Bad Fats vs Good Fats: Let the Truth be Told!

Who amongst you still believes that fat is a bad thing? I wrote a Blog, a while back, called “Are You a Good Fat, or a Bad Fat?”, you can read that, here. The more research I’ve done on this subject, the more information I soak up!

Backstory…

When the Food Guide Pyramid was introduced by the USDA, back in 1992, the government instructed us to limit our fat intake to 30% of total calorie intake. The pyramid looked like this…

The USDA has demonized fat for decades…it’s bad for us, they say; and they haven't distinguished between good fats and bad fats, until recently.

This handy little guide of theirs tell us that in order to have a balanced diet, we should focus more attention on carbs (breads, cereals, rice, pasta, etc), eating 6-11 servings per day; our focus on fruits and veggies should be to eat only 3-5 servings of veggies and 2-4 servings of fruit per day. Apparently, they’re not as important as the bread and cereal group. The next level of the pyramid tells us we should only eat 2-3 servings of meat and dairy, per day; meat and dairy are high in fat, so we should limit our intake.

And the top of the pyramid is where fats are featured….fats, oils and sweets, to be exact. Now, limiting your intake of sweets is a stellar idea! Sweets aren’t healthy, at all. But, fats aren't as bad as they'd like for us to think.

The Food Guide Pyramid, has taken on a few changes, through the years; it looked like this, in 2005, and was called MyPyramid:

In this version, the USDA tells us to balance a healthy diet with exercise; but, do you notice that the grains group is still the biggest section, and the fats group (the little yellow stripe) isn’t mentioned at all?

Here’s the latest transformation…it’s called Choose MyPlate. It’s a much more balanced eating structure, aside from one minor detail…

Do you see it?? Where did the fat go? Now, it is true that you get a certain amount of fats from all the other food groups, but not enough to keep our bodies in good shape! On their website, they explain that avocados and olives are part of the vegetable group (technically they're both fruits), and nuts/seeds are part of the protein group.

But, let’s get serious for a minute…how many people out there consider avocados and olives, when talking about fats? Or, the fact that nuts and seeds have protein in them? Trust me, the USDA considered that when they created the pyramid.

The website also states, “Soft margarine, mayonnaise, and salad dressings are mainly oil and are not considered to be part of any food group.” It’s true…they’re not foods; they’re condiments! Margarine should never be consumed, in the first place; I touched on that topic, in this Blog post.

Sidebar – processed carbs (cereal, bread, pasta, etc) aren’t any better for the body than margarine. You can get all the carbs your body needs by upping your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

I digress…why has the USDA demonized fats, and favored processed carbs, so much?? I think Dr. Pealmutter explains why we need to eat more fats, quite well, in this video.

But, there is a huge difference between fats and fats….good fats (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) and Trans-fats. Trans-fats will raise your LDL cholesterol (the bad one); it also causes heart disease, strokes, and Type 2 Diabetes.

It is commonly found in fast food, fried foods, donuts, pastries, and snack foods like cookies and chips; but, it can also be found in any processed food that contains hydrogenated (or partially hydrogenated) oils...things like crackers, pretzels, cake mixes, microwave popcorn, pizza, etc. Any oil that is hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated, is a trans-fat and should be avoided at all cost!

Anything you’re eating, if the box, bag, jar, or package says “0 Trans Fats!” check the Ingredients list; look for the oils…Big Food is sneaky, when it comes to disclosing whether or not the oils in foods are hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated. If there’s any oil in the processed food you’re eating, it’s most likely a Trans-fat.

Within the past 30 years or so, the amount of calories we’ve consumed from fats has fallen to around 30%, while obesity has doubled; and heart disease remains this country’s number one killer.

I can't stress this enough...our bodies need saturated fats to function properly; as previously mentioned in Dr. Pearlmutter’s video, saturated fats are good for cognitive brain function; saturated fats also keep us at a healthier weight.

The more we limit fats from our daily nutrient intake, the more people end up with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and a host of other health concerns....but that's good business for Big Pharma, because they've got a pill for every ailment our bodies develop!

Here are some more benefits to eating saturated fats:

• Saturated fat encourages the liver cells to dump their fat cells, which helps the liver to function more effectively. It has also been shown to protect the liver from alcohol and medications, including acetaminophen and other drugs commonly used for pain and arthritis.
• Saturated fatty acids, especially the kinds found in butter and coconut, help white blood cells to recognize and destroy invading viruses and bacteria.
• Saturated fat is required for calcium to be effectively incorporated into our bones.
• In order for our lungs to function properly, the air spaces have to be coated with a thin layer of something called “lung surfactant”; 100% of this surfactant is saturated fatty acids.
• A diet that limits saturated fatty acid intake robs the brain of the ability to function properly; the human brain is made up of fat and cholesterol, and the majority to fats in the brain are saturated.
• Limited amounts of saturated fats, in your daily diet, also limit your body’s ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi; our immune systems rely on saturated fatty acids to keep the T-cells (white blood cells) in working order.

But, not all saturated fats are equal…dairy, eggs, and meat all have saturated fats in them; but so do nuts and seeds. If you’re an omnivore, you’ll want to buy grass-fed dairy and meats; and only eat eggs that are laid by backyard (free-range, cage-free) hens. this way, you'll be getting the most nutrient-dense animal products.

The lion’s share of eggs we buy, at the grocery store, come from factory farmed hens. Imagine stuffing 25 live chickens into a shopping cart, cutting their beaks off, and only cleaning their “cage” once a year. Their eggs are nutrient deficient, high in cholesterol, and candidates for E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter which are found in the hens, themselves. I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll pass on the store-bought eggs!

The same with factory farmed meats…they're all nutrient deficient, and disease-prone. You’ll be better off buying free-range, grass-fed, organic meats and dairy products.

Grass-fed meats are higher in Omega-3s, which are considered “good fats”; the folks at eatWILD.com discuss the health benefits of eating grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy on their website. In the left hand corner, you’ll find a link titled “Shop for Local Grassfed Meat, Eggs and Dairy”, which will lead you to a clickable map where you can find local farms to buy your grass-fed products.

If you choose to be vegetarian or vegan, a great way to get an adequate amount of good fats into your diet is by eating nuts and seeds; the VeganHealth.org website has a couple of very good tables, listing the different plant-based foods that are rich in SFAs (saturated fatty acids), MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) and PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids). However, it is important to remember that too much fat is a bad thing, even when it comes from healthy sources; so make sure to incorporate tons of fruits, veggies, beans, and legumes with your nuts and seeds. And always buy organic, and non-GMO, when you can!

So, go ahead and enjoy food; eat an abundance of healthy foods....omitting the unhealthy foods, altogether.

And have a blessed day!!

URGENT MESSAGE...PLEASE READ!!!

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 (NLT)

This Blog highlights a few points that I've learned upon watching the docu-series, The Truth about Cancer: A Global Quest. I thought I had learned a lot, since beginning my own cancer journey...but this docu-series blew my mind!! Let me share some of what I've learned...

1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer, sometime in their life. Ok...wait; half of the male population, and 1/3 of the female population...of the world...will get cancer?? That's insane!!

Mainstream medicine is only given 1 hour of education on nutrition. The word “doctor” actually means…teacher.

“One of the first duties of a physician is to educate the masses not to take medicine.”  ~ William Osler (one of the founding professors of Johns Hopkins Medical Center)

Mainstream medical professionals, today, get taught to prescribe medications…not to educate their patients on ways to keep themselves healthy.

Over a century ago the Carnegie and Rockefeller foundations engineered the curriculum of medical schools through grants and donations (The Flexner Report – 1910). When the money is coming from a source which has a vested interest in the outcome, the outcome will be what the donor wants it to be.

There used to be homeopathic medical schools, as well as conventional medical schools, about a century ago; but, the Carnegie's and the Rockefeller's were interested in establishing a “one size fits all” system. The natural health colleges weren’t putting enough emphasis on patented drugs and pharmaceuticals, which were being manufactured by Big Pharma; and, all Big Pharma companies are funded by the Carnegie and Rockefeller corporations. Do you smell a rat??

They convinced the American Medical Association to begin shutting down those colleges; and as soon as the AMA began to target the homeopathic colleges, the Carnegie and Rockefeller corporations began to shower billions of dollars on the colleges that taught drug-intensive curriculum. Upon distributing those generous donations, these corporations would place staff members on the college’s Boards of Directors to assure that their donations were being used “properly”; these new members continued to be on the payroll of those corporations, as well.

Unfortunately, money talks quite loudly. Once the new Board Members were in place, the curriculum that was being taught was drastically shifted in the direction of pharmaceuticals….no more lessons on the health and well-being of the patient. And the colleges/universities that were given the highest donations turned out the most highly recognized doctors. This is not a coincidence, folks.

By 1925, over 10,000 herbalists were out of business. By 1940, over 1,500 chiropractors would be prosecuted…the charge was practicing quackery. The 22 homeopathic practitioners in 1900, dwindled down to just 2, by 1923. By 1950, all the schools teaching homeopathy were closed. And it was well-known that if a physician did not graduate from a Flexner-approved medical school, they couldn’t find a job…anywhere.

Most mainstream doctors today don’t realize that the medical school they graduated from is nothing more than Big Pharma’s lap dog…because they don’t understand this history; it's conveniently left out of the curriculum. Now, the only approved treatments are those that are created by Big Pharma; if anyone tries to find alternative treatments, their insurance companies deny them coverage.

Disease is nothing more than a marketplace, and the present day healthcare industry was built on that one, simple premise. The success of this business model hinges solely on the continuation and spreading of present day diseases, and the creation of new ones. Without those two directions, the medical establishment would go belly-up.

In 1913, the American Medical Association developed an internal department that they called the “propaganda department”; its main goal was to eliminate quacks…which was anyone who didn’t line up with Big Pharma’s agenda. What is “quackery”, anyway??

George Washington died as a result of blood-letting, which was an approved treatment back in that day. Ignaz Semmelweis (July 1, 1818 – August 13, 1865) was the first person to suggest that doctors wash their hands before performing surgery; he was labeled a quack, ridiculed by his colleagues (they considered his findings improbable and unscientific), and eventually went mad! Now, hand washing is standard protocol for surgeons.

And, nowadays, any doctor who does not prescribe chemotherapy to a cancer patient is also considered a quack.

Chemotherapy was first discovered in the early 1940s because in Italy, nitrogen mustard gas was dropped from aircraft to destroy the enemy; during autopsies, it was discovered that the lymphocytes of those men were drastically decreased. Someone then got the bright idea to create a synthetic drug that acts much the same way as the mustard gas, to treat cancer patients.

Did you know that 90% of Oncologists today would never prescribe any chemotherapy drug for their own families, or for themselves? But, they’ll jump at the chance to prescribe it for us.

In 1971, President Nixon declared a war on cancer; but we’re not any closer to winning that war now, than we were back then. One of the reasons this war continues is because of the money that can be made by Big Pharma; chemo drugs not only kill cancer cells, they kill healthy cells as well. This makes recovery that much more difficult, resulting in the prescribing of more drugs and more chemo, as the patient lives on. Most cancer patients die from chemotherapy poisoning, before their cancer can kill them. And most chemo drugs CAUSE cancer, in other parts of the body.

Tamoxifen is the #1 drug prescribed to women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; it has been labeled a carcinogen by the WorldHealth Organization and the American Cancer Society. Nobody ever talks about that, before prescribing it; I only found out, after I began taking it…I did some homework.

By 2020, more than half of all cancer cases will be medically induced, because of drugs or radiation. That means that the medical establishment, itself, will soon become the leading cause of cancer in America.

Cancer doesn’t kill…the complications from it are what kills people. Liver failure, sepsis, kidney failure, pneumonia, etc. will be what kills the cancer patient…and only after that patient is exposed to chemo and radiation treatments.

About 97% of patients who are given chemo die within 5 years, says the 2004 edition of The Journal of Oncology. Chemo is NOT your only chance…that’s a lie!!

The folks who blend the chemotherapy drugs have to wear what resembles a HazMat suit, because the chemicals they're handling are TOXIC!! Why do we allow them to put that stuff inside us, if they’re not even allowed to come in contact with it, while they mix it up??

Hippocrates said this....

He's known as the founder of medicine; Hippocratic medicine treated the patient, and not just the disease. Today, that's known as Functional Medicine.

The Truth about Cancer: A Global Quest discusses several methods of Functional Medicine in treating and beating cancer.

I’ve learned SO much, thanks to this docu-series! We’ve all been lied to, at the expense of our health; it’s time to learn the truth!!

This docu-series is full of survivor stories, and information from experts who are aware of the truth. These experts are putting their careers on the line to bring the truth out into the open; some of them are even risking losing their license to practice medicine, just so everyone can learn the truth.

Here is the link to purchase this docu-series; trust me, it's an investment you won't regret making!!

If you'd like to own the Extended Edition, click here.

Please consider purchasing this docu-series...every one of us deserves to know the truth! It's time to take the bull by the horns are eliminate cancer, once and for all!!

Cancer Fighter Update

I saw my new Oncologist, today, and we discussed the labs from the blood work I had done, during my last appointment.

Cancer has reared its ugly head, once again. I wasn't able to do the scans, because the pain in my back was too intense; but she says, thanks to the blood work, she noticed my cancer markers are elevated; and that's a clear indicator that I'm in for another battle.

She ordered some targeted therapy drugs for me; a drug called Femara is one of them. She also wrote up a new Rx for Tramadol, so I won't be in so much pain, anymore. As for the scans, we rescheduled them, and I'm going to be under the influence of Diazepam, for that appointment. She tried to get them to agree to completely sedate me, but they're not having it; so "Plan B" is to take a tranquilizer....along with my pain meds, and muscle relaxer, right before I do the scans.

I'm praying that this time works....otherwise they'll have to sedate me. She NEEDS the scans to form a battle plan!

She also said my iron was a tad low, but it's nothing to be concerned about.

So...the cat's out of the bag, so to speak; I now know why I've been in so much pain, and have had difficulty moving around, these last few months.

Time to kick cancer's butt, again!! I WILL be cancer free, in Jesus' name, because the Bible says I'm already healed!! And I'm still holding God to his promise that this disease will not end in death.

I've got a life to live....and I intend to do exactly that!! God bless you all, for being part of my story! I can't tell you how much I appreciate each and every one of you!!

Let the battle begin.....

Indeed it did...I will never give up, or give in!!

Mountains, Giants and Holy Cows

Hello, my loves....first of all I want to let you know I'm back online (finally got WiFi!); so the Blogs will be much nicer looking, now! And I've fixed the ones that didn't look so great! LOL!!

I have, officially, been a citizen of Knoxville, TN for roughly three months....I signed my lease in December 2014, and spent the holidays with my youngest daughter and granddaughter; I only began occupying my apartment, in mid-January.

Can I shoot straight with you? I have something to confess. These last three months have been a roller coaster of obstacles, excuses and weakness....a lot of "mountains", "giants" and "holy cows". I haven't been walking my mission like I should be, and I'm sorry.

While my body adjusted to life in my new city, I began to feel severe pain in my hips, and legs. At times, it seemed that my body didn't want to move, at all...just like me, my limbs are rebellious and stubborn. The obstacle I need to overcome is the pain, because it keeps me from moving. The more I move, the less pain I'll be in; right?

Well, that will only work, if I stop letting the pain keep me in my chair. Some would say I was making a mountain out of a mole hill; and at times, I would have to agree with them. Even though the pain makes it difficult to move, I can still move! My problem is, instead of telling the mountain to move out of my way, I just sat here and stared at it.

Another issue I'm currently facing is that I'm still spending cash on food....I don't yet have my food stamp card, even though I applied for that, back in February. Enter the giants....all the excuses and procrastination I could muster.

There's a Family Dollar store directly behind my building; I plan to shop there, when I need things like toilet paper, feminine supplies, and stuff for my apartment. I didn't plan on buying food there, because all the food Family Dollar sells is processed junk! However, (warning...excuse in progress!) considering the amount of pain I was dealing with, and the fact that it stopped me from exploring Knoxville, buying junk is better than starving; I can always venture out, and shop at a real grocery store, once my body feels better!! See what I did, there?

No exercise (every street is either uphill or downhill) and a plethora of junk at my disposal....enter the holy cows; otherwise known as food addiction. DiGiorno Pizza, Velveeta Shells and Cheese, BirdsEye Voila meals, Ramen noodles, Chef Boyardee, etc. I know they all look super yummy....but none of these products is healthy! Please don't eat them!! I've stopped eating them, which is why I'm writing this Blog.

I've felt the impact of re-introducing those food-like products, to my digestive system, too.....my body has been screaming at me! Steadily, the pain got worse, my bowels aren't moving like they should be, and I'm feeling depressed. I'm not getting healthy!! And, I'm terrified; I'm reversing all the hard work I've already put in, and will end up back in the Chemo Chair, if I don't get a grip and get serious about my health!!

A friend of mine is allowing me to borrow a laptop, because mine broke; this friend as also supplied me with a handful of movies, in case I get bored (before I set up my Wifi). One of the movies I've watched is Facing the Giants. If you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so! This movie spoke to me in ways I never thought were possible.

This is one of my favorite scenes....

The conviction to do our very best (despite the mountains, giants and holy cows) is what God is looking for....and I have failed Him more times than I care to count. This scene convicted me; honestly, the whole movie convicted me....but this scene made a powerful statement to my heart.

I was texting my oldest daughter, one afternoon, and she asked me how I was doing; I told her I was disappointed in myself. I had anticipated being further along in my "new life" than I was, and had become disgusted by the fact that I had slipped back into some old habits.

The Apostle Paul said, in Romans 7:14-20, he hated that he couldn't do right by God; he always seemed to give in to his sinful nature. I keep holding on to what God told my oldest daughter, the week I was diagnosed...He said I wasn't going to die from this disease, but it was going to be used for His glory.

It is NOT my intention to make God out to be a liar! But I know, if I don't get healthy and stop this disease from destroying the rest of my body, that's exactly what will happen....I'll die from breast cancer. And I'm the only one who can stop myself from eating things that will destroy my health.

So....now that I've fallen, again.....it's time to pick myself up off the ground, dust myself off, and keep believing I will be the person God wants me to be!

I will NOT accept defeat!!

Stardate 92610.14 (geek moment)

For those of you who are not familiar with all things Star Trek, I’ll translate the Stardate for you....today is January 3, 2015; and I woke up at 6:42am. I’m geeking out, only because I woke up!!!

Let me explain....

The day I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, my doctor also said, “So...this is what you’ll die from.” I defied is claim; but later learned that, statistically speaking, the average survival rate is 2½ years. My loves.....that’s today; as of this day, it’s been 2½ years since I was diagnosed!!

AND I’M STILL ALIVE!!!

I’m in tears, as I praise God for the privilege of being alive, to share this with you. As many of you know, while I was in the hospital, having been newly diagnosed, my oldest daughter prayed for my healing. As she was praying, she was led to read John11:3-4 from her Bible. And I've been hanging onto that promise, every day.

According to the American Cancer Society,  the 5-year survival rate for Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage 4) is 22%. I was never given an “expiration date”, so I fully intend to be one of those who survives well beyond the first 5 years. Bring it on!! LOL!

Another one of my favorite Bible verses is, Psalm 118:24; I will, indeed, rejoice in this day! Rejoice with me, my loves....it’s a new day, and we’re alive and well!

I hope you have a stellar day, today!!

Update Time!

I really don’t want to do this....do I have to face tomorrow? *ugh*

Sorry, everyone....I've not been in the best of moods, lately. Tomorrow was supposed to be a special day; not that I was going to celebrate it, but knowing that I can't vs not wanting to, is different. Tomorrow would have been mine and my late husband’s anniversary. Having been estranged from him, for our anniversary, last year, it would have been no big deal to treat this one like it was just another day, same as last time. But, knowing that he’s gone....I find myself wishing I could celebrate it; or just talk to him.

So, here I go again, with the sadness and anger stages of grieving. To be honest, I feel like blowing up at someone (or hitting them), just to feel some kind of release. I don’t like feeling this way...I’m generally a very mild-mannered and loving person! So, feeling this way is very uncomfortable to me....but, I don’t know what to do with it!

I even noticed, yesterday, that I had been grazing on cheese corn. I only wanted a little bit of it...just a couple handfuls; but, I ended up eating much more than I should have. It’s an old habit of mine; I was an emotional eater, for the longest time. Back in the day, any time life got a little difficult I’d reach for whatever junk food I could get, and stuff my face, until I felt better. I can’t let myself do that, anymore!!

I think one of the biggest issues I’m facing is the fact that regardless of what had broken us up, through the years, we always found our way back to each other, eventually; he and I had been “on again, off again” for 24 years. And now that he’s dead, I have to get to the point where I’m at peace with the fact that that’s not going to happen, anymore.

Father God, please help me deal with this pain...I honestly don’t want to feel this way, anymore!!

~~~~~

In other, happier, news....

My youngest daughter will be turning 21, on Saturday; we’re both very excited about that! And, not only is my granddaughter crawling, now; she has her first two teeth...the bottom front teeth have come in!! I’m a very proud Mamma and Grammy!

I love how baby girl is gnawing on my Bolthouse Farms drink bottle!
We tried to get her to put it down, but she refused to give it up! LOL!

Oh, I've also joined a fitness club, called Forever Fitness 24. I started last week, with the goal of becoming strong enough to stand for 2 hrs or more, because I’m going to see Def Leppard in August. I've been a fan of theirs for a very, very long time, and have never seen them, live; I want to enjoy the show!! Secondary goal...I’d like to be able to lose 50 lbs by then, as well....new wardrobe!! LOL!

I’ll also be taking Yoga and Zumba classes, as soon as I’m able to move a little more fluidly. Here are some of the machines I’m concentrating on....

The only CRUNCH I can handle!!

I swear, I could sit at this machine all day....I love it!!

Not looking for serious muscle...just want my arms
firm and toned.

Another one of my favorite machines!

Is it a press...or a row?? Either/or, it's working my shoulders!!

I sit this way, and turn around facing out, to do this
behind my neck, as well!

This is a LOT harder than it looks!! LOL!

My Oncologist is happy with my new fitness routine, and he said the exercise will help lower my blood pressure....it’s been a bit high, for a while now, and we’re both a bit concerned about that! I told him I refuse to take blood pressure medications, because I don’t want to be dependent on a prescription drug, for the rest of my life. He reluctantly ok’d that decision! LOL!!

There are much more healthy ways to lower blood pressure, and I intend to utilize those methods to keep mine in check.

• I don’t smoke....I don’t drink alcohol, either.
• I've changed a lot about my diet, in recent years (looking into changing it a bit more)
• I've begun a fitness routine
• I take supplements
• I don’t drink coffee that often (I prefer tea)
• I’ll be signing up for Yoga, soon (meditation and deep breathing are good measures to take in lowering your blood pressure)
• I don’t have the stress of a job at this time
• and I love listening to music!

I’m sure I’ll be just fine, without any medication! And, I’m researching natural ways to combat the blues, as well, so depression doesn't take control of me...because I truly don’t want to feel this sad and lonely, anymore!!

Stay healthy, and happy....and have a blessed day!! oxoxox

Oh, Happy Day!!

Oh my gosh! Hey, guys.....I've got stellar news!!

Yesterday, my Oncologist told me that the results from Thursday’s PET scan (last Thursday) came back NEGATIVE!!! IT’S GONE!!! Seems that my Survival Story has reached a new level! I’m so excited... LOL!!

I can’t stop smiling, either! LOL!! And, although I won the battle...the war is not over. I have to keep in mind that I need to stay two steps ahead of this, to reduce the risk of recurrence. Lots of healthy eating, prayer, positive thoughts, and staying joyful!!

Care to join me, in a Happy Dance?? Let’s go!! LOL!

By the way...you can also find me on these social media sites; please, follow me on...

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest





And have a blessed day!! oxoxox

Eye-Opening Wake Up Call!!

Wow....I’m speechless! I just really don’t know what to say, or where to go with this; so, I’ll just start by explaining why I’m unable to think, at this moment.

I watched a video, by The Life Regenerator, last night...and began to feel convicted. He said a lot of stuff about his own journey, and how surrendering and getting real with himself, changed his life; it was a powerful video!

And, while I was in worship, this morning, I realized where that conviction was coming from; I’m not improving my health, and I've begun to make excuses for why I do what I do, again. I know what I need to do, but I don’t do it, consistently; I've gone back to just going through the motions, and not truly holding myself accountable. Lord, empty me of me, so I can be filled with YOU!!

In my revelation, this morning, I realized that everything God had placed in my care is gone.

• My livelihood. I don’t have a job...and I’m medically not allowed to work, anymore. My source of income is a monthly Disability check, now; and it’s not all that big, either.
• My children. I’m having to repair relationships with my three children, because I wasn't the Mother they needed me to be, when I had the chance. Two of these repair jobs are coming along, slowly; but the relationship I have with my son is strained, at best. There’s a wall between us, and I can sense it every time he and I have a conversation.
• My belongings....I used to have a lot of stuff! Yes, God expects us to take care of our material possessions, as well! I don’t have much, now...the bulk of my belongings ended up in a yard sale, held by a niece of mine. What I have now, I've purchased since moving into my sister’s house.
• My health!! I neglected and abused the body He gave me to live in, so much, I almost lost that, too! And, here it is....a year and 6 months after I got diagnosed, and I still struggle with “what’s the convenient thing to do?” I've even heard myself think “I only get xx amount in food stamps; I can’t afford to go vegetarian/vegan!!” Really?? Most of what I eat, is convenience food...the very lifestyle that caused the disease, in the first place! Can I afford to die??

My sister told me, she’s not willing to alter her life to accommodate me...at first that hurt my feelings. My thought was, “I don’t EXPECT her to, but it would be nice!” Who am I kidding?? At this point, I haven’t even altered my own life to accommodate myself!! How can I want someone to do something, I’m not willing to do for myself?

I remember a conversation I had, with my Physical Therapist, a few weeks ago. I was talking to her about The Savvy Survivor Facebook page, and how difficult it is to live that persona; she understood... “You've got all the knowledge, you’re just having trouble putting it into practice!”

Yes...that’s exactly right! I’m still letting my human self dictate what happens, in my life; instead of relying on God’s wisdom, and surrendering to His will! Which seems to be the biggest stumbling block I've encountered, in my life as a Believer!

How is it that I can love God with all my heart, soul and strength...but not with my mind?? My mind is where my excuses come from; that’s where my human self still lives! The Bible says, in Luke10:27, we must “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” If I can’t love Him with everything I am (including my mind), I can’t love my neighbor as myself, either. Which means, what I teach you in my Blogs and on Facebook, loses its value...because I’m not the “Savvy Survivor” I should be!

I continue to repent, every time I realize I've screwed up; but, my apologies won’t mean a whole lot, if I keep doing the things I’m apologizing for! I’m so thankful that His mercies are new, every morning...I certainly don’t deserve mercy, but I’m grateful for it!

I don’t want to lose you!! I appreciate your support and encouragement! You've become an intimate part of my support system. But, if I don’t get my head out of my butt, it won’t take long before you won't care what I have to share with you; and I will lose you, as well. If I haven’t, already.

My Pastor once said that God isn't the type to take your income away, just because you decide not to tithe. At the time I heard this, I had just lost a job...shortly after deciding not to tithe; I had used the money for something else. Sorry, Pastor...but if God is the same yesterday, today and forever, He most certain DOES remove the things we don’t care for, properly.

And, I know, some of you are thinking “that’s pretty cruel of Him!” and you’re right....but how many of you lost things your parents gave you, when you were growing up, because you got grounded for breaking the rules?? Same principle, folks! Now, He’s not going to force us to follow the rules; but when we don’t, there are consequences.

God will make us the overseer of quite a bit, while we’re here, on earth...but it doesn't take much for Him to remove those responsibilities from us, when we fail to take them seriously.

I stand (figuratively speaking) before you, a broken and defeated human; but, I'm wide awake, now. I ask you to forgive my hypocrisy, and my failures. This “SavvySurvivor” will become the leader God has commissioned her to be, one way or another!! Please be patient with me, as I humbly begin the journey back to myself. I have a hard battle ahead of me...regaining control of my thoughts; but, if I am to be the person God made me to be, I better get real with myself!

Be on the lookout for changes in me, my loves! The Bible says you know a true Believer by the fruit they bear (Matthew 7:15-20). In other words, I should be living the life I preach about, and showing you the benefits of that lifestyle.

I will keep you informed, as my body and mind line up with what God expects of me. As a Child of the Most High God, it is my responsibility to properly care for the body He gave me to live in, on earth.

And so....it begins. (again)

God, please help me learn this one!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Well, we made it to another year...welcome to 2014, everybody!!

When I woke up, this morning, I had a wonderful thought that started with Revelation 21:5; for those of you who are not very familiar with the Bible, click on the link and you'll see what that reference is about. And, as I watch the sun rise, I also see that it's snowing...very gently, but steady. New Year's snow!

Today marks the first day of the rest of our lives, folks! It is the first page of a 365 page book, that is a story only we can write. Never let anyone else hold the pen, while you write your life story, this year! Take chances...live your dreams!

I'm starting to sound like a Hallmark card! LOL!! My point is, don't let anything stop you from doing what you feel, in your heart, you need to do....whatever is it; now, if it's something dangerous, please be careful doing it. But, if you know you'll regret it, if you don't follow through, then I encourage you to take the bull by the horns, and go for it!!

Live!!

I would love to hear what some of these "go for it" moments will be, as you live out this new year! Please leave a comment and let me know what you have on your heart to do!

One of my "go for it" moments will be to move to Knoxville, TN. If all goes well, and I get everything going in the right direction, I should be celebrating next Christmas in my new place!

Another one, is to become completely vegetarian (possibly vegan), this year. I'm aiming to go with 80% raw, 20% cooked. Because of my 2nd surgery, last summer, I had to continue eating meats, because of their higher quality protein. But, in all my research, I've learned so much about the benefits of raw fruits and veggies, and how to fight cancer naturally; I really feel, in my heart, that this is the direction I should be going in. I'll be saying "good-bye" to chemo, and "hello" to a healthier body!!

I look forward to seeing what plans you have in mind, for yourself, in the New Year!! God bless you; and have a wonderful day!

oxoxox

Merry Christmas!!!

Yes, I know...it's still two weeks away! But, if I don't get another Blog post out, by then, I won't get the chance to wish you a Merry Christmas...so, now is as good a time, as any! LOL!!

I do see that it's "Update Time", so here goes...

• I've lost another 5 lbs (so excited about this!!) I've only got about 65 lbs to go, before I reach my goal!! God is good!
• I went to the Oncologist's office today, for a check up and a chemo treatment. He says he wants me to have one more treatment, and then we'll take a break.
• During this break, he wants to run some tests (MRI, CAT Scan, PET Scan, etc.) to see if this chemo drug is doing it's job. I sure hope he tells me I'm in remission!! I don't wanna do chemo anymore...I wanna be healthy!!
• Still looking for a place to call home, in Knoxville, TN. My sister says that as soon as her hubby finds a job, in Texas, they'll be moving down there. They'll be dropping me off in TN, on their way to TX.
• I, officially, debuted as an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay, this past Saturday (finally!) I had invited about 10 of my friends, but only two ladies could show up. No worries, though...there will be other parties!! Here's my website, if you want to look around!
• My Physical Therapist has given me more complex exercises to do! I'm getting stronger...praise God!! She also wants me to stand flat on the wall, for 6 seconds (10 times a day) because I'm still slouching, when I walk.

She says, if I don't strengthen my back muscles,
I'll be hunched over, forever!

• Standing flat, against the wall like that, uses muscles that don't want to be used! But, the more I do it, the stronger they'll get...and it won't hurt so much, after a while.
• I'm also practicing walking short distances, without the cane...I'm not doing too bad with that, either!!
• And, I can now fix my own meals, as long as I'm not standing for more than 5 minutes (cereal, soup, toast, re-heating leftovers, etc)...I don't like using the microwave, but it's coming in REAL handy, right now!! LOL!!

I really should have my sister take pictures of my next PT session...that way, you can see my progress! I told her, come Spring, I want to start walking to and from the mailbox, outside.

So, there ya have it! If the muse hits me, I'll be Blogging a Christmas message...if not, I wish you a Merry Christmas (again)!! Love you, all....God bless you!!

oxoxox