“God will allow suffering, pain and crisis in order to detach hope from other things and attach it to himself.”

http://www.twitter.com/My Twitter friend posted this awesome testimony. Follow @anidolheart on twitter!

Rebuild in Process 
Click link to read complete blog

This Sunday at Cross Point, Pete was talking about waiting on God. He talked about the story of Lazarus and how Lazarus’ sister, Martha had confronted Jesus when he finally arrived after Lazarus had been dead four days. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:21) Here we find Martha putting her hope in Jesus’ “activity” rather than in His “identity”. It would have been worth more to Martha for Jesus to show up and heal Lazarus when he was sick, but Jesus knew the real worth was in who he WAS, not what he DID.

In recounting this story, Pete made the following point:

“God will allow suffering, pain and crisis in order to detach hope from other things and attach it to himself.” In Martha’s case, Jesus wanted her hope detached from his action, and attached to his person; detached from from his activity, and attached to his identity. The vehicle he allowed to get her there was suffering and pain.

In my case, God wanted my hope detached from finding my identity in my career, and attached to the cross; detached from “doing” and attached to “being”. The vehicle he has allowed to get me there has been disappointment and crisis.

In the very next verse, Martha then confesses, “but I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (John 11:17-22)

She chose. She didn’t choose to ignore, exit and live in a place of pain, attached to a shattered dream. She chose to rebuild; to rebuild with a hope attached to who Jesus was, not what he did.

All of this reminds me that change is a choice.

There are many things in life that corrupt our “main identity.” It is so easy to find ourselves wandering, drifting, looking for another savior. Sure, you don’t set out to do it, but before you know it, you look up and have database issues that have corrupted your info, settings and preferences. You say you want God, but you really want what you think he can give you. Or maybe you don’t even want God at all, or at least not nearly as much as you want a family, a beach body or the corner office at work.


Once we become aware there is a problem, we are also presented with the opportunity to choose. We have a choice to rebuild. Ignoring, exiting and avoiding the situation is a quick fix, but it is no real solution. Rebuilding is a process, sometimes a long one. Rebuilding speaks to fixing holes in the foundation.

Pete also said this week, “is is possible that you will live out your deepest and truest purpose not by doing, but by waiting?” Wow. Your character is revealed in the choices you make in the waiting… in the middle… in the rebuilding. This goes hand in hand with what he said last week, “the value in your shattered dream is more about who you’re becoming than where you’re going.”

Rebuilding is not just a single choice, but a series of consistent choices which point to a desired result or destination. The fact is, whether you are aware of it or not, you are choosing SOMETHING right now. What are you choosing?

Want to change? Choose.

Later today when doubt grips your heart, choose again.

When you wake up tomorrow and feel alone, choose again.

Tomorrow afternoon, when you are tempted to despair, choose again.
You may be tempted to click “done” right now and move to a place of avoidance, but let me encourage you to fight. Choose to rebuild. Maybe your rebuild is taking longer than you thought it would, the status bar is creeping and you’re about to click “cancel.” Don’t. Rebuilding is a fight… every… single… day. It is the fight of your life, but it is worth it. You must choose.

Is your “Rebuild in progress…”? What are you choosing?

metabolism fact vs fiction

Here's an interesting article I read about our metabolism.  Alot of it, we may have heard at one time or another however it serves as a good reminder or check list for those of us wishing to improve the old metabolism!

Your metabolism
metabolism fact vs fiction

getting your metabolism to run at an optimal level doesn’t have to be as hard as it seems, however there are some things that you can’t always control that could have an adverse effect on this. first, let’s define metabolism to help you understand what is really is. it is a large network of hormones and enzymes that help convert food into fuel and that also determine how to efficiently utilize that fuel.

there is a direct correlation of just how effectively your body does this and how quickly you may gain weight or see the effects of weight loss.

factors that determine what speed your metabolism runs at are your:

1.age- each individuals metabolism on average tends to drop about 5% per decade after the age of 40.

2.sex- men generally burn more calories at rest than woman, and this is due directly to the amount of lean body mass that men have versus woman. that’s right, the more muscle that you have can be directly related to how high your metabolism is.

3.heredity- this is a big one, genetics that have been passed down generations can have a positive or negative effect on how efficient your body’s metabolism is. a slow thyroid gland is something that would slow your metabolism and be possibly linked to your genetics.

however it isn’t just muscle mass that makes your metabolism run at such a high rate, it can also be related to the extra weight that your body has as well. to put it simply, your body has to work a lot harder to move that extra weight that your body has. when you start that diet, have you ever noticed that you tend to lose the weight the easiest at the beginning? this is primarily due to the fact that your body’s metabolic rate is working at such a high level that when you initially cut calories, is when you will see the biggest weight loss. remember however, that on average, every pound of muscle that your body has burns around 35 calories a day, and in contrast, every pound of fat burns only 2 calories per day.

even though there are some things that you just can’t control in regards to the speed of your metabolism, there is a way to maximize what you have. the best way to increase your metabolism is through exercise--cardio will have more of a short-term effect while weight training (because of the muscle building component) will have more of a lasting effect on increasing your overall metabolism. again this is because muscle burns more overall calories than fat, even at night when our bodies are at rest.

so that means that no matter what, the more muscle that your body has, means that you can essentially eat more and gain less. this is especially important to know because of the many misconceptions out there (that all you have to do to lose weight is do cardio). that’s right, women! this statement is specifically aimed towards you! for some reason the thing i hear the most when i train female clients is that, “i don’t want to bulk up.” well unless you are shooting extra hormones into your body women do not have the necessary hormones to develop huge muscle, unless you are using some other kind of method to make your body achieve this.

things you need to watch out for on a daily basis that will keep your metabolic rate at its max are:

1.avoiding too much time in between your meals- if you wait to long to get that next meal there is a good chance that the speed of your metabolism will pay the consequences, because your body has to compensate for the lack of food. if you eat one or two huge meals a day then your body tends to go into starvation mode, making your body want to hold on to every calorie that it eventually encounters.

2.snacking can be key- studies have shown that snacking can not only help increase your metabolism, but it has also been shown to increase energy, and have a direct correlation with a lower percentage of body fat. snacking will help you curb those cravings to over eat by taking your body farther away from starvation mode.

3.choosing the right foods- there seems to be a lot of misguided information out there about certain foods being better for your metabolism than others. the only thing that i truly buy into is that if you eat a diet with more protein in it, that it can have a direct influence on your metabolic rate. studies have shown that digesting protein can require 25% more energy to digest than foods containing primarily carbohydrates. many people believe that if you eat spicy foods, or drink green tea that it will directly cause your metabolic rate to climb, and that it will directly cause you to lose weight. research that i have seen, has not been totally conclusive in this area, and i truly believe that this seems to be a very exploited area that many want to believe is true.

in conclusion, make sure you eat nutrient filled consistent meals, eat lots of protein, weight train, and drink lots of water. doing these things on a consistent basis will keep you on track to all of your health and weight-loss goals, as well as many other added benefits to following these tips.

Eating Foods in Proper Combination for the Best Digestion

Now that I'm climbing back in the wagon seat, I thought I would go back and do some basic training. Here's a good article on food combinations that work and don't work that I came across.

Eating Foods in Proper Combination for the Best Digestion


Posted by Vicki
Under Basic Nutritional Requirements, Digestive Health, Whole Food Nutrition
Did you know that you can promote or inhibit good digestion with certain combinations of foods? Were you aware that the way in which you ingest certain foods can actually waste nutrients and even affect your health in a negative way?

It is true, some commonly combined foods actually cause our bodies to absorb far less nutrients and work much harder than they were meant to in order to complete the digestive process.

And some foods we normally combine do actually promote healthy digestion and the most efficient use of nutrients. When healthy digestion occurs, nutrients are absorbed, energy and metabolism increases, as does cell repair, and muscle mass.

Different foods require different conditions in in digestive system. Although we are omnivores, in most of our history we did not eat the variety of foods available to us at any one time as we do today.

You may find it difficult to swallow that your favorite food combinations might be wreaking havoc in your digestive process, but it will at least help you to know in order to make better decisions from time to time. And certainly, if you do not experience issues with your digestion then moderation is probably good enough. However, many people, even that I know personally, have found combining foods in certain ways to alleviate problems in their digestion.
There has been some debate over this in the past, and so I’ve collected a few research papers (to start with, I have more which I plan on adding) which I’ve posted here.

Some Things Weren’t Meant to be Eaten in Combination

High protein foods, particularly meat, require an acidic environment in the stomach to properly break down the protein for absorption.
Conversely, starches require a slightly alkaline balance in the mouth and small intestine for the best energy production.

When your body attempts to create the proper conditions for digesting these two food groups simultaneously, can you guess what occurs? Right. A neutral pH environment. Neither food is optimally processed.

And at the same time, the body uses a huge amount of energy continuing to try and produce the environment needed for digesting these foods, using up all the enzymes, minerals, and nutrients in the process.

Is it no wonder that we feel tired and bloated after a heavy meal of protein and starches?

Meat alone would normally take about 3 hours to digest before it reaches the small intestine. But when combined with starches, the process of digesting the meat then increases to up to 9 hours.

And worse, the proteins that have begun to break down and decompose, with the starches which have now begun to ferment, cause chemical reactions which are more harmful than good for your system. The microorganisms that result then begin to feed on the nutrients that were meant for you.

This is why you may so often feel tired upon waking in the morning, after your body has worked all night trying to digest your food and you did not benefit from the nutrients it contained.

What Combines Well and What Doesn’t

Vegetables and low sugar fruits (less than 8% sugar) can be eaten with starches or proteins, and healthy fats and oils.

Vegetables are particularly good to eat with animal protein, which in itself should be eaten in limited quantity.

Lemon,lime and tomato (acid fruits) combine well with green and non-starch vegetables

Lettuce and celery (green vegetables) combine well with all fruits.

Fats and oils combine well with starches, and do not retard their digestion as do the proteins.

Nuts, oil-rich seeds, cheese, yogurt, and other fermented dairy foods combine well with acid fruits. However, any excess of fatty or oily foods is extremely hard on the liver.

Sweet and acid fruits do not combine well with one another.

Milk should be taken alone, and particularly not with meat. Milk will tend to curdle around other foods and inhibit digestion of those foods. However, fermented dairy products and cheese do not cause this problem.

Nuts can be combined with any food except for high sugar fruits.

High sugar fruits should be eaten on their own. These foods digest extremely rapidly, and so when combined with foods that digest more slowly, will sit and rot in your stomach while the other food is digesting (for example, up to 9 hours if combined with meat and starches!). Drinking fruit juice between meals compromises digestion unless two hours past a starch meal and four hours past a protein meal.

Try not to eat while stressed, because your body does not produce the hormones and enzymes it needs for digestion during stress. And do not drink icy liquids while eating. The temperature change also disrupts the digestive enzyme production.

These might seem a bit tough for one to consider adhering to all at once, but if you are aware and at least try limiting combinations that you now know have a disruptive affect on your digestion, you will be able to start making a few changes. Particularly if you are eating late, or under stress, or feeling run down, give your body a break by allowing it to process the nutrients it needs. You will feel better and be more inclined to be proactive about your choices in the future.

Here is a chart on Recommended Food Combinations that contains a graphical representation along wtih the bullet list above to help you out – print it and keep it handy in the kitchen!

To your health!

If You Enjoyed This, Please Share! These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

7 Reasons Why You Can't Lose Weight

Every now and then we need to read or hear something that kind of reminds us of what this whole journey is about.  This article written by one of my favorite workout etrainers Joe Gigantino is one that has done just that for me.  Sometimes i get really tired or frustrated of the everyday grind and the daily process of workout-rest, workout-rest and just want to stop!  I'm reminded here of some of things that can cause a roadblock in my journey for success. 
Enjoy the read!

7 Reasons Why You Can't Lose Weight
by Joe Gigantino Jr. visit Joe on theworkout.com

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to lose weight.
You want to be slimmer and to tone your body, but your weight won't budge.
Read the following 7 Weight Loss Blockers to discover what is standing in your way and how to quickly and easily begin your weight loss journey.

Blocker #1: Your Mind

Your mind is your number one ally when it comes to achieving your goals. However, until your mind has been programmed for success, it will do more to derail your efforts than to help you.

Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself at your ideal weight. Imagine how it feels to look the way you've always wanted.

Protect your mind from any negative self talk. If a negative thought comes to mind, immediately reject it.

You want to be thin and fit, and yet you think of yourself as out-of-shape and fat. Re-program your mind to think of yourself as fit and attractive, and you will be well on your way toward achieving your goal.

Give up the belief that you can't achieve the body you've always dreamed of. See it first in your mind, and then in the mirror.

Blocker #2: Your Fear

Change makes most of us nervous - even if it is a change in the right direction. You may not be consciously aware of the fear you have of getting into shape. Until you conquer this fear, your weight loss efforts will be blocked by self sabotage.

Professional speaker and author, Anthony Robbins, has outlined three specific beliefs that you must have in order to conquer your fear and instantly create a lasting change.

Believe that something MUST change. You can't be wishy-washy about it. You can't be considering it. You can't even be pretty sure about it. You've got to be rock solid.

Believe that YOU must change it. You can't pass the buck of responsibility and expect to lose weight. It's on your shoulders. Other people will prove to be great assets in your journey, but in the end you are the one who is going to make it happen. You have to want this weight loss enough to make it your personal mission.

Believe you CAN change it. You may have failed in the past, but that doesn't matter. When you put your mind to it, you're able to do amazing things. Do you believe that you are capable of losing weight? Once you own the belief that you can, you'll be unstoppable.

Blocker #3: Your Excuses

Your excuses for being out-of-shape are getting old. An excuse takes less immediate effort than an action, but in the long run the action taker always has the advantage. Don't allow excuses to ruin your life any longer.

Don't skip out on your responsibilities with excuses, instead expect more from yourself.

Focus on the big reason why you are losing the weight. Make a list of the benefits you'll enjoy once you achieve your goal, and read them first thing each morning.

Remember that you can only have two things in life: excuses or results. Which do you want?

Blocker #4: Your Commitment
How many times have you tried to lose weight, only to give up a week or two later? We live in a commitment-phobic world, so it's no wonder that you routinely abandon your goals. If you truly want to lose weight then your commitment to the process is a must.

The margin between success and failure is bridged by your commitment. Don't give up until your goal has been achieved.

Treat exercise with the same importance as a work meeting, and you'll never skip it at the last minute. Find three available 60-minute time slots in your schedule and mark them (in pen) on your calendar. Now stick to your schedule.

If you don't give up, then you'll never fail.

Blocker #5: Your Diet

If you consistently eat the wrong food, then you're weight loss efforts will all be in vain. To put it bluntly, you need to stop eating junk. Processed foods, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup do not belong in your diet if you want to be in great shape. Cut these items out of your diet and replace them with real whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and fruits.

Don't eat processed foods. Even though processed foods are accepted by our society, they contain tons of chemicals and empty calories that will make you sick and fat.

Fat contains twice the caloric density of protein and carbohydrates, so make sure to limit the amount that you consume. Eat lots of lean proteins and wholesome carbohydrates from plants and whole grains.

Vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds are filled with fiber and antioxidants which are vital for healthy weight loss. Snack on these instead of packaged treats.

Blocker #6: Your Patience

It takes time to transform your body from fat to fit, even though you want it to happen overnight. Remind yourself that it took time to put the weight on, so it will take time to take the weight off. When you find your patience wavering, or when you encounter a frustrating plateau, do the following:

Review your goal. Is it specific and measurable? Is it small and attainable, rather than monumental? Focus on your goal when the going gets tough.

Make each workout a new experience. Challenge your body with different resistance, new exercises and a varied pace.

Remember that anyone can have one great workout, but that won't get you the body you want. The only way to achieve your goal is by consistently exercising and eating right, plain and simple.

Blocker #7: Your Support
People who exercise alone are less challenged, less accountable and are more likely to fail. It makes sense. Who would rush to the gym if no one is was waiting for them? Who would push themselves if no one was paying attention? Exercising alone is a recipe for disaster.

Find a workout partner who is in better shape than you, or better yet, work with me, your local fitness expert, to guarantee your results.

I am passionate about seeing you achieve results - don't waste your time, energy and effort on mistakes.

When you start a program with me, you suddenly have the upper hand on weight loss. I'll be in your corner, coaching you each step of the way, keeping you accountable to workouts and giving you that dose of encouragement when you need it most.

Get serious about your results and begin the last weight loss program that you'll ever do.

Walk your way fit!

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=2249561078179056314

Walk your way fit!


Did you know tomorrow (April 7) is the American Heart Association’s (AHA) National Start! Walking Day–a day to take a stand against heart disease by getting up from your desk and moving! The fact is that people are working more hours and its creating a nation of inactive people. The risk of heart disease is doubled by inactivity.

Here’s the deal–bring your walking shoes to work tomorrow and walk at least 30 minutes. It’s a great way to raise awareness of the Start! movement and to give your coworkers a friendly push toward a healthier life. Walking is the best “no excuse” workout because it doesn’t take any special training–just do it! Besides decreasing the risk of heart disease, there are other great benefits to walking.

Helps manage your weight

Reduces risk of breast cancer & type 2 diabetes

Strengthens muscles, bones, and joints

Get better sleep

Improves overall mood and much more!
You already know the day can get busy so put it on the calendar. Don’t have time? Take back your lunch hour! Eat lunch a little earlier at your desk and use the rest of the time to walk it out! Sign up for a free, download-able National Start! Walking Day Tool Kit here for more information.

Why wait till tomorrow? I want to help get you started today! Leave a comment and you could WIN a Weight Watchers walking pedometer point counter with Advanced Motion Sensor a $45 value! Let’s GO!

Journey From Health to Wealth

Talk Show

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2010 Time 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Bethcar Fellowship Church (St Ann s Parish Center)

43 Jones Road Hamden, CT. 06514

The Total Woman Body & Soul Tour: A Journey from Health to Wealth

With a delicious, complimentary brunch

(This is absolute food for your soul: You decide the value by giving an freewill offering)

Bethcar Fellowship Women's Ministry presents another in-demand and inspirational talk show. This event is designed to address the health-conscious woman in all of us. Through a biblical view, we will redefine several key elements that shape a woman s life: her health, her hair, her relationships and her wealth, as we aim to free ourselves from unhealthy perspectives which have blocked our success and overall well-being!

Join our talk show host, Deidre Johnson, executive pastor and college lecturer, and join in these exciting interviews:

Defining your Health:

Guest panelists share their faith and weight loss success stories. Not only will you be inspired by their physical fitness, but you will be overjoyed by their spiritual transformation.

Defining your Hair:

A review clip of Chris Rock s video, Good Hair prepares us for a liberating discussion as we examine the black woman's struggle and identity crisis with her hair.

Defining your Relationships:

Pastor Maurice Johnson, senior pasto and founder of Bethcar Fellowship Church is seasoned in the word, and skilled in presentation; he will explore the keys that unlock the door to your relationships with men. Take a new look at your relationships through biblical lens---for practical application.

Health equals Wealth:

Reverand Dr. Donna Taylor, represents the epitome of womanhood, with her delightful demeanor and distinguished qualifications; join her on a refreshing search of the scriptures as she offers the finale giving us substantial understanding to our quest for overall well-being.

Girls are welcome; ages 8 and up.

Please wear comfortable clothing

RSVP Required by 4/15/10

to Debby Davis
at (203) 384-2065 or email deanni@sbcglobal.net
*A Freewill Offering Event