tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58980233937226363072024-02-20T21:14:55.375-06:00The Running Yogini MomLove God. Love Others. Love Yourself.Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-82486417377711069262013-08-02T19:17:00.000-05:002013-08-02T19:18:12.120-05:00Keep Your Cool<div class="WordSection1">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may already be thinking about the fall, but the
summer isn’t over yet. We can probably expect a few more weeks of scorching
heat, so here’s what you need to know. The CDC reports that there are nearly
400 heat-related deaths in the United States every year. It can be hard to beat the heat, but here are
a few tips to help you keep your cool:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>· If you must work outside, try to do so during
the early morning when it is coolest<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>· Take frequent rest and water breaks in a cool
area, drinking enough water so you never become thirsty (about 8 ounces or 1
cup every 15-20 minutes)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable
clothing such as cotton and avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>· Avoid alcohol and drinks that have large amounts
of caffeine or sugar<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although we should all take precautions to stay cool
during the summer, certain people are particularly susceptible to heat-related
illnesses: infants and children less than 4 years old, adults over 65 years
old, anyone who is overweight, anyone with a chronic disease such as high blood
pressure or diabetes, and people taking certain medications (check with your
doctor or pharmacist). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">The two major types of heat-related illness are heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body has lost
significant amounts of water and salt through excessive sweating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some warning signs you might see include: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Heavy sweating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Extreme weakness or fatigue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Dizziness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Confusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Nausea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Headache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Either paleness or flushing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Muscle cramps<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Fast, shallow breathing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Elevated body temperature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you should see this happening to someone, you should
move them to a cool area, bring them plenty of cool water to drink, and
encourage them to take a cool shower or bath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat stroke is much more serious. It happens when the
normal sweating mechanism fails and the body can no longer keep itself cool.
When this occurs, body temperature becomes dangerously high within 10 to 15
minutes. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some warning signs you might see include:</span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Chills<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Throbbing headache<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Nausea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->A rapid pulse<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->A very high body temperature (above 103°f)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Dizziness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Confusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Slurred speech<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Hallucinations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">·
<!--[endif]-->Unconsciousness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you should see this happening to someone, <b><u>you should immediately
call 911 and get help</u></b>. You need to move the person to a cooler area and
cool them rapidly using whatever means you can. If you’re out in the yard, you
can spray them with cool water from a garden hose. If you move inside, you can
immerse them in a tub of cool water. If possible, you should monitor their body
temperature and continue cooling efforts until their temperature drops below
101-102°F or until emergency medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person
fluids to drink unless directed to do so by emergency medical personnel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Your mission is to use this information to care
for our church family, your own neighborhood, and the surrounding community. Know
the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and share this
information with others. Keep an eye on your neighbors, especially those who
spend a lot of time gardening or mowing their lawn. Encourage children to drink
lots of water and to take frequent breaks when they play outside. This is
especially important if you are responsible for organizing or coaching any
outdoor sports teams. Athletes and coaches are both susceptible to the heat and
should take proper precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and health. Never
leave children or pets alone in the car, even with the windows cracked, because
temperatures can increase by 20°F in as little as 10 minutes. If any service
workers come to your home (landscapers, roofers, pest control workers, etc), show
them your hospitality. Offer them a cool drink and an opportunity to come
inside when they take their breaks. Have compassion on the homeless, who often
suffer in the extreme heat without any refuge or relief. Consider keeping a
case of bottled water in your car so you can provide them with something to
drink.</span></span><br />
<br />
For more information, visit the CDC's web page of <a href="http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/faq.asp" target="_blank">Frequently Asked Questions about extreme heat</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-25266560670384023562013-07-18T20:56:00.000-05:002013-07-18T20:56:53.820-05:00The Clean Eating Challenge: ThursdayI've challenged myself to go cold turkey on my beloved junk food and eat 100% clean for seven days straight. Well, maybe 95% clean... but I think that's close enough for a beginner. Here's what I ate today.<br />
<u><br /></u><u>Breakfast</u><br />
1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats<br />
2 tablespoons coarsely ground flaxseed<br />
2 tablespoons wheat germ<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
3 dashes ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup fresh, local blueberries<br />
<br />
Spinach omelette (1 whole egg, 1 egg white)<br />
<br />
Coffee with organic half-and-half and sweetened with 1 tablespoon maple syrup<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u>Morning Snack</u><br />
1 red delicious apple<br />
Small handful unsalted almonds<br />
<br />
**Today's workout was supposed to be Yoga X, but I've rearranged my week so that I can rest on Saturday when I'm traveling to visit my parents. I was going to do Kenpo X, but I don't really like Kenpo. So I did the Plyometrics workout instead and LOVED it. I never used to be able to make it all the way through the full hours. Now I not only completed the whole workout, but I ROCKED it. Go me!**<br />
<br />
<u>"Lunch" (Post-Workout)</u><br />
10 ounces organic skim milk<br />
4 tablespoons chocolate soy protein powder<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<u>Afternoon Snack (which I had to share with the man cub)</u><br />
10 ounces plain, nonfat Greek yogurt<br />
2 teaspoons all natural peanut butter<br />
1 crumbled up cinnamon graham cracker (not technically clean, but all I had... at least it doesn't have any high fructose corn syrup)<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Dinner</u><br />
2 cups spinach and spring mix greens<br />
4 oz. marinated chicken<br />
Marinade:<br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
1 teaspoon lime juice<br />
Generous dashes of ground cumin<br />
1/2 cup reduced sodium black beans<br />
1/2 cup reduced sodium chickpeas<br />
2 tablespoons chunky salsa<br />
<br />
<u>Evening Snack</u><br />
?????<br />
<br />
<u>Summary</u><br />
<div>
The timing of my meals was thrown off today by having John at home. I had to wait until his nap time to do my workout, which was fine, and didn't feel like eating a full meal afterward. So I had the protein shake for "lunch" right after my workout. I intended to eat the salad for my "afternoon snack" and then make something using the summer squash I have sitting in the fridge. But I got side tracked with play time out in the yard, so I opted for a quicker snack (the yogurt). I ate the salad for dinner because the chicken was already marinating.<br />
<br />
I haven't figured out what to eat for an evening snack yet, but I'm hungry and have not eaten nearly enough calories today to support how hard I worked out. To be perfectly honest, I would kill for a giant bag of popcorn right about now. Some salty, buttery deliciousness. But that much salt this late in the day would make me puff up like a balloon overnight. And I don't think we have any popcorn in the house anyway. What to do!! I'll figure something out.<br />
<br />
FYI - I broke down and ate some of John's turkey sausage links, two pieces of whole wheat toast with a super thin layer of locally made strawberry preserves, and some decaf coffee with a half tablespoon of maple syrup and two tablespoons of organic half-and-half. Again, technically not clean... but I'm hungry!<br />
<br />
Final Nutritional Breakdown: 1,984 calories (48% carbohydrates, 25% protein, 27% fats)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-62692594478303091212013-07-17T21:59:00.001-05:002013-07-17T21:59:30.942-05:00The Clean Eating Challenge: WednesdayI've challenged myself to go cold turkey on my beloved junk food and eat 100% clean for seven days straight. Well, maybe 95% clean... but I think that's close enough for a beginner. Here's what I ate today.<br />
<u><br /></u><u>Breakfast</u><br />
1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats<br />
2 tablespoons coarsely ground flaxseed<br />
2 tablespoons wheat germ<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
3 dashes ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup fresh, local blueberries<br />
<br />
Spinach omelette (1 whole egg, 1 egg white)<br />
<br />
Coffee with organic half-and-half and sweetened with 1 tablespoon maple syrup<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u>Morning Snack</u><br />
1 red delicious apple<br />
Small handful unsalted almonds<br />
<br />
<u>Lunch</u><br />
2 cups spinach and spring mix greens<br />
5 oz. marinated shrimp<br />
Marinade:<br />
2 teaspoons olive oil<br />
1 teaspoon lime juice<br />
Generous dashes of ground cumin<br />
1/2 cup reduced sodium black beans<br />
1/2 cup reduced sodium chickpeas<br />
2 tablespoons chunky salsa<br />
<br />
**Today's workout was the P90X Shoulders and Arms workout. It suddenly occurs to me that I was supposed to do the Ab Ripper X workout, too. Oops!**<br />
<br />
<u>Afternoon Snack (Post-Workout)</u><br />
10 ounces organic skim milk<br />
3 tablespoons chocolate soy protein powder<br />
1 medium banana<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<u>Dinner</u><br />
1/4 cup tricolor rotini (technically not clean because it wasn't whole wheat... whatever)<br />
1/2 a medium zucchini sliced<br />
10 kalamata olivs<br />
4 ounces shrimp sauteed in garlic<br />
1/2 tablespoon olive oil<br />
<br />
<u>Evening Snack</u><br />
4 tablespoons plain nonfat Greek yogurt<br />
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter<br />
<br />
Nutritional Breakdown: 1,861 calories (48% carbohydrates, 21% protein, 31% fats)<br />
<br />
<u>Summary</u><br />
<div>
I discovered a few things today. First, coffee with maple syrup is better tasting than coffee with honey. Second, a tablespoon of honey has 16-17 grams of sugar but a tablespoon of maple syrup has 12 grams of sugar. Third, I need to find a way to eat (or maybe buy?) only the egg whites. I hate throwing away the yolks. It just feels so wasteful. Fourth, I need to be a little more conservative with the olive oil. Fifth, it seems like I'm constantly eating all day but I'm actually consuming fewer calories than I normally do... without going hungry or feeling unsatisfied. I'm still eating too much fat, but at least it's almost all healthy fats (ie, almonds, peanut butter, olive oil, flaxseeds). So that makes it a little better. And lastly, cumin-marinated shrimp and salsa make a delicious salad topping!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-19148970308968233522013-07-16T21:49:00.001-05:002013-07-16T21:52:25.307-05:00The Clean Eating Challenge: TuesdayI've challenged myself to go cold turkey on my beloved junk food and eat 100% clean for seven days straight. Well, maybe 95% clean... but I think that's close enough for a beginner. Here's what I ate today.<br />
<u><br /></u><u>Breakfast</u><br />
1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats<br />
2 tablespoons coarsely ground flaxseed<br />
2 tablespoons wheat germ<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
3 dashes ground cinnamon<br />
<br />
Spinach egg white omelette (3 egg whites)<br />
<br />
Coffee with organic half-and-half and sweetened with a 1/2 teaspoon honey<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u>Morning Snack</u><br />
1 red delicious apple<br />
<br />
**Today's workout was a 4 mile run instead of the P90X Cardio X workout.**<br />
<br />
<u>"Lunch" (Post-Workout)</u><br />
1 cup organic skim milk<br />
3 tablespoons chocolate soy protein powder<br />
1 cup frozen strawberries<br />
<br />
<u>Afternoon "Snack"</u><br />
2 cups spinach and spring mix greens<br />
5 oz. cooked shrimp<br />
1/4 cup local grape tomatoes<br />
1/2 cup chopped local cucumber<br />
10 Kalamata olives<br />
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and vinegar dressing<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<u>Dinner</u><br />
4 oz. slow cooker BBQ chicken<br />
Sauce:<br />
1 cup ketchup<br />
1/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
2 tablespoons ground mustard<br />
2 tablespoons paprika<br />
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />
2/3 cup steamed green beans<br />
1 serving baked sweet potato fries<br />
1/2 banana (I had to bribe John to eat his green beans but he didn't need a whole banana)<br />
<br />
<u>Evening Snack</u><br />
Clean Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt (recipe <a href="http://melaniemitro.blogspot.com/2013/05/clean-eating-cookie-dough-yogurt.html" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
<br />
Nutritional Breakdown: 2021 calories (46% carbohydrates, 26% protein, 28% fats)<br />
<br />
<u>Summary</u><br />
Today I did well, but also kind of crappy. I made the mistake of not eating enough water this morning before my workout. I took Piper for a 2 mile run and then went back out for another 2 miles right after. I started to really feel the heat and had to really slow down. Then I started feeling light headed and got the beginnings of some chills (which you'll learn in next month's health ministry newsletter as a symptom of HEAT EXHAUSTION). Muy malo! So I walked a lot of the last mile, came home to hop in a cool shower, and felt totally wiped out for the rest of the day. I ended up eating my shake for lunch because I was so tired and had the salad for an afternoon "snack." My energy level did bounce back a little bit later in the afternoon. I managed to wash all the linens on our bed and two loads of dishes.<br />
<br />
On a side note, cookie dough Greek yogurt is awesome! Thanks for the recipe, Melanie Mitro. I didn't have any mini chocolate chips, though. I had a whole Hersey bar leftover from when we made s'mores on the fourth. But I didn't trust myself to only eat a little bit of it. So I crumbled up some cinnamon graham crackers instead. I like the crunchy texture. I'll have to add mini chocolate chips to my pantry staple list.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-9374976478088289592013-07-15T20:42:00.003-05:002013-07-15T20:47:55.867-05:00The Clean Eating Challenge: MondayI've challenged myself to go cold turkey on my beloved junk food and eat 100% clean for seven days straight. Well, maybe 95% clean... but I think that's close enough for a beginner. Here's what I ate today.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Breakfast</u><br />
1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oats<br />
2 tablespoons coarsely ground flaxseed<br />
2 tablespoons wheat germ<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
3 dashes ground cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup fresh, local blueberries<br />
<br />
Spinach omelette (1 whole egg and 1 egg white)<br />
<br />
Coffee with organic half-and-half and sweetened with a 1/2 teaspoon honey<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<u>Morning Snack</u><br />
1 red delicious apple<br />
Small handful of unsalted almonds<br />
<br />
<u>Lunch</u><br />
Spinach and spring mix greens<br />
5 oz. cooked shrimp<br />
1/4 cup grape tomatoes<br />
10 Kalamata olives<br />
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and vinegar dressing<br />
<br />
**Today's workout was P90X's Core Synergistics. I decided to start my 90 days over to sync up with my clean eating challenge.**<br />
<br />
<u>Afternoon (Post-workout) Snack</u><br />
1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt<br />
1/2 organic skim milk<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
1 cup frozen black cherries<br />
3 tablespoons chocolate soy protein powder<br />
<br />
<u>Dinner</u><br />
4 oz. slow cooker BBQ chicken<br />
Sauce:<br />
1 cup ketchup<br />
1/3 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup honey<br />
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
2 tablespoons ground mustard<br />
2 tablespoons paprika<br />
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper<br />
2/3 cup steamed green beans<br />
<br />
<u>Evening Snack</u><br />
1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
1/2 cup fresh, local blueberries<br />
<br />
Nutritional Breakdown: 1,775 calories (43% carbohydrates, 31% protein, 26% fats)<br />
<br />
<u>Summary</u><br />
I lost count of how many times I refilled my water bottle, but I think I've had about 80 ounces of water to drink today. <b>Overall, I felt pretty dang great all day.</b> I started the day feeling like complete crap because my allergies were acting up. John and I spent most of yesterday afternoon running around the back yard (literally... have I mentioned how much this kiddo likes to RUN?). I should have taken some Claritin or something last night, but I forgot. But once I'd eaten breakfast and got my morning started, I had a ton of energy and got a lot of stuff done around the house. We'll see how I do with the rest of the week, but I'm really loving this so far.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-53368085271698497512013-07-10T20:01:00.000-05:002013-07-15T20:14:50.199-05:00Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" Day 3Today was both really exciting, and a complete disappointment in the carrot-eating department. Let me explain...<br />
<br />
It all started with a ride in the car. While John and I were riding home in the car this afternoon, he asked me repeatedly if he could watch "Kipper the Dog" on Netflix when we get home. I'm a little conflicted on this subject. While I desperately appreciate how Kipper holds John's undivided attention for a solid 45-60 minutes, I am also trying to limit John's daily screen time to an hour or less. He learns a lot of new words from watching shows and movies on Netflix, but I would rather have him running around the yard like the little mini-marathoner he's turning out to be.<br />
<br />
So anyway, I jokingly replied that I would let him watch Kipper if he ate some carrots when we got home. I chuckled a little to myself (after all, I am <i>so </i>very funny) and went on my merry way. When we got home, and battled through the assault of excitedly licky dogs at the door, John marched straight into the kitchen and announced that he wanted some carrots.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry, you what?"<br />
<br />
Pointing at the refrigerator. "I want some carrots, Mommy. Then I'mma go watch KIPPER!"<br />
<br />
"Uhhh.. okay."<br />
<br />
To my surprise (and elation), he totally did! He ate one WHOLE baby carrot straight out of the container. I asked him if he wanted another, keeping my fingers and my toes crossed as hard as they would go, but he turned me down. He then skipped (he literally skipped) into the living room, crawled on to the couch with his bear, and asked if he could watch Kipper. He even said, "Please?"<br />
<br />
How could I turn that down? I can't start breaking my promises, so I let him watch 30 minutes of Kipper while I finished making dinner. I had high hopes that he would eat more carrots at dinner since he so happily ate the first one, but I was soon to be disappointed. He ate one tiny piece of one and then turned his nose up at the rest. I was too worn out to push him tonight, so I just let him eat the rest of the food on his plate. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-41161096271495612832013-07-08T19:30:00.000-05:002013-07-09T11:35:49.905-05:00Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" Day 2So tonight was our second attempt at carrots. Since I had an entire container of leftover carrots in my refrigerator, it was pretty easy to make dinner. Once again, John seemed pretty excited when I opened the container. I had already let him count out his chicken nuggets (don't judge me, I'm doing the best I can here) as we put them on his plate, so we did the same with the carrots. He counted them out and we clapped our hands when we were done. Then he licked some of the honey-cinnamon-ginger flavor off his fingers and smiled.<br />
<br />
"Mmmm, yummy."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, yummy carrots. Should we go eat them now?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, let's do that!"<br />
<br />
After that, it was pretty much a "Groundhog Day" repetition of last night. The only difference was that at least he would <i>touch</i> the carrots. He mushed a couple pieces and would occasionally lick the honey-cinnamon-ginger flavor off his fingers. He kept asking for the honey again and I kept reminding him that the honey is on the carrots. Just when I was about to give up, I had an idea.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>"John, there's more honey and cinnamon flavor on your carrot. Do you want to lick it?"<br />
<br />
"Mmm hmm."<br />
<br />
Don't ask me why I decided to do this. I'd just spent the last five days straight with John at home for vacation and the holiday weekend and James is out of town so there aren't any other adults to talk to. I think I was starting to think like a toddler. In any case, it worked because he licked the carrot.<br />
<br />
"Mmm, yummy. Mommy, I want some honey on my finger."<br />
<br />
"What if Mommy puts a drop of honey on your carrot? Would you eat the carrot then?"<br />
<br />
"Mmm hmm."<br />
<br />
Now I know this is technically bargaining with him, which I usually don't condone, but I was tired. So I got out the bottle of honey and dabbed the teeniest, tiniest drop of honey on the piece of carrot....<br />
<br />
John took the fork, and <b><u>he ate the carrot</u></b>. (Haaaaaallelujah!!!)<br />
<br />
"Mmm, yummy."<br />
<br />
"Would you like another piece?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah!"<br />
<br />
So I did it again. I got the teeniest, tiniest drop of honey I could get out of the bottle and put it on another piece of carrot. John took the fork, and he ate that one too. Well, he chewed it. And chewed, and chewed, and chewed. I've seen this tactic before. He chews for a while, decides he doesn't want it, and spits the food out all over his lap. My Mommy spider senses were tingling and I could see it coming, so I picked up his little cup of milk and offered it to him.<br />
<br />
"Would you like to wash it down with some milk?"<br />
<br />
Now he's starting to make a sour face. "I don't like it, Mommy. I don't like it!"<br />
<br />
"It's okay, buddy. Just drink your milk and wash it all down."<br />
<br />
(After a couple more rounds of the I-don't-like-it's and the increasingly frantic pleas of drink-your-milk and he finally did.)<br />
<br />
"Yaaaay!! John is such a big boy! He ate TWO whole pieces of carrot! Yay!!!"<br />
<br />
"Yay!!"<br />
<br />
"Mommy is so proud of you, big boy."<br />
<br />
Lots of smiles, lots of clapping. At that point, we stopped. I'm not sure it's technically a victory because I had to bribe him by adding the drops of honey, but I'll take it. It's progress in a positive direction, so I can't complain. After all, you have to start somewhere.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-7060279083167855322013-07-07T19:30:00.000-05:002013-07-09T11:07:44.779-05:00Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" Day 1So the first vegetable we're going to tackle with Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" is, of course, carrots! I picked carrots because they have a sweeter flavor that most vegetables, hopefully making them more appealing. I needed to keep it simple, so I bought a bag of fresh baby carrots from the produce section that were packaged in a microwaveable bag. The benefits of fresh produce <i>plus</i> the convenience of microwaving! Perfect.<br />
<br />
I let John put the bag in the microwave, close the door, and push the buttons to start the microwave. This was immediately gratifying to him as the microwave lit up, started making noise, and we watched the carrots turn around and around inside. When the microwave beeped at the end of three minutes, John happily announced, "All done!" I took the bag out of the microwave, cut it open with the scissors, and poured the steamed carrots into a bowl so John wouldn't burn his hands.<br />
<br />
"Oooo... carrots! Yay!"<br />
<br />
"Do you like carrots, John?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, I like carrots."<br />
<br />
Then came the fun part, and the part that might be my undoing.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The recipe I found for honey carrots is simple. Steamed carrots + honey + ground cinnamon + ground ginger. Mix and serve. John had never eaten honey before because of the risk developing botulism from exposure to <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> spores.<br />
<br />
(Sidebar nursing moment: <u>Infants under 12 months and anyone with a suppressed immune system should never consume honey</u>, especially raw honey, because of the potential for contamination with <i>Clostridium botulinum</i> spores. Honey is safe for anyone over 12 months with a normal, healthy immune system. For more information on botulism, visit the CDC's website <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/botulism/" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
Aaaaanyway, so John had never tasted honey before. When we opened the cute, bear-shaped bottle of honey he asked what it was.<br />
<br />
"Mommy, what <i>is</i> that??"<br />
<br />
"It's honey."<br />
<br />
"Ohhhh.... HONEY!"<br />
<br />
"Would you like to try a little bit?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah!"<br />
<br />
So I flipped open the top and dabbed the teeniest, tiniest little drop of honey on the end of his finger for him to taste. He loves it. No surprise there. In fact, he may be slightly fixated on the bottle of honey now. Oops. So he held the bottle upside down over the bowl and he helped me drizzle a little less than a tablespoon of honey over the carrots. Then he helped me shake the bottles of ground cinnamon and ground ginger over the carrots, and stirred it all up with a big spoon.<br />
<br />
He seemed so excited. He said it was yummy. He said he wanted to eat them. He LIED!<br />
<br />
Ok, maybe he didn't exactly "lie" but he did change his mind 10 seconds later. We sat at the table, held hands to say grace, and started to eat. John went first for his cup of milk, then for the other items on his plate.<br />
<br />
"Is your dinner yummy?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, it's yummy."<br />
<br />
"Would you like to try some carrots?"<br />
<br />
"No."<br />
<br />
"Pick up your fork and try a yummy piece of carrot with the honey on it."<br />
<br />
"I don't like it, Mommy. I don't like it."<br />
<br />
WHAT?! So he didn't eat them. He wouldn't even touch them. I asked him a few more times throughout the meal if he would please try the carrots, but he wouldn't. I didn't want to make a big deal out of the carrot refusal, so I praised him for eating the rest of his food and made a point to tell him how delicious mommy's carrots tasted. I wanted him to associate getting my attention with positive behavior and praise (eating his food) rather than with negative attention and frustration (not eating the carrots). He asked for the honey several times during the meal, so I reminded him that there was "lots" of honey on the carrots... maybe he should eat a carrot. That didn't really work either. But that's okay. I kept my cool. No one yelled, no one cried, and we enjoyed a really nice dinner together.<br />
<br />
The carrots, though.... they will be back tomorrow. Mark my words, little man cub, you will eventually eat a freaking carrot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-34312402633667723152013-07-06T10:18:00.000-05:002013-07-09T10:25:19.302-05:00Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot"First, I'd like to provide a little context for you. John is two. I know a lot of people talk about the "terrible twos," but John really doesn't fit into this category. He's a pretty good kid. Actually, he's a pretty freaking amazing kid. He naps for 90 minutes to two hours every day and still sleeps a solid 11-12 hours every night. He always says "please" and "thank you." He rarely throws tantrums, as in, almost never. He does what he's told, he likes to help, he follows the rules, and he's about 50% potty trained. He doesn't bite. He doesn't hit. He listens well, takes turns, shares, and apologizes (with prompting) when he's done something wrong. Despite my ineptitude as a first-time mom, I've so far managed not to screw him up... which is a miracle all by itself.<br />
<br />
One of the hallmark developmental stages for any toddler is what Erikson call's the "autonomy versus shame and doubt" phase. In this critical time of his development, John is learning to do things on his own. He's gaining an understanding of his individual autonomy and confidence in his abilities to go out and explore the world. He's learning to dress himself and undress himself. He's learning to put on his shoes. He's learning to brush his teeth (with a lot of mommy's help and supervision), put away his toys, and make choices. We let him pick out his clothes by giving him two options. "Do you want the robot pajamas or the dinosaurs?" He's learning to use the potty, which is a huge deal for toddlers. If you've never seen a group of toddlers interact before, it's quite amusing. One of them needs to go to the bathroom and all the rest of them have to go "help."<br />
<br />
So he's learning all these important skills, which he'll need as he becomes progressively more independent, but he still lives in a world with a lot of limits. Mommy determines when he gets up and when he goes to bed. Mommy decides when we go outside and when we come back in. Mommy decides where we go and what we do and who we see. Even though we give John a few choices and a few opportunities to make decisions for himself, he still lives in a world ruled strictly by Mom and Dad.<br />
<br />
Many, if not most, toddlers will react to these limitations by asserting their authority in one way or another. For some, it's the common behavior of responding to all communication with, "No!" For others, it's controlling and manipulating parental behavior by throwing temper tantrums to get what the toddler wants. A friend of a friend's three-year-old willfully poops in his pants when he's frustrated or angry with his parents (yikes!!). Toddlers have very little control over their lives, so they will sometimes try to take control in any way that they can. For John, it's food. This is where Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" comes into the story.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
John has always been a relatively good eater. He loves most fruits, especially bananas, and will happily eat them all day. He likes typical "toddler foods" like Goldfish crackers. He likes yogurt, applesauce, granola bars, cheese, and deli meat. He LOVES waffles and sausage. And we've recently discovered that he'll also eat BBQ chicken. Sometimes he'll eat pasta with tomato sauce (and some ninja vegetables that Mommy pureed and mixed into the sauce -- Mwahaha!) and he'll usually eat macaroni and cheese. Well, I should clarify... these are the things he'll eat <i>at home</i>. When he's at daycare, he'll eat just about anything. Peas, carrots, green beans, tuna salad, meatloaf, catfish, oatmeal, cereal, soup, sandwiches, plus all the things he eats at home.<br />
<br />
When I first noticed this difference in what he was willing to eat, I went in to talk with the caregivers to find out what I was doing wrong... or at least, what they were doing differently. Judge me if you want, but I love our daycare. The caregivers there are VERY knowledgeable about early childhood development and they have been an amazing resource for me as John has grown and we've encountered new challenges. Plus they are incredibly patient and nurturing and loving toward my little man cub, so I know that he's spending his days in an environment that is healthy, caring, and promotes his growth and development. I just can't say enough good things about them.<br />
<br />
So anyway, what I've discovered after many lengthy conversations with his caregivers is that John will eat the <i>very same</i> food at daycare that he rejects at home every time. This is due in part to the environment. John has always been a "monkey see, monkey do" kind of kid. That's how he learned to crawl and walk, and how he transitioned from bottle to sippy cup to open cup like a boss. So sitting down at the breakfast or lunch table with a bunch of other toddlers, he mimics their behaviors and eats the food on his plate like the rest of them. (How they get a room full of two-year-olds to all eat their food if a mystery to me... obviously some kind of black magic.) Well, we do this at home, too. We always eat every meal at the kitchen table together. We sit down, hold hands to say grace (my heart melts a little every time John says "amen"), and eat our meals as a family.... even though that means eating dinner at 5:30 or 6:00 in the evening. We do this not only because it's consistent with what John experiences at daycare, but also because we firmly believe in the importance of having actual family dinners. We don't eat on the couch in front of the TV because that's why we pay for DVR service. John eats <i>when</i> James and I eat, at the table <i>where</i> James and I eat, and we try to encourage him to eat <i>what</i> James and I eat. It's too much trouble to prepare a completely separate meal for him every night and I certainly wouldn't be making him a separate meal if he were 10 or 11. I modify his plate to make it easier for him and more palatable (ie, BBQ sauce instead of Buffalo sauce), but it's basically the same.<br />
<br />
The other difference in John's eating habits at home versus at daycare have to do with the company he keeps. As kind and loving as his caregivers are, they aren't his Mommy. There are certain buttons he can push with me that simply don't work with anyone else... and he knows it. The best example I can give is what I call "the cling." You know what I'm talking about. Whenever I have to leave him somewhere, whether it's at daycare or in the church nursery (another topic altogether) or just leaving him at home with Daddy or a grandparent, John uses the ultimate break-your-mommy's-heart move and clings to my leg crying, "My Mommy! My Mommy! My Mommy!" He does it because he knows it will immediately stop me in my tracks. How could it not? My head knows that he's just manipulating me because he wants me to stay and that he'll be playing and laughing 45 seconds after I'm out the door. But my heart sees a precious and sad little boy with chunky little cheeks who desperately needs his mommy. It's cruel and it works. Every. Single. Time.<br />
<br />
So when it's dinner time and he doesn't like the food on his plate, John will push it away and say he doesn't like it in the hopes that I will bring him something else. He sticks out his bottom lip sometimes even works up some convincing crocodile tears. What am I supposed to do? I can't send a toddler to bed without <i>something</i> to eat but I can't let him refuse <i>every </i>healthy thing we offer either. Just because he happily eats all his fruits and vegetables at daycare doesn't mean he can live on a diet of Goldfish crackers and Babybel cheese at home.<br />
<br />
I know I promised to get to Operation "Eat A Freaking Carrot" five paragraphs ago. So here it is. After discussing a few strategies with other moms and the caregivers at daycare, I've decided to take it one vegetable at a time. The plan is twofold. First, I'm going to enlist John's help in preparing dinner every night. I've been told that kids are more likely to eat foods that they've helped to prepare. Since John is always asking to help me do things, I think he will enjoy the chance to help me cook. Secondly, I'm going to offer him one healthy food item along with one or two familiar foods. That way I can be assured that he will at least get a little something to eat, along with the full glass of milk he always finishes. If he refuses to eat the healthy food item, that's okay because he's going to see it again the next day... at the day after that... and the day after that until he finally decides to at least give it a try. I'm not looking for him to eat an entire plate of kale. What I want is for him to <i>try</i> these new foods and <i>not</i> spit them out.<br />
<br />
I'm convinced that if I am patient and consistent, if I am creative and provide lots of positive reinforcement, John will eventually develop a love of healthy foods that will last him a lifetime. In the meantime, wish me luck and pray for me.... a lot.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-49411367090691540542013-06-30T13:31:00.000-05:002013-06-30T20:12:41.709-05:00Your Life, Your Health<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are beginning a new health ministry at <a href="http://christchurchlittlerock.org/" target="_blank">Christ Church</a>. The mission of this ministry is to serve the Body of Christ by promoting the health, wellness, and wholeness of this congregation and the surrounding community. As a living witness to the healing power of God’s grace, this ministry promotes an holistic approach to health in several ways: by facilitating discussions of physical, emotional, and spiritual health issues; by increasing self-knowledge through educational sessions related to health and wellness; by empowering people to take control of their own health; and by fostering a health-conscious community. This ministry is focused on both health and healing, combining the ancient traditions of our Christian community with the knowledge and tools of modern healthcare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There has been a longstanding, national conversation about the state of our current healthcare system, which primarily focuses on treating specific diseases and not on promoting general health. This approach to health care is fragmented, incomplete, and enormously expensive. The Church, however, is guided by Christ’s message of healing, wholeness, and community. When He sent the first disciples out in pairs, He instructed them to, “cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you’” (Luke 10:9). As Christians, we are called to care for one another but we are also charged with the good stewardship of our own physical health. This health ministry does not seek to replace existing health services, but rather to work with community partners and resources to empower and educate, to advocate for health, and to care for people in need. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I invite you to join this new conversation by sending me your health questions and concerns, and by participating in our upcoming discussions of how we can achieve wholeness of body and spirit together. The direction this ministry takes will be shaped by the needs, interests, and concerns of this congregation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-35066111256294090872013-01-01T13:45:00.001-06:002013-01-01T13:46:36.745-06:00A Christ-Centered, Yogic LifestyleRather than give myself a lengthy list of resolutions to attempt to follow, I've decided to recommit myself to more fully living out my rule of life. I've been faithful to certain elements, and have struggled with others. So this year I'm going to continue my efforts at living a Christ-centered, yogic lifestyle. Happy Near Year and namaste!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Love God</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pray daily.</div>
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Pray the rosary regularly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Participate in corporate worship.</div>
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Observe the sacraments. In particular, participate in the Eucharist.</div>
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Honor the liturgical cycle of the church calendar.</div>
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Study the Scriptures.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Love Others</span></b></div>
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Act always out of love.</div>
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Always consider others' feelings before acting or speaking.</div>
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Speak gently and do not spread gossip.</div>
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Never refuse a request for help.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Love Yourself</b></span></div>
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Keep a positive attitude.</div>
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Maintain healthy relationships with others.</div>
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Maintain a healthy environment.</div>
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Set priorities and personal limits.</div>
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Get adequate rest.</div>
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Make healthy food choices.</div>
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Exercise regularly.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-17606516512242628922012-12-17T11:21:00.003-06:002013-04-02T09:30:03.063-05:00Sacrifice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"If we have never experience what it is to give sacrificially, we may approach it like our first dive from the high diving board, a major moment at the time but really ordinary after that, a new and richer way to approach life."<br />
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-Br. Eldridge Pendleton, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4083" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-35754792432500316972012-12-16T11:19:00.000-06:002013-06-30T20:15:08.820-05:00Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">"Joy is a mystery. It's as mysterious as our suffering. And, I think, it's as boundless as our suffering. Somehow, in God's economy, the one is creating the space for the other."</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">-Br. Curtis Almquist, </span><a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4081" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-46425786270286898792012-12-15T11:17:00.000-06:002013-04-02T09:33:43.368-05:00Judgment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"For to be judged by Jesus is to stand before Jesus naked, just as I am, and to allow him to look at us with love, and love us into repentance for our sins, and to receive his loving words of forgiveness--and then to be set free, and even know taste the first fruits of eternal life."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Br. Geoffrey Tristram, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4079" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-52664425943231322252012-12-14T08:13:00.003-06:002013-04-02T09:33:08.690-05:00Good News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The people of God have always known days of laughter--and days of tears. And we will, too. That may not sound like good news, but let me assure you, it is. It is good news because God is up to something. It is good news because God means us nothing but our good."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Br. Kevin Hackett, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4077" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-1996649947407104442012-12-13T08:10:00.000-06:002013-04-02T09:33:26.290-05:00Watch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Some of us Christians are too eager to find in current events evidence that will tell us when and how the world will end and the Son of Man will return. Others of us have lost our hope in God's promise and come to believe only in ourselves and in our human institutions. The Gospel challenges us all. "Watch, be alert, keep awake," it warns us. Christ will surely come."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Br. David Vryhof, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4075" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-70143749865033326032012-12-12T08:07:00.000-06:002012-12-14T08:07:58.117-06:00Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ssje.org/2.images/daily/2012-12-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="http://ssje.org/2.images/daily/2012-12-12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Do not be afraid. The Gospel challenges us to take a new path and to begin today."<br />
<br />
-Br. Eldridge Pendleton, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4073" target="_blank">The Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-4069143423754941592012-12-11T08:05:00.000-06:002012-12-14T08:05:57.160-06:00Hope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://ssje.org/2.images/daily/2012-12-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ssje.org/2.images/daily/2012-12-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://ssje.org/2.images/daily/2012-12-11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Hope is unruly. Hope floats, when it shouldn't. Hope, simply defined, is the capacity to imagine a future. Like memory--which I would define as the ability to rightly recall the past--hope is an essential element of what it means to be fully human and fully alive. Without hope, we die."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
-Br. Kevin Hackett, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4071" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
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Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-56705673601980333312012-12-10T07:42:00.001-06:002012-12-10T07:42:58.167-06:00Triumph"We feel so ineffective in a system where money buys power. What can we do in the midst of this great travesty? Perhaps we just need more faith in the triumph of small things, the little that we can do."<br />
<br />
-Br. Mark Brown, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4069" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-61796535171812734922012-12-09T10:12:00.003-06:002012-12-09T10:12:53.359-06:00Journey"The spiritual journey is a journey towards God in which we discover that we are beloved children of God and in which we learn to live our lives grounded in that reality. The Scriptures are given to instruct and guide us along this path."<br />
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-Br. David Vryhof, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4067" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-25728539666664494542012-12-08T09:08:00.004-06:002012-12-08T09:08:51.845-06:00Yes"When we say 'yes' to God, our 'yes' echoes that of Mary's and 'the Word [becomes] flesh and [lives] among us' here and now and we, like Mary, become God bearers and our eternal destiny is fulfilled for all time."<br />
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-Br. James Koester, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4065" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-75796850554778118222012-12-07T10:26:00.004-06:002012-12-07T10:26:47.034-06:00Conversion"It is the source of our greatness and our dignity as children of God, that God won't let us be comfortable with the familiar, the materialistic.<br />
<br />
-Br. Geoffrey Tristram, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4063" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-73696426336922361432012-12-06T07:56:00.001-06:002012-12-06T07:56:41.742-06:00Prayer<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The real quest for our prayer is to learn to pray our lives. It's to practice the presence of God in every moment, every place that we move, every person whom we touch, every word that we speak or hear."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-Br. Curtis Almquist, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4061" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-52509759228811534512012-12-05T07:53:00.000-06:002012-12-06T07:53:53.218-06:00Growth"We often refer to God's presence in our hearts: in a sense, the Divine Presence is the heart of our heart, the core of our core. For the Christian, the Divine Presence is something that grows within us, like the Christ child in the Virgin's womb, we might say. Or, as Paul puts it, it is not our own life that we live, but Christ's life in us."<br />
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-Br. Mark Brown, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4057" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5898023393722636307.post-77256476199980427502012-12-04T07:50:00.000-06:002012-12-06T07:51:59.868-06:00Faith"Faith gives us the power to see life very clearly, to admit that sometimes it seems all wrong and still to know that, somehow, it is all right?<br />
<br />
-Br. David Vryhof, <a href="http://ssje.org/word/?p=4055" target="_blank">Society of Saint John the Evangelist</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/76/8613BF6E2F67D296C9BB0A85F7699566.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06985635634600906623noreply@blogger.com0