This morning while in worship service at church I saw a young mother in front of me. I had watched this young lady grow from a child herself into a loving mother. She and her husband sat there with two small boys. I watched her as the youngest climbed around on her and the chairs. He was very quite while doing this. The only one that might have been inconvenienced or disturbed was his mom. She would look at him and give him a large smile. He would look back at her with adoring eyes and go on being a little boy climbing around.

One time she was standing to sing and he tugged at her leg. She turned around reached out her arms and smiled that big smile. It took him several minutes to respond and climb into her arms. I thought how special that she did not grow impatient with him and reach down and jerk him up by his little arms. Instead she waited for his young mind and body to respond. I have witnessed the opposite. I have seen moms turn around and jerk their child up so hard it looked like they might break a arm.

During the singing, this mom would look into her little boys face and sing about the love of God. Then she would end her song with that big smile. I thought how this little boy was learning about the love of God through his mom.

The little boy decided to play a little game. He was pretending to wipe his nose with a tissue and then would do the same to his mom. Not sure how sanitary this was but still just a child’s game. She allowed this quite little game to go on. Never once did she get impatient. Never once did she look at him with a frown. She always had a patient and loving face for her son. He always had the sweet and adoring look for her.

Where does patience come from? I do not think it is something we are born with or that just comes upon a person. I really believe patience is something that is learned and practiced. Every child deserves patient parents. Every child deserves love and affection. No child will ever say “you hug or kiss me to much mom”. Hugs and kisses make a child’s day and life happier. As they grow they need more patience and affection to help them face the tough times that come their way. If you see your child looking sad give them a smile and hug. Watch how their attitude changes. Their little face will brighten and all of a sudden their world is brighter.

Discipline and guidance is very important. Patience is just as important. Being patient does not mean you neglect discipline and guidance. It does mean you pick your battles and think before you react. It means you discipline out of love and not out of anger. Before losing your patience with your child ask yourself the following. 1. Is my child in danger? Of course if this is the case you must act quickly. However once the child is out of danger, with love explain why you reacted the way you did. Explain where the danger lies. 2. Is my child destroying property? We work hard for our “things”. We all hate to see something torn up. Remember a child sometimes does not realize he is doing damage. Every child should be taught to respect the property of others. Remember that house is their house and home as well as yours. Teach them to take care of it. 3. Is my child being disrespectful to me or someone else? A child should always be taught to respect God, adults, and laws. Once again remember children sometimes say and do things that they may not realize is disrespectful. Respect is one of the greatest lessons for a child. If a child knows respect, good behavior will usually fall into place. This is one lesson that is very important as they grow older. They must have and show respect to function well in their adult life. 4. Will my child’s action today make a difference tomorrow? Just because it puts a little more work on you or you do not like something yourself does not make it a bad thing for your child to do. Pick your battles. Somethings should just be overlooked. Don’t make a mountain out of an ant hill. 5. Ask yourself am I being fair to my child. You may have had a bad day at work. Guess what? Your child may have had a bad day at school. Another child may have picked on them. They may have been made fun of. After a bad day try to just stay calm and make it a cuddling evening. BTW sometimes children have a headache or another ache. They just do not realize exactly what is wrong and can’t express it.

Make your home a happy and safe place for your family. I know adults that do not want to visit their parents because of the memories in that home when they were a child. You will always want them to come home. They learn their patience and their parenting skills from you. Dad and Mom remember the happier you are, the happier your children will be. The better your attitude, the better your child’s attitude. The more patient you are the more patient your child will be. Remember the greatest blessing on this earth is a child and of course having a loving spouse to share them with.

The three “P’s” of patience: Pray for patience daily. Practice patience. Provide patience.

I have to admit I am not entirely sure what was taught from the preacher’s sermon today. I do know I was blessed and I was taught what love and patience looks like and is. Thank you Brooklyn.

BPA: plastics chemical bisphenol-A, BPA mimics estrogen in a female body, this is part of the reason it affects the unborn baby in such a large and negative way. Trash your plastic drinking cups, plastic water bottles, plastic coffee mugs. Never heat food in plastic containers. Use glass containers for storage when possible.

The dangers include:
1. Behavior problems
2. Weight abnormalities
3. Immune disorders
4. Hindered central nervous system development

BPA chemicals can be found in plastic baby bottles, plastic water bottles, plastic leftover containers and plastic lined cans. Over the past few years the problems stemming from BPA in plastic has been brought to light. However until this study I have never heard of the dangers to unborn babies and small children. When an expectant mom is drinking from chemical filled bottles her unborn baby is as well. “BPA alters chloride levels inside cells by shutting down a gene known as KCC2″. This causes brain development to be hindered. This can cause the infant and young child to have immune disorders and diabetes. The bigger dangers are mental issues such as behavior problems. Each year the cases of neurodevelopmental diseases grow. The scientist conducting this study feels it is in part from the BPA (chemicals) in plastics.

Type I diabetes, down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders have long been thought to be genetic conditions. In this study the Scientist at Duke feel that this thinking has been in error. They believe the increase of these conditions in infants and small children is from BPA (CHEMICALS).

If you are expecting a baby PLEASE stay away from plastic containers. If a container is BPA FREE it will proudly label as such. It is best to drink you water from a metal bottle or glass.

If possible breast feed. If not use a bottle that is BPA FREE. It may take some research to find BPA FREE bottleS and it may be more expensive. It is worth your time and money to protect your little blessing. If you have an infant or small child make sure their drinking cups are BPA FREE as well. Remember they are still developing and still depending on you to take care of them.

Expectant moms need water, milk, fresh vegetables, grains, protein, rest and love. They do not need BPA chemicals. Good Luck and enjoy the new little life you are growing and developing.

While we are on the subject of BPA, adults need to stay away from BPA plastics as well. These chemicals also cause cancer.

To learn more follow the link below.

http://www.naturalnews.com/039309_BPA_developing_babies_brains.html

Veronica’s Spicy Pork Tenderloin Stew
yields: 1 gallon

2 lbs pork tenderloin
6 med potatoes peeled and diced
2 med onions
1 lb carrots
2 cups cut off cob corn ( can use 2 cans of corn)
2 cans small lima beans
1 small can hot Rotel tomatoes
1 small can regular Rotel tomatoes
2 cups of Marsala cooking wine
1 pkg mild chili seasoning
1 tbs Weber Cajun seasoning
1 tbs Mrs Dash extra spicy seasoning
5 cups chicken broth
Water
Black pepper
Salt

Wash and place tenderloin into roasting pan. Pour wine over tenderloin cover in aluminum foil. Bake on 300 for 3 hours or until tender. Remove from oven allow to cool slightly. Cut tenderloin into chunks. Peel and chop potatoes, carrots and onions. Cut corn off cob. Add all vegetables and broth in a large stew pot. Add all spices. Add water as needed to make stew the texture you like. Cook on Med heat for 2 hours continue cooking for 1-2 hrs on low. Add additional spices to your taste.

Hope you enjoy your kitchen, cooking, your family and my new recipe. Most of all enjoy each day as if it was your last.

Garlic has many health advantages. Garlic is actually a natural antibiotic. Garlic and onion work together to kill the bad bacteria while increasing the friendly bacteria found in your body. If you are concerned about the odor that garlic may leave on your breath you can find a good garlic supplement at your local health food store.

If suffering from sinus and lung congestion try horseradish to open up your sinus passages. Horseradish also helps with circulation in the sinuses and lungs. Flu and colds can begin in the lungs and sinus passages. Circulation is important to keep everything moving and avoid congestion.

Look in your spice rack for a powerful anti-inflammatory. Ginger is not only tasty in foods it also helps ease inflammation. Ginger also helps with digestion. It is the ginger in ginger ale that helps you feel better during a stomach virus attack.

Everyone knows that hot peppers can unstop a stuffy nose. Often when eating hot peppers you may get a rush of heat through your body. Did you know that cayenne peppers help with circulation in your body? That heat is actually increasing circulation. When eaten with garlic, cayenne pepper can actually carry the antibiotic from garlic to the needed areas of your body.

In your spice rack you will find a cancer blocking ingredient. Turmeric not only blocks cancer it also clears out inflammation and infection.

It has long been said an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apple cider vinegar is full of health benefits. The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, had only two remedies honey and apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has many vitamins. It has pectin, beta-carotene, potassium and iron. It can reduce bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help with sore joints. It is also a natural aid to weight loss. A small amount daily goes along way in improving your health.

Remember when you or a family member is sick just look in your pantry and spice rack for help. Natural is always better.

Please follow link below for a recipe to good health. http://www.naturalnews.com/038879_inflammation_fever_remedies.html

I am going to go back to the beginning of my plan. Begin with the one dinner plate, decrease to salad plate and then to dessert plate. Meaning if it does not fit on the plate evenly (not piled up) it does not go into my mouth. When we dine out I will either have salad, soup or will split the one dinner with my husband. I am going to continue to cut down on sugar and carbohydrates. I will not take diet pills. I will not do the shake or liquid diet. I want to lose this weight and I want it to stay off. I realize practical, slow and steady is the best way to get the weight off and keep it off.

I have lost 2 of the 7 lbs that I gained. I will admit it is not going as well as I had hoped. I will get it off. It is just going to take a little more dedication on my part. I am now down 26 lbs.

I want to lose this weight for several reasons. I want to be healthier. I want to have more energy. I want to have a better appearance. I want to enjoy my grandchildren and not get so tired that I have to stop having fun. I want to live a long and happy life with my husband. I want to continue to witness and enjoy the wonderful men my sons have grown into. I want to climb to the top of the light house.

Thank you for your encouragement on my journey. Please continue to cheer me on. I do appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

The flu vaccine contains harmful chemicals. These chemicals weaken a persons immune system. The majority of people that get sick with the flu are elderly people. Elderly people tend to be weaker than younger people. The majority of elderly people get the flu vaccine. So is it the fact they are elderly and weak or elderly and get the vaccine that puts them in this bracket? Most elderly people do not take supplements and natural herbs and remedies. My mother-in-law is in assisted living. In assisted living facilities the medications and supplements are restricted to only what the doctors prescribe. Because of mental limitations this is not a bad practice at all. Assisted living facilities are a blessing to elderly people. I asked my mother-in-laws doctor to prescribe vitamin D. He said “at her age she did not need vitamin D”. Vitamin D is our number one defense against the flu. I personally take 10,000 IUs of vitamin D per day. This is the dosage my physician has suggested for me. During winter months everyone should have a minimum of 5,000 IUs per day.

The flu vaccine is full of chemicals which include aluminum and mercury. In recent years we have all heard of the dangers in mercury. The older thermometers were removed from the market. They were not harmful unless dropped and broken. However we are all encouraged to take an annual vaccine that contains mercury. This means we are having mercury injected into our bodies. Does that make sense? Recently when I went in to have my yearly breast exam and
thermogram I was instructed to limit and if possible to remove deodorant from the daily routine. Deodorant contains aluminum and is believed to increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. Elderly people who were exposed to high levels of aluminum are more likely to develop aluminum toxicity. So every year they are targeted in getting a vaccine that contains aluminum. Does that make sense?

Vitamin D is a natural non chemical prevention to the flu. It strengthens your immune system so your body can naturally defend itself against the flu. Our bodies were made by an awesome God. He made them to operate and function without all these added chemicals. Vitamin D which I feel is one of the most important vitamins comes naturally from the sun. God created the sun. Does that make sense? YES

Remember VITAMIN D, VITAMIN D, VITAMIN D. I hope you have a flu free winter.

Eating black eyed peas has been tradition for over 1500 years. This tradition was started to celebrate the Jewish Holiday known as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Black eyed peas was thought to bring good luck during the new year. Folklore says the tradition of eating black eyed peas begun after the civil war. Black eyed peas were and still are so inexpensive they were considered to be a poor mans food. It was thought eating them would bring humility and lack of vanity into ones life. An old saying that stemmed from eating black eyed peas was “Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year.” Also the loose peas seem to resemble coins. Once dried peas are placed in water they expand thus symbolizing expanding wealth.

Now if you want to gain green back in the new year you will need to eat greens. Turnip greens, collard greens or mustard greens you choose. Of course greens are thought to increase your wealth because of their green color matching the color of money.

Golden cornbread is added to the meal. According to most Southerners it just would not be right to eat greens with out a golden “pone” of cornbread. Because of the color of cornbread it represents gold that will come into your life during the new year.

The pork was actually added for the flavor and really no good luck theory. However some believe it offers positive motion in your life.

http://americanfood.about.com/od/resourcesadditionalinfo/a/New-Years-Day-Tradition-Black-Eyed-Peas.htm

A southern saying for this New Years Day meal is: “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.” Notice all of the foods and sayings are about money and being wealthy. It is not only money that makes us wealthy. How would it make us feel if we changed it a bit. Black eyed peas could represent the numerous friends in our lives. The greens could represent the wealth of having our families. The gold could represent past generations and their influence in our lives. Pork could represent the flavor of joy and fun in our lives. These are just a few thoughts from Veronica.

Have an awesome 2013. Enjoy my 3 ingredient recipe for BBQ Ribs.

Pork ribs
Coke
BBQ sauce

Wash and cut apart ribs. Place ribs in cooking pot. Pour coke over the ribs enough to cover them. Bring to boil quickly. Cover and reduce heat to low-med. Cook for about 2 hours or until fork tender. Drain liquid off and discard. Pour a small bottle of BBQ sauce over ribs continue cooking on low for 20-30 minutes. Turn heat up to Med High and allow some of the sauce to cook down. Very Tasty.

The flu vaccine is toxic to humans and ineffective in preventing the flu. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that there are substances such as aluminum, egg protein, antibiotics and even dead human tissue found in the flu vaccine. This is only a partial list of substances found in the vaccine. To me this is enough to scare me away from it. I have only had one flu vaccine in my life. That was the same year I not only developed the flu once, not twice but three times. Do you see what I am saying about it not being effective in prevention? There are also dangers and side effects from the flu vaccine. Every year there are cases of paralysis and brain damage linked to the vaccine. Many researchers believe that the flu vaccine causes long term health issues. If a person receives just five flu vaccines in their life time they are 10 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. This is a comparison to people that received zero flu vaccines.

When a person goes into get a flu vaccine they should take a dart and throw to see which strain of the flu they are going to be vaccinated against. Maybe they will get lucky and hit the vaccine of the same flu they may develop. You have 3 out of 300 chance of receiving the vaccine for the correct flu. Remember you also have to get the flu vaccine at the correct time. If you hit the right target and get the vaccine for the flu you develop, make sure you develop it 2-3 weeks after the vaccine and not over 3 months after you get the vaccine. Maybe you will get lucky and everything will fall into place. There are safer, more effective and healthier ways to prevent and treat the flu.

During the winter months we are exposed to less sunlight. This alone weakens our natural defense against the colds and flu’s that accompany the cold weather. There are cold and flu fighting foods and supplements to help strengthen your defense system.

1. Vitamin D is know as the sunshine vitamin. The most natural and highest level of vitamin D comes from the sun. Vitamin D is known for its bone health support. It also helps with prevention of disease and illness. It helps shorten flu and cold symptoms. Scientist have found that people with the highest level of vitamin D are less likely to develop cold symptoms. People who are prone to have respiratory infections have a low level of vitamin D. I am a strong believer in vitamin D. I have seen improved health in myself as well as other family members when taking vitamin D on a daily basis. Vitamin D is not easily found in foods. The food that supplies the highest level of vitamin D are mushrooms. When eaten raw you receive a higher dose. Even when cooked you still receive a healthy dose of vitamin D. A good quality supplement is priceless in vitamin D replacement. By good quality I am referring to capsule form or liquid form.

2. Almonds, cashews, sesame seed, mustard seed, celery, cocoa powder, pumpkin and sunflower seed provide us with a high dose of zinc. Zinc is great for boosting our immune systems. Zinc helps to aid in recovery from the flu. It also shortens the duration of flu and other illnesses.

3. Echinacea is a herb that is used to relieve pain and boost the immune system. Echinacea can reduce your chance of catching a cold by 50%. If you do catch a cold, taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold can reduce the duration down to a day and half instead of maybe a week.

Remember to take care of your body and immune system daily not just when you get sick. It is always best to prevent instead of treat.

I hope you have a flu and cold free 2013. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

All through the year I think about who I want to have in our home for dinner or lunch over the holidays. I watch for new recipes to try during the next holiday season. I think about what I can do that will be special for my friends, my loved ones and even strangers or acquaintances. Why do I plan and wait? Why do I want to save up all the kindness and hospitality for one to two months at the end of the year? Why do I not show people that they are welcome into my home and life all year? I do know I enjoy having people in my home when it is fully decorated for Christmas. It seems like when the house is decorated it just looks so festive, so happy and cheerful. Maybe that is partially the reason I get so excited about having people in during this time of year. Is that a real reason for not opening up my heart all year? I don’t think so. This next year I want to welcome each opportunity I have to share love with others. My family knows I love them all unconditionally. I want to show them with deeds all year not just with words. I want to show my extended family and friends how much they mean to me all year long. People receive tons of well wishes during the holiday season and maybe very few or even none the rest of the year. All of us need kindness, well wishes, hospitality and love all year long. We all need emotional support all year through. We all need to feel special all year.

There is absolutely nothing more important or special to me than seeing my precious husband, sweet sons and their families happy and smiling. This year was the first holiday season we all have been together in 6 years. Even though it was a couple weeks before December 25th it was Christmas just the same. The whole family arrived at my house last week. It was great to renew the tradition of all of us decorating the Christmas tree together. We shared laughter, meals, dreams, wishes, gifts, hugs and love all week. It was fun to have all the grandchildren together playing and laughing. What pleasure it was to have both girls in the kitchen with me preparing meals, talking and laughing. Of course the grandchildren were in on the kitchen act helping me make cookies and candy. On the day we set aside to be our Christmas day, we woke up early and gathered around the Christmas tree to open packages. All the little ones sat in a semi circle waiting to see what they would receive. They were so excited and happy. Each one of them without being coached gave hugs and said thank you making me very proud. We could ask for nothing more this holiday season than what we have already received.

What an awesome time it was in our home this holiday season. Shortly after opening our gifts, sharing laughter, thrills and watching the happy faces of our family, we heard the sad news of the senseless school shooting in Connecticut. Immediately our hearts saddened. I realized there were 26 families who would not have the same experience this holiday season that I had just been blessed with. They will experience emptiness, tears and sadness. My heart hurts for each and everyone of them. I will continue praying for strength for these families to get through this season and the upcoming years. I am so thankful for my family and all of the blessings in my life.

In the fast approaching New Year why not treat each day as Christmas? Make your New Years resolution: 1. Each day show kindness to someone. 2. Set aside time each week to do something helpful for someone. 3. Set aside each month a time to invite people into your home to share time and a meal. 4. Reach out to the lonely, hurting and sad all through the year. How would the world change if everyone made these their New Years resolution? It takes the country to change the country.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe happy 2013.

People do not realize how much salt their bodies actually need to survive. We are fooled into thinking the small amount of salt we add to our food is enough for our bodies to survive. It is enough only because of the amount of salt in our processed food. If our processed food had no salt, we could not survive on the small amount we add. Our bodies must have salt to retain the water and moisture in our bodies. Without salt all the water would go through our bodies at a rapid pace and be disposed of through the urine. Without salt our bodies would remain in a dehydrated and unhealthy state.

There are hundreds of uses for salt. Salt is used for preserving food. It adds trace minerals to our food. Soaking in salt water and using a salty bath scrub allows your body to absorb trace minerals. Gargle with warm salt water for instant relief of a sore throat. Salt gives flavor to the food we eat.

Salt options are pretty limited. Most all salt you purchase at the grocery store has been overly processed. Causing it to lose all the minerals. Iodized salt contains small amounts of trace minerals including iodine. Iodine is needed to maintain a healthy thyroid. Non-Iodized salt is basically used for flavor and for the bodies need for salt only and has no trace minerals. If a person has an allergy to fish they should use non-iodized. People with a fish allergy usually need to stay away from iodine. If you have this allergy consult with your physician about which salt to use.

There are other options at the health food store. The healthiest salt to consume is Himalayan salt. This is a pink salt that has been at the bottom of the Himalayan mountains for thousands of years. Himalayan salt contains over 80 trace minerals. This salt is great for promoting good oral hygiene. Some of the health benefits received from Himalayan salt are increased energy, improved concentration and it prevents bacteria build up in the lungs. This salt can be purchased online. or at a health food store. Also follow the links below to find out more information on the health benefits of Himalayan Salt.

References

http://www.nanewstural.com/038338_Himalayan_Salt_barter_items_survival.html

http://himalayansaltlamps.blog.com/himalayan-pink-salt-the-health-benefits-and-how-to-implement/