January 28, 2014 - "Living in My Praise"

Leaving this morning to go and see my husband in NC, so our chat today will be short. Thanks to those who have informed me that you're coming Sunday. Gonna be a GREAT Healthy4U! Life Group. See ya at 6. Today let's allow the scripture to confess the truth of our heart. As we prepare for the weekend, let's remember all that God is to each of us. I can NEVER recall a time when he "jumped ship" during my rough storms. Just the opposite. Listen as David proclaims the same thing and then take a moment and ponder on the faithfulness of God in your own life and present circumstances. Hope to see you Sunday evening! PK Psalm 34:1-7 1 I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to theLord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

February 27, 2014 - "The Value of Pruning - PT. 1"

I am sorry about yesterday, I was semi "out to lunch" from a 3 day conference and decided to go AWOL. :) Feeling better this morning and wanna talk about a first time experience for me - pruning. Perhaps there are "master gardeners" among you, but I am not that. My husband usually tends to the yard maintenance (he LOVES it) and I simply drink UNSWEETENED, mint tea and enjoy the beauty. However, due to his work situation, he is unable to fulfill that portion of the marriage contract - well, at least in this season. (wink) So I decided that pruning couldn't be that tough a feat. Right? My husband said, "watch a few youtube videos and read a few articles and you'll get it." That is SO not how I learn, but I had no options. After a couple of days, I was more confident that I could accomplish the task and was determined to see my rose bushes healthy. I did know enough about pruning to understand that it makes plants healthier and more productive and beautiful roses make me smile every time! As I began to prune, the picture and reason God was allowing me to embrace this experience emerged. One of my main goals as a Christian is to be healthy and productive for the Kingdom of God. Even in my natural realm, I feel strongly about sending things to "heaven" that have lost their effectiveness and are simply in the clutter stage. Taking up space and needing attention is not an option. God feels strongly about this as well as evidenced in John 15:1-4, which reads: 1“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." Okay, so why prune? Sometimes branches die and must be cut away. The plant may be "leggy" — spindly and weak. Pruning a plant like this corrects its growth, causing it to put out new shoots in other places, and ultimately strengthens it. The gardener may find disease or insects. Pruning removes the infestation, keeping it from spreading to the rest of the plant. With some plants early growth must be cut back several times for the maximum number of flowers to appear. To keep arms from crossing the center and not following their designed path of flowing outward to the sun. Well, well...as I mixed the passage from John with my combined research on pruning, I had no choice but to examine my own life. Now, as I pruned, I first spent time examining and testing each bush. I immediately focused on the woody arms (as they looked the most dead) and cut deep to see if any life remained. I continued to cut down until the woody part stopped, if it did, and a green and white interior showed forth. I wondered, "where are the woody arms in my own life that need to be examined and cut deep? Check it out - green symbolizing new life and white symbolizing a cleansing from the old. I could imagine that being cut several times might not have been the desired wish of the bush, or me, but unless that which no longer produces life is destroyed and separated, new, emerging life is given little to no hope. The verse in John records that God cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit. In the natural, allocating energy to something dead is a waste of time? In God's kingdom - He is the one cutting off the non-productive branch. He alone knows, but God help me to understand this process in my life no matter how painful it can be at times. God - the master gardener - examines, determines, and cuts. Sometimes He cuts those things which we may not suspect are dead in order to bring increased purpose into our lives. I may not enjoy the cutting process, but I trust God and my heart's desire is to display Jesus well. Here's how we'll end today - if pruning brings more of Jesus to a lost and dying world - I want it. Let's continue this tomorrow - but please re-read the "why prune" above with your spiritual eyes. See anything that relates to you? Have a great Thursday! PK

February 25, 2014 - "All Things In Moderation, Right?"

In the past several weeks I have heard 5 or 6 people comment, "all things in moderation." In fact, it happened just yesterday morning with some of our interns and provided a wonderful, teachable moment that I hope will provide a sticky truth for a LONG TIME. For many years I lived right within that statement and consoled myself with its "truth." However, three years ago I chose to rid myself of sugar and starch and gain the freedom that being healthy offered. As I shut and bolted certain doors in food-related areas of my life, people began to confess over me that I was tormented by the spirit of fear simply because I said, "I CAN'T eat _________." Isn't it amazing that things we won't allow in our lives, when others do, can be viewed as fear in some twisted way? I care what others eat, but I don't care to make people feel ashamed of what they do and do not eat. BIG DIFFERENCE! Many times I would simply smile and say, "I am not afraid to eat - I totally eat EVERYTHING I choose. Just because I don't eat sugar or starch doesn't mean I have allowed an eating disorder to consume me." I hope you hear my heart in this. Recently this "all things in moderation" statement has caused me to really question what is actually being said and do I agree with it. At first, I simply dismissed it. A couple of days ago, I attacked it. Actually, in my opinion, the statement is a lie. I hate to be blunt or rude, but sometimes we need a friend to help us see the truth and challenge our colloquialisms. Right? So, let's consider the statement "all things in moderation." Often I hear this announcement used in reference to eating smaller portions of anything desired. It takes discipline to say "no" to the desserts; but saying "all things in moderation," as we cut 6 small pieces of various desserts on the buffet, allows us to move the boundaries of discipline, doesn't it? Would you taste a pot of soup containing a singular drop of poison? That's the definition of moderation for many - simply a small amount. If certain food items have been proven to be harmful to one's body - like aspartame - is a moderate amount allowed? Not for me - but let's widen the "all" in that statement beyond the realm of food and give a close look. Is a little adultery in moderation okay? How about murder? Or perhaps lying - well we do call those "white lies," but they are still rooted in deception although often easier to excuse for many. Do I really want to teach my grand children "all things in moderation?" Is a little sex before marriage okay or a moderate amount of stealing? NO! I am certainly not trying to be the police here, but simply encouraging me - and maybe you - to consider those sayings we use without question. Are they carrying truth and are they principles by which we want to live our lives? Our words are so powerful! I am asking the Lord to help me practice the discipline of silence and carefully examine each word that journeys from my mouth. I want to speak LIFE on all levels. Perhaps these passages will help us this day to examine the weight of our statements: Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Proverbs 10:19 Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues. Proverbs 12:13 Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk, and so the innocent escape trouble. Proverbs 13:2 From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Proverbs 13:3 Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin. Proverbs 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Have a blessed Tuesday, PK

February 24, 2014 - "The Mighty Warrior Dog"

Good morning and can you believe we are already concluding February this week and a week later changing to Day Light Savings Time? Can someone shout, "slow down?" Remember, this is LIfe Group Sunday and I am making pizza. YUM! Let me know if you're coming and, if possible, what you will be contributing so I can plan enough pizza. I acquired some YUMMY recipes last month from our group and have already started making some of them. We start at 6pm. Come and have a meal with a group of healthy eaters who are just crazy enough to believe healthy food can actually taste good! PS - the pizza is made with almond flour and actually very good. Bring a friend. This weekend I had my first three day, over-night sleepover with the grand puppy. Yes, I said grand puppy. Teree and the girls headed to Florida for the last few days of winter break and guess who was on grandma duty with their dog? Me. Macy is a small cocker spaniel who is two and very smart. VERY SMART. On Saturday while I was walking her, now remember she's small, she happened to jump upon a large stick and it "kicked up" at her. She jumped about 6 inches and started baking hysterically and growling as she crouched and "sized-up" the enemy. She slowly began to bark with authority as she crawled ready to defend herself and her Nina (that's me) from the enemy. She never realized that the enemy (the stick) had no power to attack her, as she had caused it to kick up, but with every passing second she became more the warrior. She progressed from being the crouched down, shy "I might be scared of you" dog to this champion with a bowed chest and piercing bark. She turned her head and dared that stick to move. All I could do was laugh. Then the wind blew and a sound came from the leaves around the stick...and the mighty warrior dog jumped back and cowered again still pawing the ground and trying to gain her, "I'm not scared of you bark." Eventually, she inched closer again and confidently reminded the enemy who was boss. Tears filled my eyes from laughing so hard. But aren't we a lot like that sometimes? An issue in our life jumps up at us - sometimes without provocation and sometimes because we made a mistake - and it can appear to be the monster of all issues and fear grips our heart and torments our mind. I have been there. How about you? However, we must always remind ourselves that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Tim 1:7) There is no issue in our life that God cannot handle and the Holy Spirit help us through. But sometimes when the issue rises up multiple times, we can begin to lose hope that God sees and God will never leave us. Courage can run out the window. What really happens is that our faith in God can begin to dwindle and if He is removed from the defensive strategy, our mind seems to default to fear again. Can I share with you my definition of courage: "Courage is not the absence of fear; courage is trusting God in the presence of fear." God shared that with me several years ago and it really kept me to the truth. No matter what our feelings say - God's Word says He will never leave us nor forsake us. FOREVER. Our issues are simply places to gain maturity in God's eyes. He's always present in our present issues. While I might not see the stick (back to Macy) the way God does, I can rest assured that as long as I am connected to God (as Macy was on my leash and I was right there with her) I have nothing to fear. Had the stick been a real threat to Macy, I would have rescued her. Remind yourself today: Power, love, and a sound mind all come from my being connected to God and the issues of my life are but inanimate objects to the Creator of the universe. That's a great way to start a week! PK

February 21, 2014 - "The Real Truth about Watermelons"

Good morning to you all. It's great to round out the week with warmer temps here and the smell of spring is in the air. I had someone introduce me to the small, baby watermelons yesterday and I about flipped out. Where have I been? Many of you who have traveled with me for many years know that I am a freak about that fruit. I could eat it everyday and throughout the day and pronounce, "THIS is a good day!" So I did some research last night to see if I was running this fascination on taste alone and was impressed to discover so many wonderful benefits. The following article comes from National Geographic Daily News. The link is www.nationalgeographic.com I KNEW I loved this fruit - but now I love it more! I always say, "some people shop for shoes - I shop for watermelons." God's Word teaches in James 1:17 that every good and perfect gift comes from above and in my heart watermelon is both. :) (that is of course a stretch, but I know God loves me and knows I never want to use His Word wrongly) Anyway...my favorite fruit is back at home and I AM A HAPPY GIRL! I pray that your weekend be filled with laughter, hope, encouragement and the confidence we have in knowing Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Let's chat Monday. PK Five Reasons To Eat Watermelons 1. It soothes sore muscles. According to a new study in the Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry, drinking watermelon juice before a hard workout helped reduce athletes' heart rate and next-day muscle soreness. That's because watermelon is rich in an amino acid called L-citrulline, which the body converts to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. The study's seven participants, all men, were given 17 ounces (500 mL) of either natural watermelon juice, watermelon juice enriched with additional citrulline, or a placebo drink an hour before their workouts. Interestingly, the natural juice was just as effective as the enriched juice. The researchers also determined that intestinal cells can absorb more citrulline from watermelon juice than from citrulline supplements, especially when the juice is unpasteurized. 2. It helps heart health. Postmenopausal women experienced improved cardiovascular healthafter six weeks of taking commercially available watermelon extract supplements containing citrulline and arginine, according to a study published earlier this year by Florida State University physiologist Arturo Figueroa. And in a 2012 study—also led by Figueroa—such supplements helped alleviate high blood pressure in obese, middle-aged adults. (Not surprisingly, he's received two grants from the Watermelon Promotion Board.) 3. It could be a natural Viagra. Improved circulation can benefit more than just the heart, as at least one watermelon researcher has pointed out. But you'd probably have to eat an awful lot to achieve the desired effect--and eating too much could cause unfortunate side effects, since watermelon has long had areputation as a natural diuretic. 4. It's rich in vitamins and minerals, but low in calories. Given its name, you might assume the fruit has little nutritional value—and it is more than 90 percent water. But a 10-ounce (300-mL) wedge of watermelon packs in about one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and C, as well as a modest amount of potassium (9 percent of the daily value). 5. It could even combat cancer. Watermelon is among the best dietary sources of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to both the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, although scientists are still investigating the details of that connection.

February 20, 2014 - "Don't Hide Trouble"

Yea, it's Thursday and we are walking toward the pools being opened and our summer shorts being pulled from the attic and placed in our drawers. Are we ready? I want to encourage you to weigh daily and keep your calorie content in check. I always remind people, "Five pounds is a lot easier to grab than 50." Let me remind you, unless you are weighing you have NO TRUE measure of whether your health goals are really working. I know, I hate to weigh as well, but truth is truth. I don't get upset about fluctuations, as they will occur, unless they start peaking above 3 pounds for several days. Then, it's probably not a water or stress issue but an over-eating issue. If you are in a starving phase, keep tons of veggies on hand and grab as many as you like. This really works. Yesterday, I had 2 apples back to back because I was extremely hungry. Let me encourage you to plan ahead before trouble arises in the form of serous temptation and the ONLY thing you have on hand are chocolate kisses. :) Proverbs 22:3 says it this way: "When you see trouble coming, don’t be stupid and walk right into it— be smart and hide." The wise King Solomon should have placed my name in capitals within that verse yesterday. For many years, I didn't hide FROM trouble, I HID trouble. Not good! It's the annual cookie sale for the young ladies we all love and adore, and for much of my adult life this was a temptation I PLANNED for. I laughed with a friend on Tuesday, I actually bought the cookies for "humanitarian reasons - being a kind person" and absolutely made a "plan" to ration them by placing them in baggies in the freezer so I couldn't consume them all at once. That never worked for me. I tried to HIDE trouble - but duh...I always knew where trouble was hiding and could reach trouble quickly. You know this procedure? When I got healthy, I had to decide that I couldn't allow TROUBLE access into my house, pantry, or body. Saying "no" is easier, but I still have to run from trouble. It is a conscious effort. If stupidity overcomes me, I pay. I always said, "it's horrible to pay money for something I know will eventually harm my body." As Proverbs states - that's walking right into trouble. Today - I don't purchase, carry home, or hide trouble. I cannot. I am following the advice of King Solomon and hiding FROM trouble. The good thing is that hiding from trouble means we don't have to hide at the pool or in our shorts. YEA! My encouragement today - rid your pantry, fridge, cabinets, office desk drawers and car of all hidden trouble and declare that you are smart, just as God's Word teaches. Life Group meets next week. Hope you can come. PK

February 19, 2014 - "I Made Myself Do It"

GMA, We are half way through another week and wow, it felt soooo much like spring yesterday. I am sharing one of my devotionals from the morning as it's too good to pass. EVERY one of us have completed tasks that we absolutely didn't want to complete. Yes? I found myself there yesterday. I never thought about how completing tasks we really can't stand actually tests our character. I find there are still so many areas I need maturing in. :) I will move this flesh a little quicker next time and REMEMBER that life is not always going to hand me "things I want to do." Completing the DO NOT WANT TO COMPLETE LIST, with a right attitude, gives a brilliant opportunity to remind this flesh, "you're not the boss of me." Willingness and attitude toward the task - huge in maturity. Right? Have a good Wednesday! PK This is from My Utmost for His Highest (Oswald Chambers): Taking the Initiative Against Drudgery 02192014 Arise, shine . . . —Isaiah 60:1 When it comes to taking the initiative against drudgery, we have to take the first step as though there were no God. There is no point in waiting for God to help us— He will not. But once we arise, immediately we find He is there. Whenever God gives us His inspiration, suddenly taking the initiative becomes a moral issue— a matter of obedience. Then we must act to be obedient and not continue to lie down doing nothing. If we will arise and shine, drudgery will be divinely transformed. Drudgery is one of the finest tests to determine the genuineness of our character. Drudgery is work that is far removed from anything we think of as ideal work. It is the utterly hard, menial, tiresome, and dirty work. And when we experience it, our spirituality is instantly tested and we will know whether or not we are spiritually genuine. Read John 13. In this chapter, we see the Incarnate God performing the greatest example of drudgery— washing fishermen’s feet. He then says to them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). The inspiration of God is required if drudgery is to shine with the light of God upon it. In some cases the way a person does a task makes that work sanctified and holy forever. It may be a very common everyday task, but after we have seen it done, it becomes different. When the Lord does something through us, He always transforms it. Our Lord takes our human flesh and transforms it, and now every believer’s body has become “the temple of the Holy Spirit.”