satisfied.
               You don't understand, my level of satisfaction may never come.
               My grandmother set "white glove" standards and I have been infected.
        I want to sew. That's my fun time.
        I have to work. See why I am uninspired.

It's Monday and that is just way too many decisions to make. I think I will run some errands. Get away from all these wants and needs. Who knows maybe inspiration will be found in the sunlight. After all it is a beautiful Southern California Day.

Under the Dome Continued

I left you yesterday at the point of how I understand our rebirth will happen.

Growing Up
Our spirit has been reborn but there is a growing up period. The growing up of our Spirit happens in the grace period. It begins with the washing by God's Word (teachings).

Ephesians 5:25-27 (KJV) 
²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Just a note. When the word church is used here, it is not talking about that building or any one grouping of people. It is talking about the ones who are followers of the teachings of the Christ.

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV) 

⁴ But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but

according to his own mercy,

by the washing of regeneration

and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

⁶ whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

⁷ so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The keywords in these verses are saved, washing, regeneration. Saved in the this usage means to protect or deliver; washing means bath; regernation means rebirth, restoration, renovation.
So He is delivering and protecting us because of His compassion towards us. Not by things we do but by giving us a spiritual rebirth bath and the Holy Spirit’s renewal which means renovation.

The Purpose

In the course of this washing, God sets you aside to do something that will help others.

We call that ministry. Kind of sounds like everyone under His dome has a job to do. There are no slackers in this group. The other difference between God’s dome and Chester’s Mill is that those who live under God's dome can go out to tell others about life under God’s dome and invite them to come and live there. It also gives them opportunity to serve them; meet their needs; help them. When their job is done for that period of time, they can return to the dome but no one can follow until they have made a sincere decision to move in. God knows. He gives the ability to pass through or not.

The Original Question

So, what do we mean when we ask someone if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior?

What we are asking them, whether we realize it or not is

Have you made the decision to be spiritually bathed by the water of His Word and your nature to be renovated or made over by the Holy Spirit?

Have you accepted that He has poured out His compassion and graciousness on you so that you can be declared innocent and live eternally with Him?

Are you learning how to live under His dome according to His rules and are you willing to obey?In other words, are you in a student of the word so you can know the Word; so you can be renovated by His Spirit; so you can be presented before the Godhead without defilement or wrinkles and live with Him eternally?

And you are saying

Since I am telling you that you need to do this, I am indirectly declaring that I have done this. 

• That I am living under God’s dome, according to God’s rules and

• I am studying to know what they are.

• I am obeying His word and agreeing to the Spirit’s renovation of my spirit.

• And I am doing the assignment He gave me.

So when we pray, sing, or testify that we belong to Him, that He is the Lord of our life, our life needs to look like it. People need to see it before we tell them. They should experience His love through our treatment of them, even if we don’t particularly like them. He changes that if we are obedient.

Then and only then will the unsaved, unprotected, undelivered will know what those words mean. This is not a play thing. It’s real.

We need to stop playing with God. We need to stop with unprofitable traditional behavior that serves absolutely no purpose. We need to erase the lines of division that denominations have formed. We need to focus on who He is, who we are in Him and what He expects from us. He came to heal the sick. Not just those with physical illness, but mental, emotional and spiritual.

Religion has made a lot of people sick.  All the rules that have nothing to do with what He said have hurt people when they thought following them was what they needed to do to be right with God.

Maybe, just maybe we who live under God’s dome need to look at ourselves and determine if we have become complacent. Do I need a bath of spiritual refreshing? Do I need some more Holy Spirit renovation? For me it was a loud, resounding Yes. I had to cry out and I am still crying out.

Where are you living. Under or Outside God's Dome?

Under The Dome

There are many statements or questions we Christians throw around and I wonder sometimes if we understand what we really mean.

 I was recently asked this question by someone who had been asked if he was "saved."

Saved from what exactly? Hell? Is that it? I have hell right here in my life. How can I be saved from that?

Have you also heard said or maybe you said it yourself, "I know what that statement means but I can’t explain it?" That reminds me of something one of my high school math teachers told me,

"If you can’t explain it to someone else then you don’t really understand it yourself."

Over the days and weeks since then I have given it some thought. A lot of thought actually. So consider this.

Are you saved?

I am saved from eternal separation from God. My eternity began at birth with the opportunity to decide to spend it with God or without Him. How many have seen the TV show Under the Dome? For those who haven’t, this town called Chester’s Mill somewhere in the Midwest, USA was suddenly cut off from the rest of the world by an impenetrable dome. It appeared without warning. You can see the other side but there is no way to go under it or break through it to get to the other side. Let’s say, if you reject God you are suddenly separated from where God is, cut off with no way to get to him. For argument sake, let’s say God is under the dome, and that place is like the Garden of Eden. Chester’s Mill is not like this so here is where the analogy ends. You decide you want to live eternally with God, you are suddenly placed under His dome. You have just been rescued or made safe from all of the madness that is going on outside the dome. 

Have Been You Born Again?

Now you and the others who made that decision brought with you your attitudes and habits. There’s a sign that says all those habits and behaviors can’t live under this dome. So you have to get rid of lying, cheating, stealing, murdering, gossiping, foolishness, disobedience, malice, envy, drunkardness, hatred toward each other, slaves to different lusts, greed.

You can’t live under the dome with them so God gives you a time to get cleansed or rescued or saved from yourself. I call that His grace period.

During this time you have the opportunity to be changed so that you will know how to live this eternal life under God’s dome.

Question: So how does that happen?

Answer: You must be born again or reborn.

Question: What does that mean?

When Jesus told Nicodemus this in John 3:3, Nicodemus asked Jesus the question “How?”and I bet many of us had the same question. Here is Jesus’ answer.

John 3:5-6 (ESV)
⁵ Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Got that? Yes, No? Here is how I understand this.

We were naturally born – the water broke and the delivery process began.  Our spirit, however, the essence of our being was tainted by Adam’s disobedience. We believe Adam, the first man and his wife disobeyed God's direct command to avoid eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This disobedience sentenced all of mankind to a separation from God and the essence of our being, our spirit was no longer pure. We believe we were born with a disobedient spirit because of this. What that means it is in our nature to think up impure or displeasing to God behaviors. I also believe there was a part of Adam that wanted to return to God’s dome. I believe that is why mankind is on a continuous search for something spiritual.

Our essence or spirit has to change or be re-born. The body can’t be but the spirit can. So how is my Spirit re-born? I believe the birth process begins when we say “Yes Lord, I want you to rule my life.” That is what we are really saying when we say “Yes, I want Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.” Or make the statement, “Jesus is my Lord and Savior. We have agreed to let Him run or rule our lives. 

That means we are agreeing to live by God's teachings that have been taught by His  Living Word, Jesus. 

We are immediately placed under His Dome.

Tomorrow's post will continue this rebirth discussion. I thought you might be tired of reading or have work to do. So until tomorrow, consider your spiritual birth.

Lessons from Gideon

Good morning friends and family.

Over the last three weeks Pastor Carl has been teaching about the Judge Gideon. From these teachings, I have come away with several lessons.

• The first is when God calls, you must make a decision to follow or turn your back on Him. In the face of opposition from his home, his family, his town, he chose to follow God. How could this be in opposition to his family. Weren't they all Israelites? Didn't they have the same God? The answers Yes and No. Just because you grew up in the same household doesn't mean your beliefs and relationships with God are the same. Gideon angered his people because he tore down the altars of Baal. This is who Israel had chosen to worship. 
• The second lesson is God does not need a lot of people to do what He wants. One man or woman can make a difference. Additionally, there may only be a small group willing to help that one woman or man. don't get caught up in the numbers. A few can move mountains if they are committed and moving in the same direction.
• The third; Follow God's instructions exactly and then lead your people. Help them understand that they must follow the instructions exactly to acquire success.
• Next, accept that it will not necessarily be easy but you will be successful. You and your people will receive the promise God made you.

The final lesson is one that I hope no leader will experience. The end of the Gideon account states when Gideon died, the people went back to doing everything that they found right in their own minds. We would all like to believe our lives had such an affect on the people we encountered that the change would be permanent. I wish that were so. I believe only a fragment of those you served will continue in what they learned while under your leadership. I mean really, can you expect more. Only a fragment of those that begin to follow God continue. We should be grateful that some continue and are faithful in serving God with us.

Don't be weary in well doing. Keep doing exactly what God tells you even when it looks like you are alone or have a small core group that are committed. My Pastor friends this is especially for you.

Walk tall and confident in your calling and your instructions. Don't focus on the people following you. Focus on the One you are following. He will provide the right people.

Crying for Help!

The Adrian Petersen situation has stirred up a lot of controversy about spanking. I have been giving it some thought because I was spanked and I spanked my children. When I was a child we called it a "whuppin". It hurt but I was never bruised. I never left bruises. So was it abusive or not?
I don't think I abused my children. There was talking, explanation of why it was not acceptable behavior. There were timeouts and loss of privileges. Spanking was the last resort. Sometimes that worked and sometimes it didn't. One child would respond positively and the other could care less. It was a situation by situation, child by child tightrope. What worked for one may not work for the other. I believe Mr. Petersen turning himself in was a cry for help. Think about it. How else would anyone know?

So what is the answer?

I don't think there is one answer and we need to stop making it "one" answer. We need to learn and make informed decisions. Learn what you might ask.

1. First, learn your child. Talk with your child not at him or her. 
2. Actually listen to what they have to say. You might be surprised that their thinking might make sense even if it is not inline with your rules. At that point you can have a real teaching moment to help them understand why your rule is what it is and why you expect them to obey it. Most of our rules are for their protection.
3. Make the rules simple and easy to follow. Sometimes we make compound statements that confuses the child. It is not clear what you want done.
4. Make the consequences for disobedience clear and concise. 
5. Be consistent. If it is the rule stick to it even when you want to give them a break. Make sure the circumstances that will cause you to make it an exception truly warrants it and they understand that. Otherwise, you will be played like a violin because that is what they are good at.
6. If spanking is required, don't do it in anger or frustration. Wait and calm down. There were times I was stressed out and tired and I wish I had given myself time to calm down.
7. If spanking has no affect on the child's behavior, find another way to discipline the child. Continued spanking adds to your frustration and might become abusive. 
8. At this point go back to #1. Learn who your child is. Then you may discover the thing that can be used for non-corporeal punishment
9. In regards to our culture playing a part in our decision to spank, I believe understanding our culture pre- and post-slavery may remove or diminish the need for that kind of punishment.

Our Culture

Our anger and our children's anger are rooted in our identity crisis. We don't talk about that but it is my opinion that it plays a big role. Consider this:

1. My  ethnic identity was stripped. I can't go back to Africa and find my ancestors home. Africa is a large continent made up of many countries. What tribe am I a part? 
2. I go back to Alabama the state of my families home but how do I know my family began there. Could have been sold from a Georgian plantation. But in school you want me to draw a family tree. Where are my roots? Frustration.
3. We tried to assimilate to be accepted by the majority culture. Straighten my hair because my natural hair is ugly and un-kept. Even now we have to fight to wear our hair in its natural state. We, the women, are told it is unprofessional.  Frustration and anger
4. My dark skin isn't as acceptable as my lighter toned sisters and brothers. All things being equal the lighter skinned person will get the pick. Yet you spend much time in the sun to get brown, risking skin cancer.  Frustrating contradiction.
5. For those who drank the kool-aid and believed its lie, the truth revealed in the last 7 years says very little has changed. We are not in a post-racial America.  Anger and frustration.

This is why understanding our culture will, along with different discipline methods, give parents better choices. Their discipline toolbox would not be limited to "spanking like I was when I was a child."

Back to Mr. Petersen

I believe Mr. Petersen and those in similar situations need to be helped not suspended or fired. Losing income just adds stress that may cause anxiety and may lead to abuse. There are classes out there and agencies to help parents and specifically fathers. I am certified to teach one such class, "Effective Black Parenting." There are groups for fathers, where men talk to men. Two such agencies in the Inland Empire, CA are Street Positive and Fathers Time Fatherhood Academy. These groups are not limited to CA if you live elsewhere.

Help parents, help fathers. Encourage them to learn more. Parenting is an ongoing learning process and we should take advantage of the services that exist to help us. I must also add, don't stop thinking. With all that you learn you must still make wise and reasonable choices for your individual child. In the end the children and the family in total are the beneficiaries. I think we all would prefer a proliferation of "Father of the Year" headlines.

He Used Even Me

Often times we think you have to be somebody well-known, powerful or super wealthy to be chosen to do something great. It has been my experience and observation that God uses regular people that are available and obedient to Him. They are perceived as great after the fact.This is the story of Jael.

                                                                                                       See The Video of Rael's Story

Background

Israel was once gain disobedient to the LORD so He sold them into captivity into the hands of Jabin the king of Canaan. The commander of Jabin's army was named Sisera. Israel cried out to God for deliverance and God's response was to send Barak to fight Sisera. Barak received the news from Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel. Barak told her I'll go if you go with me. Deborah agreed to go but not before informing Barak that because he did not believe God's word, that He would be with him and give him victory over Sisera, he would be victorious but a woman would get the glory. Barak defeated Sisera's army but Sisera got awayHe ran to the tent of Heber the Kenite, a descendent of Moses' father-in-law. Heber had become a friend of King Jabin so Sisera thought he would be safe. What Sisera did not realize was Heber's wife did not have the same allegiance. She was a friend of Israel. 

Sisera's Mistake

Jael was a homemaker. Her only claim to fame was being the wife of Heber. On that fateful day, Sisera approached her tent. She told him that her husband was not home but he was welcome to come in. That was his first mistake. He should not have gone inside the tent of a married woman when her husband was absent. Second, he assumed she carried the sentiments of her husband after all she was just a woman. What did she know about these things? Jael gave him the hospitality befitting someone of his station. He felt so safe and comfortable that he went into a deep sleep. 

Jael's Strike

While Sisera slept, Jael took a spike and drove it through his temple until it came out the other side of his head. In that moment Jael became the deliverer of Israel and she received the glory. Until that moment she was a nobody, but she was available to God, informed of the situation and used what she had to take care of business.

Are you available to God? Are you informed? Are you willing to use the abilities and gifts God has given you for His purpose? He used Jael and He wants to use even you. 

Transformation Stopper

1. I want to be transformed. I want my body to look like it did 40 years ago and move like it did 40+ years ago. I want my mind to think like it did just 15 years ago. Who is with me on that? I want I want I want. 

2. Do I really know what I am asking for? Transformation means a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. That sounds like a lot of work and it might take a long time. Are you still with me?  I have done the research. I have accepted that the change begins in my mind. I have even encouraged others on their road to success. I think  I know what I have to do. So why haven't I been successful in the transformation I desire.

3. What's Stopping Me?

4. This last two years at least, I have been consumed with solving problems, learning new things necessary to fulfill our ministry needs and fatigue. I began my transformation process with full force. I was determined. Then I ran smack dab into a wall of issues that interrupted my food preparation schedule. It became easier to eat out. I tried to choose places that had healthy or healthier choices. I still didn't see any progress. Thanks to the Food Network, Gordan Ramsey and Robert Irvine, I discovered why. All those hidden calories from butter were my downfall or at least part of it. Basting my fish in butter to keep that moist, richness sabotaged me. I continued my juice extraction and my certified organic purchases at the market but my dinner meals were not always prepared by me. Restaurants reigned. I did not fall off the healthy food preparation wagon,, My wagon ran completely off the road. 
5. 
   
6. While I laid over in my virtual ravine, several things happened. The @HealthyHeritageMovement invited our church to participate in a six week health workshop. Just before the workshop began I was diagnosed with two bleeding peptic ulcers and had to have two blood transfusions. Then I was invited to @GreaterLightCommunityChurch to present the affect our food choices have on our mental and physical health. I laid in my virtual ravine thinking God you have an interesting sense of humor. How am I going to talk to these people about this and I haven't even been able to conquer this myself. I have faced my inner demons regarding my appearance I thought.  I had to finally admit that I am suffering from a severe case of procrastination. 

7. I Am Stopping Me.

8. Procrastination is stopping me. I am wearing my self out thinking about what I need to do instead of doing it. Ugh!!. I hate it when God bust me out like that. This time it wasn't private. It was in a church congregation. My transformation is incomplete and it is my fault. 

9. No More Excuses

10. I am putting it out here so you, my friends, can hold me accountable. I hate to cook but that has to be part of my transformation. I can't blame the schedule or the restaurants any longer. I must cook to be transformed completely. This cooking thing is not only aiding in transforming my body but my mind also. 
11.                              I will now proclaim I love to cook until I truly love to cook.

God's Mental Health Plan

A few weeks ago I delivered the morning message at my church.  It was entitled "Think on These Things." The scripture that I used was Philippians 4:6-9. 

Philippians 4:6-9 (ESV)
⁶  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
⁷  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
⁹  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

As I studied I realized a better title would have been God' Mental Health Plan. Verse six begins, " Be careful for nothing .." More simply put it means 

                                         "Don't Worry about Anything." 

God said that if you would just talk with him, make your concerns known with an attitude of thanksgiving, then He would make you prosperous in all things concerning you and His peace and wholeness would be with you. Now before you get yourself all worked up, I am not talking about financial prosperity necessarily. According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the word for "mind: translates to "of (from or concerning) you." He will bring you prosperity in what you need to eliminate your anxiety or you will have the opportunity to learn to trust his Word will He changes your circumstances. 

Peace 

What kind of peace surpasses understanding? Is it something so rarely experienced that I can't picture it in my mind? Yes!! A resounding YES!! He promised that His peace would guard or protect your heart, (thoughts, feelings) and your mind, (all things concerning you).

How To Get This Peace

The answer lies in verses eight and nine. Think about good things. If it is true, just or fair, pure or clean, lovely, or commendable; if it reflects excellence and is worthy of compliments, then think about those things. Don't cloud your mind up thinking about the negative things. Don't worry about the gossip and the gossipers. Don't give your adversaries another thought. God says, He's got this.  

I believe God's got it because He said so but I am not really sure I am sure. That is why Paul encouraged us to "practice these things." Very few of us get it the first time around. It requires practice. Take baby steps and with each step our confidence will rise and God's peace will become apparent. 

The result is awesome mental health. 

For those unfortunately suffering from mental illness, I am not suggesting walking away from therapy or even your medications. However, I am suggesting as you can try this. Practice thinking about the good things in your life. Think about the lovely, pleasant things that make you feel good as often as you can. I believe it will only help you get better faster.

For those of us who have momentary or mild mental dis-ease, this is a preventive measure. We spend way to much time and energy worrying about things and people we can't do anything about. We also spend way to much time and energy complaining and doing nothing about the things we can change. 

                                    STOP! Trust God and do something instead.

                                                   Think on These Things!

Stress Reduction Plan

It seems this is the season for challenges. We have the ice bucket challenge; the grateful challenge, face painting challenge, word challenge and I am sure there are others I don't know about. I have a challenge. That is true on so many levels. :-D  Seriously, my challenge to you is "Reducing our stress level."

Did you take the Life Stress test? If you didn't here is another opportunity. Lifestresstest  Just click, answer the questions and discover if you are on a path to sickness because of stress.

I am using The Recipe to Mental Health published by Albertsons, Inc. in 2006 as a guideline. This book was created by their pharmacists in Sav-On and Oxco Drugs stores. In spite of its evolutionary, transcendental feel, their approach is based in American Medicine with a little Alternative medicine flavoring. I was quite surprised about the latter since they were pharmacists.

I have created my stress reduction plan. I promised to share it so hear it is with a little information on why I added these things to it.

1. Learn to say "No." I know I cannot do everything but sometimes all those yeses creep up on you and then you are overwhelmed. 
2. Prioritize what's left in order of importance. Do you remember those Franklin Planners and its system. Why did I ever stop doing that? I was organized then.
3. Focus (think) on the good things. My good things of choice are found in Philippians 4 of the Bible. More on that later.
4. Plan. Make plans for dealing with upcoming situations that might prove to be stressful. Having a plan eliminates some of the stress.
5. Exercise. This could be stressful in itself. I know that it will reduce stress but I have such a hard time getting it done. I must plan to exercise an give it a high priority while I think of all the good things that will be accomplished. I will tell myself I am beating a pillow.
6. Eat healthy. All ready doing that but have to cut out some things that I let creep back in.
7. Do something I enjoy. I haven't done any of my hobbies in a long time. I must put one of them on the list of things to do.
8. Be nice to myself. Lighten up on myself. I am my biggest critic.

That is what I need to do but what does it look like in practical application. Get out the calendar and layout exercise, meal and activity plan. Prioritize and get started.  Look out stress. I am coming for you!

I Just Want to SCREAM!

To view this submission go to http://ladywiggins.blogspot.com/p/i-just-want-to-scream.html
I somehow used Pages instead of Post. Maybe I will copy it  here.

I Just Want To SCREAM!

I know you have felt and said that at some point in your life. Sometimes I just want to take a bat and beat something. I think about taking it out on a pillow or the weeds in my back yard but something needs to be hit. Why? I have all this pent up anxiety or anger that a good scream or slug would help. Don't worry I don't hit people or animals. I don't even hit inanimate objects. I just want to sometimes.
Again, I ask, "Why?" I think one word describes it,STRESS.
So before, I continue my search into the world of mental dis-ease, I think stress is worth a look.

Stress can be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Simply said, "When you are under overwhelming pressure, you are stressed."
It has been determined that stress either causes or has strong influence over many ailments of the body and mind. Stress has been associated with heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, sleep dysfunction, depression, and eating disorders.

What do I do? Assess your stress.
 How do I determine my stress level?There are many stress assessment test out there but I used Organized Wisdom's Life Stress Test. This is my result.

Life Stress Test

Written by Emily Lapkin, Medically reviewed by Scott Pearlman M.D.

You're highly likely to develop a stress-triggered illness due to everything that's going on in your life. However, your coping skills and the efforts you make to reduce stress can minimize this risk. Talk to a mental health professional if you need treatment. Support groups and convenient online forums can be beneficial, too. Common stress-related illnesses to watch out for include: 

• Back pain
• Common cold
• Ulcers
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Migraine
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Heart attack

Of these I have back pain, arthritis in some joints, obesity, and I was recently diagnosed with ulcers. I have moments of anxiety attacks when I feel overwhelmed with things to do. I sometimes have difficulty sleeping. It is not insomnia yet or if so it is very mild. Since I am subject to the other illnesses because of the stress in my life, I had better come up with a stress reduction plan. You noticed Depression is in the list.

Take the test. Determine your stress level with the Life Stress Test. Assessment.
Don't get stressed out over the assessment.
Now that you know whether you are subject to any illnesses due to stress, you can make healthier decisions for your life.
I will share my plan as soon as I complete it. In the mean time I will be sharing more information on mental dis-eases.