Christmas Eve, so just a few words

Last Sunday I listened to a wonderful sermon delivered by Rev. Charles Stanley out of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. I usually try to use words in more of a tongue-in-cheek style but it is Christmas so allow me a few sentences of a more serious matter - the true meaning of Christmas in the life of a Christian.

Christianity gets so much negative press thanks to actions of narrow-minded fools who think their interpretation of the Bible is the way it should be. I was taught growing up that belief in God is not determined by the denomination of the church down the street. It is a willful act that comes about when the soul reaches out for something one feels is missing in their lives. It happened to me when I was young and I am glad for it every day, well, most days. Some days I completely lose focus on the direction I should be headed and veer off into places where I just create more obstacles that keep me from reaching my full potential. But that's okay, at least I'm not smoking crack or cheating people out of their mortgages when I stumble. I usually tip back a few too many Budweisers and cuss.

Everyone stumbles. It is nobody's right to judge me or anybody else when stumbles happen. I sin, you sin, we all sin. The beauty of Christianity is the unconditional love of God that allows us to be forgiven. We are to love all of humanity in the same way God loves us. That is the number one rule the Bible teaches. If we are to love one another unconditionally then why is there so much hate in the world? The true meaning of Christianity rarely gets any press. What would such a positive message do for the world? Promoting "love thy neighbor as thyself" might create less news. That would be network nightmare in today's society. Imagine an evening broadcast full of heartwarming stories about people doing good things for strangers all over the world. We are lucky if we even hear one. Instead we hear about Jerry Falwell and his horrible comments on why 9/11 happened or Pat Robertson getting more headlines for condemning an SNL skit. It's not our right to condemn anyone for anything; rather, it's our duty to try and promote peace and love toward one another. It's difficult, but it's better than hatred, envy, intolerance, and other ill feelings that keep people from getting along with one another.

Then there are all the religious groups that hold their support ransom during the political season. Listening to the news is so frustrating because again, most of the time these zealots do more harm for Christianity than good. Very few public figures of faith touch on the love the Bible promotes and when they do the message often comes across as judgmental or condemning. That is not how it should be. Lessons should be delivered but the delivery is what makes the words count.

Last Sunday Dr. Stanley stated that the Creator of the world came into the world He created and that is why Christmas should be celebrated. I have never heard a more profound statement in any sermon I have ever listened to before. God sent his Son into the world in order to add humanity to the Holy Trinity. How can one preach about a subject like temptation if one has never been tempted? Bringing Jesus into the world was necessary to add validity to lessons available in the Bible.

The Trinity is often the area that loses people. Christianity is completely based on faith. Having faith is hard; maintaining faith can be downright difficult. I chose to do the best I can to hold onto my faith. Sometimes I am asked to answer some very difficult questions when matters of religion come up. I don't have all the answers. I can't even get a job with any ivy-league degree how am I going to answer all the questions people have concerning religious matters? There is no way I can and that is okay with me because I don't need to be able to answer those questions for myself. I wish I could, but I am not there yet. Sometimes the only answer I can give is: I don't know but I have faith that such is true. All I hope to do is try and be a good example of a Christian. A lot of times I am most definitely not, but that's okay. I do have my moments though.

Interpretation has been dividing humanity since the beginning of time. This is why political parties came about in the early days of America. Our Constitution split politicians when there were the strict constructionists versus the broad constructionists trying to interpret laws meant to govern the country. The same happens with the Bible. For way too many years I used to quote the verse in Genesis that states that the Lord has given "all things, even the green herbs" right before I would light up. Maybe a bit of broad constructionism there but it worked for me, until I went to jail. Oh if we could all reach that middle ground.

All I really want to say is Merry Christmas, even to you heathens that will burn in hell...I kid I kid. You heathens have a Merry Christmas too! Also, we should love one another, even the annoying people. I have work to do because it is football Saturday and it is truly difficult for me to love Bob Costas when he moves his lips.

Peace, you all!

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Healthy

The Importance of Living a Healthy Lifestyle As a Family

The importance of living a healthy lifestyle for maintaining general good health and preventing chronic diseases has been well established. A healthy lifestyle is quite simple to achieve - one does not need to do anything "crazy" to adopt a healthy lifestyle. I will say that a certain amount of independent thinking is required to separate truth from fiction in most modern health advice currently being delivered.

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The most important thing you can do is eat well. Avoid toxins in your food as much as possible and consume plenty of fresh fruit, veggies and whole grains; exercise moderately a few times per week; avoid smoking, including secondhand smoke; and avoid gaining too much weight (which should come naturally if you eat right and exercise). While it is not always possible to eat all Organic food - the EWG recommends 12 fruits and vegetables that should be organic because of their higher levels of pesticide residue. Avoiding environmental toxins as much as you can is an important part of achieving a healthy lifestyle.

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Our modern lifestyle is very convenient - but it can also be extremely unhealthy. Most of us eat too many processed foods and too few fruit and veggies; we rarely exercise; and when we develop chronic conditions such as diabetes, we rely on conventional medications to make us feel better - but these medications often have devastating side effects. Instead of accepting the importance of living a healthy lifestyle for us and for future generations, we continue with our bad habits - then take potent, toxic medication to treat our inevitable symptoms.

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Of course, not all aspects of living a healthy lifestyle are in our control. We are going to be exposed to certain environmental toxins whether we like it or not. But many of these factors are absolutely in our control. Whenever we can, we should be responsible and make the right choices.

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This is why it is so important to be sure you eat well as the key factor in achieving a healthy LIFESTYLE.

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I say "lifestyle" because what I know is that "eating well" can sometimes be something a person does with resentment because they feel "sacrifice" is required to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

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I remember when people who ate poor foods used to joke with me and say I was not really living because I chose not to eat pizza and drink beer - and I always replied "how much LIVING can you do when your body is recovering from what you put in it?

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Shifting from an Unhealthy to a Healthy Lifestyle

The reason I discuss the healthy lifestyle tip of simply EATING WELL on my blog is because it has been so effective for my health.

It was not always like this though. I remember when I was addicted to a chocolate bar each day and I always had headaches or an infection or illness of some kind.

In addition to excessive sugar cravings (eating a chocolate bar each day) I also suffered from many unhealthy symptoms that were challenging to resolve through traditional medicine: Frequent headaches, Skin problems (ie. eczema, acne, hives, Bloating, Gas, Bad Breath, Weak or brittle hair and nails, Fatigue and lethargy, Excessive stress, Candida overgrowth, Yeast infections, Food or Environmental Allergies, Anxiety or depression, Diarrhea, Constipation, Memory loss, Mood swings, Frequent colds or infections, PMS or bad menstrual cramps, Bladder infection, Loss of sex drive...etc

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Ughhh! No fun at all!

Years later, I LOVE good food and I am rarely sick. Eating well is the perfect way to get in tune with your body and really get back to basics of what your body needs. It challenges you to give up the vices that you take for granted, break your addictive eating habits and start again from the beginning. Eating well is a healthy lifestyle choice that gives you clarity on what your body really needs, not craves and becomes the foundation for all other healthy lifestyle choices.

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An important thing to remember with eating well is to really examine your root philosophy for adapting more healthy foods into your lifestyle.

This is SO IMPORTANT!

If it's simply to loose a few pounds - I personally feel that this is not enough of a motivator and you will set yourself up for "failure" however, if you choose to eat well to enjoy a better quality of life, to do things you have not done in years and to not get sick anymore, then this is a wonderful motivator that will likely last!

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So, getting really practical, eating well obviously involves making a few changes to the foods you prepare and enjoy.

I always listen to my body when I eat. I do not calorie count, measure my fist, use ratio's or anything that causes me to separate myself form the food I eat.

The main reason I enjoy excellent health is because I am critical of what I eat - I choose to eat REAL food.

Because of this, I do not need expensive supplements or challenging programs to maintain my weight.

Delicious menus of real, whole foods allow me to enjoy the things so many diet plans warn against.

This sounds simple enough, but what I have learned is that many people simply do not know what a healthy lifestyle consists of, especially when it comes to food!

I try to keep things as simple as possible. I shop from the perimeter of the grocery store, eat mostly wild and free range chicken, very little meat and mostly raw organic fruits and vegetables, with beans and rice. It's not practical to list everything I eat here, but feel free to visit my blog and download your FREE Healthy Grocery List while you are here!

The Future Depends on our Health Living a healthy lifestyle, free as much as possible of toxins (in our environment and in our food) and of stress, is important to us - but it's also important for future generations. Scientists are also now discovering the impact nutrition has on our DNA! Healthy trees bear healthy fruit. A continued lifestyle of sickness will have a lasting effect on future generations and on our planet.

The results of years of living an unhealthy lifestyle are obvious. We are currently faced with a sharp increase in chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, with an obesity rate so high it's considered an epidemic, and with growing rates of infertility. The number of children diagnosed with autism, Asperger's syndrome or ADHD is alarmingly high.

We should also remember that our children carefully watch us and emulate us. If they see us act responsibly now, they will likely adopt a similar approach of taking care of themselves and of the planet when they become adults.

We must each ask ourselves if we are modeling the importance of a healthy lifestyle to our children. If we do not show them how to care for themselves, they will likely turn to the food corporations instead. How will they know the difference between real food, "food like" substances?

I keep about 6 - 8 fantastic cookbooks on hand. From these books, I create simple meal plans that I rotate each month based on about 15 simple meal ideas.

In addition to eating Delicious Food (that is real and healthy!) I suggest the following ways to help model a positive approach to food in our children:

Young children especially learn about the world through imitation. How do you feel each day as you prepare your family's meals? Are you hurried, frustrated, and disconnected? We can show our children that eating healthy is important by the way we approach our meal times. If we are happy and engaged in making a meal, and then take pleasure in eating together we affirm that food is more than something to fill the hole but is a necessary part of a happy and healthy family life. In short, your children will imitate what they see so make sure you are placing a positive value around the activities involving healthy living.

Involve your children in meal preparation, even once or twice a week. By discussing how good certain foods taste and by letting them help you cook you will show that it's important to take the time to prepare a healthy meal instead of throwing something in the microwave. You never know, you may inspire a future chef!

Make a plan to eat together as a family as often as possible. By each decision you make to eat together, you are casting a value judgment on the importance of healthy living and that it involves more than just eating a few more vegetables.

We can and should make an effort to change our habits and accept the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. If society won't make changes, then we as individuals need to make them. After all, if we leave our health to someone else guess what they have planned for you? Not much.

I have absolute confidence that you can make the switch to living a healthy lifestyle and eliminating the nuisance symptoms that result from a body that is overloaded with toxins from our North American lifestyle. I was able to do this by following simple strategies, cooking from informative books that helped me switch my lifestyle over and enjoying life!

In all this talk about living a healthy lifestyle - we cannot overlook simply choosing to ENJOY LIFE!

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How to Make Men Always Look Youthful

Like women, men are also often concerned about the aging process. However, more often men rarely make the effort to keep looking younger. Here's a trick that can be done so that the young man much longer.

Wanting to have a fair that always looks fresh, now he has to realize that taking care of themselves not only to delay aging, but also beneficial to health. And facial skin care products for men also have a lot so it is no longer a taboo if a man diligent in taking care of themselves.

Here are 10 ways he could do to stay young as long as quoted from AskMen, Friday (12/23/2011):

1. Have a weight-bearing exercise equipment 
When doing weight training, avoid doing it every day in a row. It aims to give time to improve and shape the muscles on the sidelines of weight training.
Regular exercise can improve the body's antioxidant defense system to fight free radicals due to aging.

2. Sunblock and sunglasses 
One way to slow the aging process or reducing the impact is to use sunblock and sunglasses every time you leave the house. Combination sunscreen and sunglasses will not magically get rid of all the wrinkles that have been owned. However, sunscreen and sunglasses can prevent skin damage that can occur due to sun exposure.

Use a sunblock back periodically throughout the day if you're spending a lot of time outdoors. People who have a pale skin color will require a sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. Meanwhile, people who have very dark skin can use a product with SPF 15 or SPF 20.

3. Adequate bed 
Sleep is when your body repairs, which means that it only takes a few nights of poor sleep to get dark circles, red eyes, and a shabby appearance. To get quality sleep, it is necessary that adequate bed. Most people need between 7-9 hours of sleep.

4. Provide a water bottle that can be reused 
Dehydration can cause dry skin and wrinkles. In fact, if you ever see the fine lines around the eyes that can appear and disappear. This is a sign that not getting enough H2O. Intake of drinking enough to keep the skin cells stay young.
Putuh consume as much as 8 glasses of water a day is required for optimal cell function. Active men should drink more than that amount. To ensure getting your body needs to drink intake, then it can be to buy a bottle of water that can be reused.

5. Antioxidant moisturizer 
The more we age, the skin will get dry. Antioxidant-rich moisturizer that not only moisturize the upper layers of the epidermis with a hydrating tonic but also will pump nutritious ingredients into the skin cells. So that antioxidants can help skin retain its elasticity.
Look for moisturizers with high doses, such as resveratrol, vitamin A, C, and E. Using an antioxidant moisturizer twice a day, once in the morning and again before bedtime can help the skin retain its elasticity.

6. Eye cream 
Eye cream designed to moisturize and provide nutrients to the sensitive and thin skin around the eyes. Wrinkles first appear, often on the skin around the eyes.
Product eye creams can to minimize the appearance of fine lines or cell turnover to slow the formation of wrinkles on the skin around the eyes. Use an eye cream twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed.

7. Razors and shaving cream high quality 
Beard or mustache that has been colored white or gray, can make a person look older. By shaving his beard and mustache are white and gray, can make a person look younger.

8. Scrub face 
A facial scrub products can be to remove dead skin cells and helps clean the pores. Eliminates dead skin cells and cleanse pores, can help the growth of new cell layers. This allows a layer of the epidermis will look brighter and younger.
Skin cell turnover cycle takes about 28 days. So do not do scrubing more than about twice a month. When choosing a facial scrub product, look for products with fine grains because it will be too soft and will not scratch the skin.

9. Multivitamins 
Vitamins are micronutrients that your body can not produce itself. So must be obtained from outside sources. Micronutrients work from the inside out by feeding the cells, so the skin can be healthy if consumed in adequate amounts.
In addition, some vitamins can prevent and repair cell damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals, thereby slowing aging. The best way to get vitamins, of course, is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables fresh.

10. Revitalizer hair or prevent hair loss products 
The hair is black, thick, and shiny can signify vitality. Products designed to combat thinning hair can stimulate the scalp to promote hair growth or to improve the quality of the hair, so hair can appear a lot more.
The frequency of baldness treatments will vary from product to product. Almost certainly will require more than one use. Use of products to prevent and treat baldness must regularly to maintain the results.

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Sleeping Positions Good for Digestion

Everyone is advised to not eat at least 2 hours before bedtime. But if a person had to eat in the period, then the sleeping position to know what is good for digestion.

Food consumed before bedtime should not eat heavy, but enough snacks or light meals only. This is because eating before bedtime can cause problems during sleep and make the people do not rest comfortably.

Even so some specific sleeping position can help prevent heartburn and other sleep disorders in people who are forced to eat close to bedtime, as quoted from the Mayo Clinic, Thursday (22/12/2011), namely:

1. Elevate the head position
Mayo Clinic recommends lifting your head slightly elevated about 6-9 inches (15-22 cm). This condition can be done by inserting an additional cushion to help support the head.

This position uses gravity to reduce pain and discomfort associated with heartburn (discomfort in the abdomen), and to prevent back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

2. Leaning left facing
Studies conducted by the Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia found sleeping on your side can prevent discomfort in the stomach at night. If you can not maintain the side sleeping position to the left all night, then try putting extra pillows in the back of the body to prevent the body back and forth.

Also for people with stomach disorders, sleep with the left facing position will make the connection between the stomach and esophagus does not open even though high levels of stomach acid. The results of this study was reported in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

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7 Foods that Make Longer Satiety

If you want to feel satiety longer (which must also be able to control your weight), remember the primary key when the meal: protein, good fats, and fiber. Seven of these foods can be tried.

Eggs 
A single egg contains only 70 calories, yet provides more than 6 grams of protein, according to Shelley McGuire, PhD, spokesman for the American Society for Nutrition. Women who ate eggs for the first foods tend to be full longer, probably because the protein is able to withstand hunger. Make an egg as one side dish for a friend to eat rice. Or, end your meal menu with fresh boiled egg. You will also feel more energized after eating eggs, you know.

Soup 
Foods that contain lots of water can also make a more lasting satiety. When you start the day by eating soup, you will also activate the brain signals that will provide information when you have enough to eat. So, before you are compelled to eat other foods, you feel satisfied with rice and soup that you enjoyed before. "Choose a bowl of soup made of broth, with fiber-rich vegetables such as celery and spinach," suggested Amy Jamieson-Petonic, RD.

Avocado 
Complete your meal with a moment of eating a bowl of avocado. These fruits contain monounsaturated fats which help slow the speed bump when emptied himself, said McGuire. Avocados are also rich in folate, potassium, and vitamin E. From many studies it appears that the foods that contain these three nutrients will be more filling than other foods.

Oatmeal 
Still living in boarding houses, and no time to prepare a meal menu? Try to open the fridge. Are there still supplies of oatmeal in there? Half a cup of oatmeal measuring 3 grams will be enough to help you survive. These foods also provide 4-7 grams of protein before you add milk to it. You certainly know how to make this menu more kick. Yes, Throw fruits such as banana slices, strawberries, whatever you want into it.

Apple
"An apple contains only 80 calories, but contain 4 grams of fiber and high water on the apple can make the same kenyangnya with a big meal," says Jamieson-Petonic. Thus, for a more lasting effect, sudahi menu your meal with an apple.

Lentils 
Soybeans, red beans, green beans, long beans, though you can be stir or soup is delicious and filling. "Nuts are rich in protein, about 7 grams per half cup. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, which take longer to be degraded, "said McGuire.

Bean 
There is still a lag time after dawn and before the Ruling? Kudap just a handful of your favorite nuts, like cashews, almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. "Peanut is the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat," explains Jamieson-Petonic. Limit consumption, and additional salt, to avoid excess calories.

Better not to choose these foods: 
Processed snacks, and given the added sugar, like cookies, crackers, and croissants, tend to make you hungry again sooner. Try to choose snacks that are made from whole grains, like popcorn with no added salt and butter. Avoid cereals that have been given additional sweetener, and a variety of frozen food with frills "diet". Foods like this are usually not substantial enough

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Protein Prevent Hunger During Diet Program

Hunger is often a threat successful weight loss program or maintain ideal body weight remained. To get around so the stomach does not continue to feel hungry due to restriction of calories, add more protein in your dish.

Previous studies have found that the protein could make sense of full longer than carbohydrates or fats.

New study by a team from the University of Sydney also support this theory. They found people who consume 10 percent protein was often hungry and ate 12 percent more calories throughout the day, primarily derived from snacks. Conversely, people who consume 15 percent more resistant protein hungry.

The researchers estimate the excess calories eaten one of a group of proteins can cause a little extra weight to one kilogram per month.

Proteins are the muscle builders and more number of calories needed to maintain muscle than fat to maintain. This means the muscles will increase your metabolism.

Another advantage of adding the portion of the source of protein in the diet is because the protein is rich in zinc and B vitamins that can strengthen the body's immune system to fight disease.

If you are in a day on average consume 1,800 calories and protein to get 15 percent of total calories, then you should consume about 68 grams of protein.

Proteins derived from whole grains, beans, cheese, soy, eggs, fish, and low-fat milk.

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Foods that Improve Body Tissues

Most people know that fish, meat, and poultry is a good source of protein. Protein is needed not only to build up in body tissues, but also to repair and network maintenance.

Unfortunately there are still a few people who know that kind of crop legumes, nuts, and seeds are also rich in protein and other essential nutrients. In fact, they also contain several bioactive substances that nourish.
Here are five foods that are served to improve the body's tissues and provide nutrients essential for health and maintenance of the body, including protein, B vitamins, iron zinc, and magnesium.

1. Fish 
Consumption of fish is recommended every day. This recommendation is based on positive nutritional value contained in fish. Proteins in fish are similar to those found in meat and poultry. Fat content of fish is very variable and generally lower than meat and poultry, including cholesterol content.
Some types of fish (like salmon, trout, and herring) are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) or so-called omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to provide health benefits, especially associated with heart health.

2. Chicken
Chicken meat or poultry is a source of protein-rich foods and iron are easily absorbed and utilized by the body. To reduce saturated fat intake, it is advisable to only eat meat, and discard the skin. Offal or organ meats, like liver and kidneys, the heart also, is not recommended to be consumed on a regular basis because it is relatively high cholesterol content.

3. Eggs
Eggs have a high nutritional value and is therefore recommended to be consumed by all healthy people. Eggs can be an important source of protein for children. Eggs are also relatively cheap compared with foods of animal origin.

Protein in eggs has very good quality, and number only slightly lower than the meat. Eggs are a source of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Egg yolks contain large amounts of cholesterol, but do not like dairy products and meat. So, for adults with high blood cholesterol, egg yolk consumption should be limited, for example, three eggs per week.

4. Legumes
Protein content of legumes (beans) are generally similar to the meat and poultry. However, they usually have fewer amino acids (protein building block). Legumes can also be regarded as a starchy food which is the best source of dietary fiber. In addition to protein and fiber, they also provide other nutrients such as iron and zinc. However, iron and zinc from plant sources is less bioavailable than those originating in animals.
Some specific types of legumes also contain various phytochemicals. Bioactive substances have potential health benefits for a variety of chronic diseases. Soybeans and other products, such as tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, and miso are some nuts the most widely consumed.

5. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds can be selected for inclusion in the diet. Many types of beans that can be consumed, such as almonds, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. There are also various kinds of seeds, like sunflower seeds, pumpkin, sesame, and flax. Nuts and seeds are a source of protein and nutrients. Nuts are also high in fiber and rich in various vitamins and minerals.

Nuts are good sources of monounsaturated fatty acids and also contains essential polyunsaturated fats, the body needs to perform a number of vital processes. However, nuts are also high in fat. Therefore, these foods should not be consumed too much.

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