I deal with many parts of life when dealing with a client, some are easy fixes but some are hard. One of the ones that are hard is a client recognizing that stress can play a vital role in blocking weight loss all together. There are multiples types of stress, like for instance: sleep stress, work stress, bitterness, resentment, or loneliness. Some of these things are not necessarily stress but they will have the same affect on the mind and body.
This can happen and stop you dead in your tracks as far as whole health is concerned. One thing that is vital for a positive out look for health is for a right relationship with God. No, not like just knowing Him but giving Him your stresses and finding rest with Him in all you do. This can be a struggle but your faith will grow the more you keep trying at it. The difference is measurable, I see it all the time in my work. People will go through the fitness steps and get really into it and then after about 2 months they can't lose weight anymore and the are upset at me. When I try and tell them that it is their stress they almost laugh at me. Then there are the select few that embrace it and change their lives through counseling or a newly energized walk with their Creator. The ones who embrace it are the people that will find success in whole health for a life time, and that is what it's all about for me.
Whether you believe in God or not you cannot argue with the fact that stress will pull you down and sometimes out of life. So if you think that this is completely inconsistent with anything you know to be true, what I want to say to that is for you to start by understanding what Truth really is. You will only get so far in life with fitness and diet why not try to give your life to Christ and let Him show you. I am not trying to sell you on it, there is no commission for me here, just a pure love for God and my clients!
In all things consider Christ first and you will see He does love you and you can be healthy from the top of your head to the soles of your feet both inside and out!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Key To Health Care Reform: Take Care Of Yourself
Scientists are reporting a breakthrough therapy to lower the risk of developing the most common and deadly chronic diseases by about 80 percent.
The therapy is called taking care of yourself: not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
Obesity is costing the American healthcare system more than $100 million annually. Diabetes costs nearly $150 billion, cancer care costs more than $200 billion, and heart disease costs more than $300 billion annually.
The key to affordable healthcare is disease prevention, not treatment.
Sources:
Live Science August 11, 2009
Archives of Internal Medicine August 10/24 2009; 169(15):1355-1362 [Free Full-Text Article]
The therapy is called taking care of yourself: not smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
Obesity is costing the American healthcare system more than $100 million annually. Diabetes costs nearly $150 billion, cancer care costs more than $200 billion, and heart disease costs more than $300 billion annually.
The key to affordable healthcare is disease prevention, not treatment.
Sources:
Live Science August 11, 2009
Archives of Internal Medicine August 10/24 2009; 169(15):1355-1362 [Free Full-Text Article]
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Recipe Time!
In my quest for greatness I enjoy some new recipes and I want to share them with you.
Black Bean Summer Salad
Ingredients
2 cups of freshly cooked black beans
1/2 cups of chopped green onions
2 avocados, peeled, seeded and chunked
1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
2 fully ripened large tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of frozen corn, thawed and drained
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt
Pepper
Grated mozzarella
Directions
Drain the freshly cooked black beans: set aside and cool. After the beans have cooled, use a large bowl and combine the black beans, green onions, avocados, basil, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, juice of one lime, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Chill. Top with shredded raw milk mozzarella cheese. Serve.
Mocha Swiss Almond Smoothie
Ingredients
10oz. of yogurt, kefir, or coconut milk
1-2 raw omega 3 eggs (optional)
1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil or hemp seed oil
1-2 tablespoons unheated honey
1 tablespoon of goats milk protein powder or milk
2 tablespoons of cocoa or carob powder
2 tablespoons raw almond butter or 4 tablespoons chocolate almond spread
1-2 fresh or frozen bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Direction
Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until desired texture.
Black Bean Summer Salad
Ingredients
2 cups of freshly cooked black beans
1/2 cups of chopped green onions
2 avocados, peeled, seeded and chunked
1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
2 fully ripened large tomatoes, chopped
2 cups of frozen corn, thawed and drained
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt
Pepper
Grated mozzarella
Directions
Drain the freshly cooked black beans: set aside and cool. After the beans have cooled, use a large bowl and combine the black beans, green onions, avocados, basil, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, juice of one lime, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Chill. Top with shredded raw milk mozzarella cheese. Serve.
Mocha Swiss Almond Smoothie
Ingredients
10oz. of yogurt, kefir, or coconut milk
1-2 raw omega 3 eggs (optional)
1 tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon of flaxseed oil or hemp seed oil
1-2 tablespoons unheated honey
1 tablespoon of goats milk protein powder or milk
2 tablespoons of cocoa or carob powder
2 tablespoons raw almond butter or 4 tablespoons chocolate almond spread
1-2 fresh or frozen bananas
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Direction
Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until desired texture.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
How To Lose 10 Pounds In 7 Days
Now that I have your attention! Listen, some things in weight loss are complex like having years of toxins in your gut from prescription drugs, air and processed foods that will not come out with out a fight. Then there is some things that will work every time they are tried such as but not limited too:
-Stopping drinking alcohol
-Eliminating Soda
-Adding more water to your day (half your body weight in ounces)
-Greens, greens and more greens!
One of these steps even worked for me will I was away on vacation, I enjoy my share of beer on vacation anywhere from two to four in a day, over a 24 hour time frame. Now I am not a drunk but I enjoy beer and not that light crap either, the darker the better and better for you. My weight was 190 before I left and the day I got home I was 197, 7 days later 184.5. What is the difference? I stopped drinking beer!
This will work for you too and it doesn't have to be beer your drinking, if you are drinking wine, soda or sweet tea stop it! The weight will come off and it will come off quickly if you are eating well. You know I eat to the Maker's Diet phase 3 on a regular basis, so this helped me get back to down to weight really fast.
If you have questions on this or any other weight loss technics please let me know! Have a great day and thanks for reading!
-Stopping drinking alcohol
-Eliminating Soda
-Adding more water to your day (half your body weight in ounces)
-Greens, greens and more greens!
One of these steps even worked for me will I was away on vacation, I enjoy my share of beer on vacation anywhere from two to four in a day, over a 24 hour time frame. Now I am not a drunk but I enjoy beer and not that light crap either, the darker the better and better for you. My weight was 190 before I left and the day I got home I was 197, 7 days later 184.5. What is the difference? I stopped drinking beer!
This will work for you too and it doesn't have to be beer your drinking, if you are drinking wine, soda or sweet tea stop it! The weight will come off and it will come off quickly if you are eating well. You know I eat to the Maker's Diet phase 3 on a regular basis, so this helped me get back to down to weight really fast.
If you have questions on this or any other weight loss technics please let me know! Have a great day and thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Top 5 RAW Foods
1- Green Leafy Vegetables
Since I am always face first into a salad this list could be a big one but I will get right to the good one. The darker the green leaves, the more nutritious the salad and unfortunately the less tasty they are.
Kale is the best leafy vegetable because it's so dark and nutritious, but it has a bitter taste. Spinach or lettuce are a little less nutritious, but they have a great flavor to them.
2- Sprouts
I truly think that sprouts are truly on of the most nutritious land vegetables you can eat. Sunflower sprouts and lentil sprouts are excellent, but bean sprouts like mung bean and abzuzi sprouts are good as well.
3- Sea Vegetables
Seaweed is one of the healthiest vegetables a person can eat, but many people just aren't aware of this. Two favorites for the top spots are dulse and nori, which are great in salads. Just a sprinkle of some of the flakes or the leaves cut into stripes on top of the salad are great. If you are turning your nose up at seaweed, then you should know that sushi is wrapped in sheets of nori.
4- Vegetable Fruits and Sweet Fruits
Red peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are examples of vegetable fruits, since thy have seeds inside, and anything with a seed is a fruit. These foods are low glycemic and low in sugar. As for sweet fruits blueberries and mulberries are my favorites! As well as cantaloupes and honeydew melons. These plus watermelon were had by us every summer as I grew up. Thanks MOM!
5- Nuts And Seeds
The best seed are hemp seeds and the best nuts are almonds. Be sure ti purchase them raw and soak them before eating! This will allow the nut to be easier to digest and you can get more protein from them this way.
This article was inspired by reading at www.paulnison.com a raw food expert and a dude with my taste buds apparently.
Enjoy!
Since I am always face first into a salad this list could be a big one but I will get right to the good one. The darker the green leaves, the more nutritious the salad and unfortunately the less tasty they are.
Kale is the best leafy vegetable because it's so dark and nutritious, but it has a bitter taste. Spinach or lettuce are a little less nutritious, but they have a great flavor to them.
2- Sprouts
I truly think that sprouts are truly on of the most nutritious land vegetables you can eat. Sunflower sprouts and lentil sprouts are excellent, but bean sprouts like mung bean and abzuzi sprouts are good as well.
3- Sea Vegetables
Seaweed is one of the healthiest vegetables a person can eat, but many people just aren't aware of this. Two favorites for the top spots are dulse and nori, which are great in salads. Just a sprinkle of some of the flakes or the leaves cut into stripes on top of the salad are great. If you are turning your nose up at seaweed, then you should know that sushi is wrapped in sheets of nori.
4- Vegetable Fruits and Sweet Fruits
Red peppers, cucumbers and zucchini are examples of vegetable fruits, since thy have seeds inside, and anything with a seed is a fruit. These foods are low glycemic and low in sugar. As for sweet fruits blueberries and mulberries are my favorites! As well as cantaloupes and honeydew melons. These plus watermelon were had by us every summer as I grew up. Thanks MOM!
5- Nuts And Seeds
The best seed are hemp seeds and the best nuts are almonds. Be sure ti purchase them raw and soak them before eating! This will allow the nut to be easier to digest and you can get more protein from them this way.
This article was inspired by reading at www.paulnison.com a raw food expert and a dude with my taste buds apparently.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
How To Eat Great On A Budget
Where ever you are at with your diet whether on day 1 of the maker's diet or you are just trying to make it work eating the best as you can while on vacation. You can eat great on a budget, actually money should never be an excuse for eating bad. I would much rather hear that you just wanted to eat out and have whatever you want for one night than hear that you didn't eat right because you are low on funds.
The reason I say this is, I have not only done this myself but have had friends in tight money situations eat great with little or no money. If you want the weight loss and the added health benefits of eating an all natural, organic raw diet then you must go out of your way to make better choices. Make a commitment to it and resolve to do so without question whenever possible no matter what. Turn it into a habit and know why you are doing it, if you are challenged on the way you eat you can explain that it's for life not for tastes that you enjoy food.
There are some foods that work great on a budget.
- Leafy greens
- Whole milk yogurt
- Oatmeal (soaked over night)
- Eggs
- Sprouted breads
- Sprouted pastas
- Long grain brown rice
- Lentils
- Black or pinto beans
- Vegetables from a local farmers market
The problem lies in the fact that we think we need to have a serving of meat everyday to survive and that is simply not true. You could live on greens and rice and lose weight as well as be full at the end of the day. Making a sacrifice will separate you from the people that only commit to a diet when it is convenient, but in this world with all of it's sweets and sodas eating right for health is never really convenient.
Be an example to others that you will not be swayed by your friends and family no matter what the situation is. I have had everything from a small discussion to a heated exchange about my diet. This being the case I will never change the way I eat and if I know that I will be forced to eat something I doesn't align with my diet I will eat before I go and take enzymes and probiotics so that I can get a jump on digesting it. Remember it's not your fault that your loved ones entertain with food or that they don't care about your diet. It is your fault if you cave in and do what they do in order to keep peace of to just make it easier on yourself.
Nothing in this world that is worth having will be easily attained.
The reason I say this is, I have not only done this myself but have had friends in tight money situations eat great with little or no money. If you want the weight loss and the added health benefits of eating an all natural, organic raw diet then you must go out of your way to make better choices. Make a commitment to it and resolve to do so without question whenever possible no matter what. Turn it into a habit and know why you are doing it, if you are challenged on the way you eat you can explain that it's for life not for tastes that you enjoy food.
There are some foods that work great on a budget.
- Leafy greens
- Whole milk yogurt
- Oatmeal (soaked over night)
- Eggs
- Sprouted breads
- Sprouted pastas
- Long grain brown rice
- Lentils
- Black or pinto beans
- Vegetables from a local farmers market
The problem lies in the fact that we think we need to have a serving of meat everyday to survive and that is simply not true. You could live on greens and rice and lose weight as well as be full at the end of the day. Making a sacrifice will separate you from the people that only commit to a diet when it is convenient, but in this world with all of it's sweets and sodas eating right for health is never really convenient.
Be an example to others that you will not be swayed by your friends and family no matter what the situation is. I have had everything from a small discussion to a heated exchange about my diet. This being the case I will never change the way I eat and if I know that I will be forced to eat something I doesn't align with my diet I will eat before I go and take enzymes and probiotics so that I can get a jump on digesting it. Remember it's not your fault that your loved ones entertain with food or that they don't care about your diet. It is your fault if you cave in and do what they do in order to keep peace of to just make it easier on yourself.
Nothing in this world that is worth having will be easily attained.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mayo Clinic DEAD Wrong on Diabetic Recommendations
A very important article I ran across this weekend while reading on statins and there risks. Please read the following research followed by some perspective from a trust source.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the Mayo Clinic have developed a computer model that is intended to determine the best time to begin using statin therapy in diabetes patients to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
According to the lead author, "The research is significant because patients with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and statins are the single most commonly used treatment for patients at risk of heart disease and/or stroke."
The new model incorporates patient-specific data. An established risk model calculates each patient's probability of heart attack and stroke based on risk factors, such as their cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. This overall risk "score" is used to weigh the medical advantages of beginning statin therapy against the financial cost of the statins.
Sources:
Science Daily July 26, 2009
Medical Decision Making May 2009; 29 (3): 351-367
Dr. Mercola is one of the few doctors I trust and he is going to give his comments on this article, Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Statins, which are a class of drugs used to lower your cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, and I believe, one of the most unnecessary drugs there are.
This is one class of drugs that I am dedicated to sound the alarm about. We are actually in the process of seeking to replicate a campaign similar to what was done to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking, to inform the public about the dangers and combat the media fraud, deception and manipulation that causes people to believe otherwise.
They could have saved loads of time and money here by reading this website, because the answer to the question, “When should you begin taking a statin?” is “never.” No computer models required.
Why?
Because it’s safe to say that a drug intended to prevent heart disease which actually causes heart failure is not the right treatment for most people. Statin drugs offer a “cure” that is far worse than the disease.
Why It’s Highly Unlikely You’ll Ever Need a Statin Drug
At least 12 million Americans are already taking statins, and based on new expert recommendations another 23 million “should” be taking them.
Now, there are a small group of people with genetic enzyme defects that have cholesterols levels above 325-350 who seem to benefit from statins. However, in my clinical experience over more than two decades and tens of thousands of patients, there have been a grand total of three patients that required statins to control this relatively uncommon genetic problem.
What This Computer Model Will NOT Tell You
It’s the emergence of these kinds of dangerous diagnostic strategies that make it so important to remain educated on this issue and not simply go along with what the media and professionals claim.. Especially since statin drugs are linked to many, many dangerous side effects. And I can guarantee you this computer model will not evaluate your risk of being harmed by the drug, even though there are over 900 studies showing statin drugs to be dangerous.
For example, Bayer's statin, Baycol, was pulled from the market in 2001 after 31 people died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down resulting in kidney failure.
Other serious and potentially life threatening side effects include, but are not limited to:
Polyneuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by weakness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet, as well as difficulty walking
Heart failure
An increase in cancer risk
Immune system suppression
Potential increase in liver enzymes, so patients must be monitored for normal liver function
Another example is Zetia, a cholesterol-lowering drug prescribed to about 1 million people each week. It was not only found to have no medical benefits, but the trial also discovered that arterial plaque growth increased, growing nearly twice as fast in patients taking Vytorin, a drug that combines Zetia with Zocor (another statin drug).
Despite these disturbing facts, Zetia and Vytorin account for about 20 percent of the cholesterol drugs on the U.S. market.
What You Need to Know About Cholesterol in Order to Understand the Dangers of Statins
Statin drugs work by preventing the formation of cholesterol, and reduce LDL cholesterol, which is considered the "bad" cholesterol.
There is no argument that these drugs do work very well at lowering your cholesterol levels. However, was has not been proven is that they significantly lower your risk of dying from heart disease. In no way, shape or form, do they treat the cause of your problem. They are nothing more than a toxic band-aid.
So just what makes statins so dangerous, and why are they not the answer for managing your cholesterol levels?
First you need to understand the biological workings of cholesterol.
In fact, there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” cholesterol. Both HDL and LDL cholesterol perform vital functions in your body, which is why it’s actually dangerous to bring your LDL levels down too low.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) are actually proteins that transport the cholesterol to and from your tissues.
Cholesterol in turn is a precursor to steroid hormones. For example, you can’t make testosterone or estrogen, cortisol, DHEA or pregnenolone, or a multitude of other steroid hormones that are necessary for health, without cholesterol.
Even more importantly, your cells cannot regenerate their membranes without it. The reason you have LDL to begin with is to transport the cholesterol to the tissues in order to make new cells and repair damaged ones.
However, there are different sizes of LDL particles and it’s the LDL particle size that is relevant, and statins do not modulate the size of the particles. Unfortunately, most people don’t know about that part, and very rarely, if ever, get tested for particle size.
The particles are sticky, so very small LDL’s can easily get stuck in different areas, and the build-up eventually causes inflammation and damage.
The only way to make sure your LDL particles are large enough to not cause damage is through your diet. In fact, it’s one of the major functions of insulin.
Conveniently enough, a healthy diet is also the answer for type 2 diabetes, so by focusing on what you eat, you’re treating both your diabetes and your cholesterol levels, and reducing your associated risk of heart disease.
If you eat properly, which is really the only known good way to regulate LDL particle size, then it does the right thing; it takes the cholesterol to your tissues, the HDL takes it back to your liver, and no plaque is formed.
The second thing you need to know is that statins work by reducing the enzyme that causes your liver to make cholesterol when it is stimulated by high insulin levels.
Again, you can achieve the same, or better, result by simply reducing your insulin levels by eliminating sugar and most grains, which is also what you need to do to successfully address type 2 diabetes.
What Most Doctors Fail to Tell You When Prescribing Statins
Another important aspect that most doctors fail to tell you about is that statins are non-specific inhibitors of not just one, but a number of very important liver enzymes, one of of the most important being Coenzyme Q10.
CoQ10 is a vital enzyme that your body needs for energy and cardiovascular health.
It is widely recommended to repair heart damage, boost the function of the heart and acts as a protectant against heart attacks and valve damage. Additionally, CoQ10 has been shown to be beneficial in heart and lung cancer, as well as maintain cognitive function.
Thus, when you take statins your production of this enzyme is dramatically depleted and you do not reap the health benefits associated with it. Unfortunately, few patients are ever told about this fact and their health suffers accordingly.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the Mayo Clinic have developed a computer model that is intended to determine the best time to begin using statin therapy in diabetes patients to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
According to the lead author, "The research is significant because patients with diabetes are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and statins are the single most commonly used treatment for patients at risk of heart disease and/or stroke."
The new model incorporates patient-specific data. An established risk model calculates each patient's probability of heart attack and stroke based on risk factors, such as their cholesterol, blood pressure, etc. This overall risk "score" is used to weigh the medical advantages of beginning statin therapy against the financial cost of the statins.
Sources:
Science Daily July 26, 2009
Medical Decision Making May 2009; 29 (3): 351-367
Dr. Mercola is one of the few doctors I trust and he is going to give his comments on this article, Dr. Mercola's Comments:
Statins, which are a class of drugs used to lower your cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, and I believe, one of the most unnecessary drugs there are.
This is one class of drugs that I am dedicated to sound the alarm about. We are actually in the process of seeking to replicate a campaign similar to what was done to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking, to inform the public about the dangers and combat the media fraud, deception and manipulation that causes people to believe otherwise.
They could have saved loads of time and money here by reading this website, because the answer to the question, “When should you begin taking a statin?” is “never.” No computer models required.
Why?
Because it’s safe to say that a drug intended to prevent heart disease which actually causes heart failure is not the right treatment for most people. Statin drugs offer a “cure” that is far worse than the disease.
Why It’s Highly Unlikely You’ll Ever Need a Statin Drug
At least 12 million Americans are already taking statins, and based on new expert recommendations another 23 million “should” be taking them.
Now, there are a small group of people with genetic enzyme defects that have cholesterols levels above 325-350 who seem to benefit from statins. However, in my clinical experience over more than two decades and tens of thousands of patients, there have been a grand total of three patients that required statins to control this relatively uncommon genetic problem.
What This Computer Model Will NOT Tell You
It’s the emergence of these kinds of dangerous diagnostic strategies that make it so important to remain educated on this issue and not simply go along with what the media and professionals claim.. Especially since statin drugs are linked to many, many dangerous side effects. And I can guarantee you this computer model will not evaluate your risk of being harmed by the drug, even though there are over 900 studies showing statin drugs to be dangerous.
For example, Bayer's statin, Baycol, was pulled from the market in 2001 after 31 people died from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle tissue breaks down resulting in kidney failure.
Other serious and potentially life threatening side effects include, but are not limited to:
Polyneuropathy, also known as peripheral neuropathy, which is characterized by weakness, tingling and pain in the hands and feet, as well as difficulty walking
Heart failure
An increase in cancer risk
Immune system suppression
Potential increase in liver enzymes, so patients must be monitored for normal liver function
Another example is Zetia, a cholesterol-lowering drug prescribed to about 1 million people each week. It was not only found to have no medical benefits, but the trial also discovered that arterial plaque growth increased, growing nearly twice as fast in patients taking Vytorin, a drug that combines Zetia with Zocor (another statin drug).
Despite these disturbing facts, Zetia and Vytorin account for about 20 percent of the cholesterol drugs on the U.S. market.
What You Need to Know About Cholesterol in Order to Understand the Dangers of Statins
Statin drugs work by preventing the formation of cholesterol, and reduce LDL cholesterol, which is considered the "bad" cholesterol.
There is no argument that these drugs do work very well at lowering your cholesterol levels. However, was has not been proven is that they significantly lower your risk of dying from heart disease. In no way, shape or form, do they treat the cause of your problem. They are nothing more than a toxic band-aid.
So just what makes statins so dangerous, and why are they not the answer for managing your cholesterol levels?
First you need to understand the biological workings of cholesterol.
In fact, there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” cholesterol. Both HDL and LDL cholesterol perform vital functions in your body, which is why it’s actually dangerous to bring your LDL levels down too low.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein) are actually proteins that transport the cholesterol to and from your tissues.
Cholesterol in turn is a precursor to steroid hormones. For example, you can’t make testosterone or estrogen, cortisol, DHEA or pregnenolone, or a multitude of other steroid hormones that are necessary for health, without cholesterol.
Even more importantly, your cells cannot regenerate their membranes without it. The reason you have LDL to begin with is to transport the cholesterol to the tissues in order to make new cells and repair damaged ones.
However, there are different sizes of LDL particles and it’s the LDL particle size that is relevant, and statins do not modulate the size of the particles. Unfortunately, most people don’t know about that part, and very rarely, if ever, get tested for particle size.
The particles are sticky, so very small LDL’s can easily get stuck in different areas, and the build-up eventually causes inflammation and damage.
The only way to make sure your LDL particles are large enough to not cause damage is through your diet. In fact, it’s one of the major functions of insulin.
Conveniently enough, a healthy diet is also the answer for type 2 diabetes, so by focusing on what you eat, you’re treating both your diabetes and your cholesterol levels, and reducing your associated risk of heart disease.
If you eat properly, which is really the only known good way to regulate LDL particle size, then it does the right thing; it takes the cholesterol to your tissues, the HDL takes it back to your liver, and no plaque is formed.
The second thing you need to know is that statins work by reducing the enzyme that causes your liver to make cholesterol when it is stimulated by high insulin levels.
Again, you can achieve the same, or better, result by simply reducing your insulin levels by eliminating sugar and most grains, which is also what you need to do to successfully address type 2 diabetes.
What Most Doctors Fail to Tell You When Prescribing Statins
Another important aspect that most doctors fail to tell you about is that statins are non-specific inhibitors of not just one, but a number of very important liver enzymes, one of of the most important being Coenzyme Q10.
CoQ10 is a vital enzyme that your body needs for energy and cardiovascular health.
It is widely recommended to repair heart damage, boost the function of the heart and acts as a protectant against heart attacks and valve damage. Additionally, CoQ10 has been shown to be beneficial in heart and lung cancer, as well as maintain cognitive function.
Thus, when you take statins your production of this enzyme is dramatically depleted and you do not reap the health benefits associated with it. Unfortunately, few patients are ever told about this fact and their health suffers accordingly.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Pain Of Suffering
But He said to them, "why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?
Mark 4:40
As the disciples were in the boat with their God, their Sovereign Lord they were greatly afraid of the weather. They asked Jesus "Do you not care that while you sleep that we are perishing?" God was on their boat!
The days of trials and storms are ever present if you know God, but why? For the purpose of faith building, who can trust in God when they have everything? I know you are going through a storm right now, I know that I am going through a storm right now. It's hard and it hurts but we will win with Christ!
There is no truth out there more than God loves you and He has you and has always has had you. Nothing will ever separate us from our God if we truly trust in Him. I sometimes ask God are you asleep? Do you not care that my family is dyeing? Then I count my blessings and remember that He is on my boat! What does that mean? It means that we have been given the privilege to call upon Him and He will deliver us. But we must hurt and suffer for a season, Gods ways are not our own!
If you are at the end of your rope and looking for work, relationships, clients, groceries, or the salvation of a family member or friend. You cannot do it, the sooner that you take yourself out of the picture and pray to the God of all creation specifically you will have peace. Joy and thankfulness is what He promises us, it can be found if the darkest of trials so long as you seek and rest in Him.
Whole health starts with a right spirit and that right spirit is through Christ, if you would like to know more or you want prayer please let me know.
terrybarga@gmail.com
Please check out this link
http://blog.cck.org.uk/elijah-prayed-for-rain-
Mark 4:40
As the disciples were in the boat with their God, their Sovereign Lord they were greatly afraid of the weather. They asked Jesus "Do you not care that while you sleep that we are perishing?" God was on their boat!
The days of trials and storms are ever present if you know God, but why? For the purpose of faith building, who can trust in God when they have everything? I know you are going through a storm right now, I know that I am going through a storm right now. It's hard and it hurts but we will win with Christ!
There is no truth out there more than God loves you and He has you and has always has had you. Nothing will ever separate us from our God if we truly trust in Him. I sometimes ask God are you asleep? Do you not care that my family is dyeing? Then I count my blessings and remember that He is on my boat! What does that mean? It means that we have been given the privilege to call upon Him and He will deliver us. But we must hurt and suffer for a season, Gods ways are not our own!
If you are at the end of your rope and looking for work, relationships, clients, groceries, or the salvation of a family member or friend. You cannot do it, the sooner that you take yourself out of the picture and pray to the God of all creation specifically you will have peace. Joy and thankfulness is what He promises us, it can be found if the darkest of trials so long as you seek and rest in Him.
Whole health starts with a right spirit and that right spirit is through Christ, if you would like to know more or you want prayer please let me know.
terrybarga@gmail.com
Please check out this link
http://blog.cck.org.uk/elijah-prayed-for-rain-
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Super Foods!!
Plain or raw milk yogurt-
Is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium. It can also be enhanced with other good-for-you substances. "Yogurt is a vehicle food that can be full of probiotics for a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, and beneficial, heart-healthy plant stanols". "And lactose sensitive people may tolerate yogurt better than milk." Look for Stoney fields yogurt, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and add to the health benefits. Versatile yogurt can also be used in entree and bakery recipes, in dips for veggies, etc. Don't like yogurt?
Goats milk
Another super dairy food that carries great usable lactose and is easier to digest will help you get one of the recommended three servings of dairy each day. Raw Grass Fed Dairy foods contain practically every nutrient you need for total nutrition -- and in just the right balance, no other food group in the diet is as complete or as economical.
Free Range Eggs- make the list because they are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality perfect protein. "Studies show if you eat eggs at breakfast, you may eat fewer calories during the day and lose weight without significantly affecting cholesterol levels," says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-cooked as a portable snack.
Nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. The key to enjoying nuts, experts say, is portion control. Most nuts are healthful in small doses if they are without salt, and studies show they can help lower cholesterol levels and promote weight loss, I like pistachio nuts because they also contain plant sterols and it takes longer to crack the shell and eat them, making it easier to control the portion. Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees. They taste great alone, too.
Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants. One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it. The sweet taste and colorful appearance of kiwis makes it easy to slice in half, scoop out with a spoon and enjoy alone, or slice it into desserts, salads, or side dishes. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.
Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole grains you can eat. It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.
Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They're also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium.
Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Consuming Salmon from fresh water and not from a farm is the only way to eat this pink fish. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. You can simply grill or bake it, top it with salsas, or serve it on top of salad greens. If you don't like salmon, I recommend eating other kinds of fish, like canned tuna. And what about the mercury content? (Mercury is known to accumulate in fish.) This is why I must say again that get your fish from a fresh water source.
Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables because it tastes good and is rich in color and fiber. It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight. Some people think beta-carotene (vitamin A) is only found in orange and yellow vegetables, but broccoli is an excellent source. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into, egg dishes, soups, and salads.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. And before you add butter or sugar, taste the sweetness that develops when a sweet potato is cooked -- and think of all the calories you can save over that loaded baked potato. If we eat more foods like sweet potatoes that are rich sources of potassium, and fewer high-sodium foods, we can blunt the effect of sodium on blood pressure and reduce bone loss. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.
Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings and they are optimal for detoxing the body. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried. All can add flavor and nutrition to numerous dishes, from salads and cereals to baked goods and yogurt.
Coconut products are among my favorites and they nearly trump them all for the simple fact that you can live one a coconut in every stage of its' life. The is pretty super, in most cultures it is called the tree of life. Coconut oil is the only oil to cook with because it does not change or go rancid when heated. The taste coconut products is great as well it's cleaner not too sweet and really good for you!
Is higher in calcium than some other dairy products and contains a great package of other nutrients, including protein and potassium. It can also be enhanced with other good-for-you substances. "Yogurt is a vehicle food that can be full of probiotics for a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut, and beneficial, heart-healthy plant stanols". "And lactose sensitive people may tolerate yogurt better than milk." Look for Stoney fields yogurt, and add your own fruit to control sweetness and add to the health benefits. Versatile yogurt can also be used in entree and bakery recipes, in dips for veggies, etc. Don't like yogurt?
Goats milk
Another super dairy food that carries great usable lactose and is easier to digest will help you get one of the recommended three servings of dairy each day. Raw Grass Fed Dairy foods contain practically every nutrient you need for total nutrition -- and in just the right balance, no other food group in the diet is as complete or as economical.
Free Range Eggs- make the list because they are nutritious, versatile, economical, and a great way to fill up on quality perfect protein. "Studies show if you eat eggs at breakfast, you may eat fewer calories during the day and lose weight without significantly affecting cholesterol levels," says Elizabeth Ward, MS, RD, author of The Pocket Idiot's Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Eggs also contain 12 vitamins and minerals, including choline, which is good for brain development and memory. Enjoy them at any meal or hard-cooked as a portable snack.
Nuts have gotten a bad rap because of their high fat content. But their protein, heart-healthy fats, high fiber, and antioxidant content earn them a place on the top 10 list. The key to enjoying nuts, experts say, is portion control. Most nuts are healthful in small doses if they are without salt, and studies show they can help lower cholesterol levels and promote weight loss, I like pistachio nuts because they also contain plant sterols and it takes longer to crack the shell and eat them, making it easier to control the portion. Whether you prefer pistachios, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, or pecans, an ounce a day of nuts help fill you up. Nuts add texture and flavor to salads, side dishes, baked goods, cereals, and entrees. They taste great alone, too.
Kiwis are among the most nutritionally dense fruits, full of antioxidants. One large kiwi supplies your daily requirement for vitamin C. It is also a good source of potassium, fiber, and a decent source of vitamin A and vitamin E, which is one of the missing nutrients, and kiwi is one of the only fruits that provides it. The sweet taste and colorful appearance of kiwis makes it easy to slice in half, scoop out with a spoon and enjoy alone, or slice it into desserts, salads, or side dishes. Kiwifruit can also have a mild laxative effect due to their high fiber content.
Quinoa is now readily available in many supermarkets and is one of the best whole grains you can eat. It is an ancient grain, easy to make, interesting, high in protein (8 grams in 1 cup cooked), fiber (5 grams per cup) and a naturally good source of iron. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) also has plenty of zinc, vitamin E, and selenium to help control your weight and lower your risk for heart disease and diabetes. Quinoa is as easy to prepare as rice and can be eaten alone or mixed with vegetables, nuts, or lean protein for a whole-grain medley. Try to make at least half your daily grain servings whole grains. In addition to quinoa, try barley, oats, buckwheat, whole wheat, wild rice, and millet.
Beans, beans, good for your heart -- really! Beans are loaded with insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol, as well as soluble fiber, which fills you up and helps rid your body of waste. They're also a good source of protein, carbohydrates, magnesium, and potassium.
Salmon is a super food because of its omega-3 fatty acid content. Consuming Salmon from fresh water and not from a farm is the only way to eat this pink fish. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids help protect heart health. That's why the American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice weekly. Salmon has lots of protein, is a good source of iron, and is very low in saturated fat. You can simply grill or bake it, top it with salsas, or serve it on top of salad greens. If you don't like salmon, I recommend eating other kinds of fish, like canned tuna. And what about the mercury content? (Mercury is known to accumulate in fish.) This is why I must say again that get your fish from a fresh water source.
Broccoli is one of America's favorite vegetables because it tastes good and is rich in color and fiber. It's a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and bone-building vitamin K, and has plenty of fiber to fill you up and help control your weight. Some people think beta-carotene (vitamin A) is only found in orange and yellow vegetables, but broccoli is an excellent source. You can eat broccoli raw, lightly steamed, stir-fried, roasted, or grilled. Eat it as a side dish, or toss into, egg dishes, soups, and salads.
Sweet potatoes are a delicious member of the dark orange vegetable family, which lead the pack in vitamin A content. Substitute a baked sweet potato (also loaded with vitamin C, calcium, and potassium) for a baked white potato. And before you add butter or sugar, taste the sweetness that develops when a sweet potato is cooked -- and think of all the calories you can save over that loaded baked potato. If we eat more foods like sweet potatoes that are rich sources of potassium, and fewer high-sodium foods, we can blunt the effect of sodium on blood pressure and reduce bone loss. Other dark orange vegetable standouts include pumpkin, carrots, butternut squash, and orange bell peppers.
Berries pack an incredible amount of nutritional goodness into a small package. They're loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and high in water and fiber to help control blood sugar and keep you full longer. And their flavors satisfy sweets cravings and they are optimal for detoxing the body. Blueberries lead the pack because they are among the best source of antioxidants and are widely available. Cranberries are also widely available fresh, frozen, or dried. All can add flavor and nutrition to numerous dishes, from salads and cereals to baked goods and yogurt.
Coconut products are among my favorites and they nearly trump them all for the simple fact that you can live one a coconut in every stage of its' life. The is pretty super, in most cultures it is called the tree of life. Coconut oil is the only oil to cook with because it does not change or go rancid when heated. The taste coconut products is great as well it's cleaner not too sweet and really good for you!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Vitamin D Rich Recipes
Salmon Salad
Serves 1-2
Ingredients:
1 can water-packed salmon
1 Tablespoon omega-3 mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon flaxseed oil or garlic-chili flax
Chopped onions
Chopped peppers
Chopped celery
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and serve over lettuce or toasted sprouted bread.
Pineapple Creamy Treat
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1 cup organic ricotta cheese
1 Tablespooon unheated honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pineapple
Directions:
Mix ricotta, honey and vanilla extract. Top with pineapple.
By Jordan Rubin
Eggs Benedict
Serves 4
Ingredients:
8 slices turkey bacon (which is not a pork product)
2 sprouted grain English muffins
2 Tablespoons vinegar
4 eggs
Butter
Hollandaise Sauce
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons white vinegar
3 egg yolks, room temperature
8 Tablespoons butter, melted
Herbamare or salt and pepper
Directions:
Cook turkey bacon under the broiler until crisp. Keep warm. Prepare the hollandaise sauce. Pour lemon juice and white vinegar into a small glass or metal bowl. Add egg yolks and whisk until light and frothy. Place bowl over pan of simmering water and whisk until sauce thickens. Gradually add in melted butter while constantly whisking. Season and keep warm. Poach the eggs. Add vinegar to a large pan of boiling water. Lower heat so that water is simmering. Crack eggs and gently slide into water. Discard egg shells. Simmer for about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Toast the muffin halves, butter them and put onto plates. Place 2 slices turkey bacon and an egg on each muffin and top with sauce. Serve immediately.
Variation:
Spinach is another great variation instead of turkey bacon.
Serves 1-2
Ingredients:
1 can water-packed salmon
1 Tablespoon omega-3 mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon flaxseed oil or garlic-chili flax
Chopped onions
Chopped peppers
Chopped celery
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and serve over lettuce or toasted sprouted bread.
Pineapple Creamy Treat
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1 cup organic ricotta cheese
1 Tablespooon unheated honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pineapple
Directions:
Mix ricotta, honey and vanilla extract. Top with pineapple.
By Jordan Rubin
Eggs Benedict
Serves 4
Ingredients:
8 slices turkey bacon (which is not a pork product)
2 sprouted grain English muffins
2 Tablespoons vinegar
4 eggs
Butter
Hollandaise Sauce
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons white vinegar
3 egg yolks, room temperature
8 Tablespoons butter, melted
Herbamare or salt and pepper
Directions:
Cook turkey bacon under the broiler until crisp. Keep warm. Prepare the hollandaise sauce. Pour lemon juice and white vinegar into a small glass or metal bowl. Add egg yolks and whisk until light and frothy. Place bowl over pan of simmering water and whisk until sauce thickens. Gradually add in melted butter while constantly whisking. Season and keep warm. Poach the eggs. Add vinegar to a large pan of boiling water. Lower heat so that water is simmering. Crack eggs and gently slide into water. Discard egg shells. Simmer for about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Toast the muffin halves, butter them and put onto plates. Place 2 slices turkey bacon and an egg on each muffin and top with sauce. Serve immediately.
Variation:
Spinach is another great variation instead of turkey bacon.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Seeing Our Shame: The Fuel of True Love for God
(Author: Jon Bloom)
He had the Holy One of Israel in his house, reclining at his table. The Prophet that Moses had foretold was sharing dinner with him. The Lord of glory, the Resurrection and the Life, was speaking with him face to face. The great climactic moment of history he claimed to be living for had arrived. It should have been a deliriously wonderful, breathtaking honor for Simon to host the Messiah.
But Simon was not amazed. As he looked at Jesus, all he saw was a dusty Nazarene whose claims could be interpreted as delusional.
And Jesus' feet were still dirty. Offering foot washing to guests had been a deeply ingrained custom for Near Eastern peoples for thousands of years. To not offer it was to dishonor one's guest. It's not likely that Simon simply forgot.
But Jesus showed no sign of offense. And with the meal on the table, superficial pleasantries were exchanged. A few polite questions were asked.
Suddenly all eyes facing Jesus were filled with confused concern, focused toward his feet. Jesus looked back.
A woman was standing near him, clearly not part of the household. She was looking intensely at him, cradling a small jar in her hands. She began to sob and dropped to her knees. And as her tears flowed, she leaned over and let them drop on Jesus' soiled feet and wiped them off, along with the dirt, with her hair. Then she kissed Jesus' feet.
Gasps and mutterings were heard around the table. This woman had a reputation known to all the local guests. It was improper even to speak openly about what had given her this reputation. She was simply called a "sinner." Everyone knew what was packed into that word.
So everyone was mortified by this sinner's actions, except, apparently, Jesus. He did not seem shocked. And he did nothing to stop her. An alarmed servant moved toward the woman but Simon waved him off. This was a revealing moment.
As Simon watched the woman pour fragrant oil from her jar on Jesus' feet, he felt both contempt and pleasure. His appraisal of Jesus was being vindicated before his eyes. Nothing spoke more eloquently of the falseness of this so-called prophet than his stunning lack of discernment regarding this immoral woman. No holy man would have let her pollute him with her touch. He began to rehearse what he would report to the Council.
"Simon, I have something to say to you." Jesus' words snapped Simon's attention back. "Say it, Teacher," he replied.
"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."
Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
And then Jesus spoke to the woman: "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:40-49).
* * *
"He who is forgiven little, loves little." This small statement reveals a mammoth truth for us: we will love God to the degree that we recognize the magnitude of our sins and the immensity of God's grace to forgive them.
As a Pharisee, Simon likely had significant theological learning, memorized extensive portions of Scripture, exercised rigorous self-discipline, tithed meticulously, spent much time "serving" God, and enjoyed a reputation as a godly man. And yet he did not love God.
The woman, however, who had nothing to offer except shameful sin, was described by Jesus as a model for true worship. Why? Simply because she knew how desperately she needed the forgiveness Jesus offered in his gospel, and she believed that he could grant it.
That is what Jesus is looking for. That is the faith that saves.
True worship is a passionate love for God. And, for sinners like us, the fuel of that love is a profound realization, in the words of former slave trader-turned-pastor, John Newton, "that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour."
He had the Holy One of Israel in his house, reclining at his table. The Prophet that Moses had foretold was sharing dinner with him. The Lord of glory, the Resurrection and the Life, was speaking with him face to face. The great climactic moment of history he claimed to be living for had arrived. It should have been a deliriously wonderful, breathtaking honor for Simon to host the Messiah.
But Simon was not amazed. As he looked at Jesus, all he saw was a dusty Nazarene whose claims could be interpreted as delusional.
And Jesus' feet were still dirty. Offering foot washing to guests had been a deeply ingrained custom for Near Eastern peoples for thousands of years. To not offer it was to dishonor one's guest. It's not likely that Simon simply forgot.
But Jesus showed no sign of offense. And with the meal on the table, superficial pleasantries were exchanged. A few polite questions were asked.
Suddenly all eyes facing Jesus were filled with confused concern, focused toward his feet. Jesus looked back.
A woman was standing near him, clearly not part of the household. She was looking intensely at him, cradling a small jar in her hands. She began to sob and dropped to her knees. And as her tears flowed, she leaned over and let them drop on Jesus' soiled feet and wiped them off, along with the dirt, with her hair. Then she kissed Jesus' feet.
Gasps and mutterings were heard around the table. This woman had a reputation known to all the local guests. It was improper even to speak openly about what had given her this reputation. She was simply called a "sinner." Everyone knew what was packed into that word.
So everyone was mortified by this sinner's actions, except, apparently, Jesus. He did not seem shocked. And he did nothing to stop her. An alarmed servant moved toward the woman but Simon waved him off. This was a revealing moment.
As Simon watched the woman pour fragrant oil from her jar on Jesus' feet, he felt both contempt and pleasure. His appraisal of Jesus was being vindicated before his eyes. Nothing spoke more eloquently of the falseness of this so-called prophet than his stunning lack of discernment regarding this immoral woman. No holy man would have let her pollute him with her touch. He began to rehearse what he would report to the Council.
"Simon, I have something to say to you." Jesus' words snapped Simon's attention back. "Say it, Teacher," he replied.
"A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."
Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
And then Jesus spoke to the woman: "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:40-49).
* * *
"He who is forgiven little, loves little." This small statement reveals a mammoth truth for us: we will love God to the degree that we recognize the magnitude of our sins and the immensity of God's grace to forgive them.
As a Pharisee, Simon likely had significant theological learning, memorized extensive portions of Scripture, exercised rigorous self-discipline, tithed meticulously, spent much time "serving" God, and enjoyed a reputation as a godly man. And yet he did not love God.
The woman, however, who had nothing to offer except shameful sin, was described by Jesus as a model for true worship. Why? Simply because she knew how desperately she needed the forgiveness Jesus offered in his gospel, and she believed that he could grant it.
That is what Jesus is looking for. That is the faith that saves.
True worship is a passionate love for God. And, for sinners like us, the fuel of that love is a profound realization, in the words of former slave trader-turned-pastor, John Newton, "that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour."
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Jalapeño Rib Eye Steaks
INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup cilantro or parsley, chopped
1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeño peppers, chopped
4 rib eye steaks, about 1/2 lb. each
toothpicks
1 Tbs. Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare grill or broiler. Combine cilantro and jalapeños in a bowl. Cut a pocket in the side of each steak, without cutting all the way through. Stuff pockets with cilantro mixture and secure closed with toothpicks. Combine remaining ingredients and pepper to taste in a bowl and rub over outside of steaks. Grill or broil about 5 inches from heat source 4-5 minutes per side, or longer for more well done meat.
Remove toothpicks before serving.
1/4 cup cilantro or parsley, chopped
1/4 cup sliced pickled jalapeño peppers, chopped
4 rib eye steaks, about 1/2 lb. each
toothpicks
1 Tbs. Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
DIRECTIONS:
Prepare grill or broiler. Combine cilantro and jalapeños in a bowl. Cut a pocket in the side of each steak, without cutting all the way through. Stuff pockets with cilantro mixture and secure closed with toothpicks. Combine remaining ingredients and pepper to taste in a bowl and rub over outside of steaks. Grill or broil about 5 inches from heat source 4-5 minutes per side, or longer for more well done meat.
Remove toothpicks before serving.
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