Author: dwilliams

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THOUGHTS ON THE MICROBIOME

Plant-based diet

For our purposes in this article, the MICROBIOME is the population of organisms living in our digestive tract.  It is composed of many species of bacteria, yeast, and maybe some protozoa.  These organisms generally match the population of organisms living in our soil.  Most often a child’s microbiome is well established by age 3.  The child’s first ingestion of organisms is during the birthing process.  This ingestion carries a lot of importance because children born via C-section are found to experience significantly increased gut-related health problems as compared to children born via normal vaginal delivery; especially if the mother’s microbiome is optimum.  Right along with gut flora (another name for microbiome) introduction, the child’s immune system gets an “education” and these two systems mature at about the same age of 3. Those children who had the opportunity to play outside and eat mud-pies have healthier immune systems.  After age 3, the microbiome is considered to be “set for life”.  It is estimated that any healthy person’s gut flora includes about 1,000 species of bacteria and yeast.  There is much overlap of species between people and much diversity as well.  However, there is what is called the   “core species”  of 57 varieties found in every healthy person. www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/microbiome/

Dietary changes normally induce rapid changes in the gut flora. However, antibiotic use, major stress, major illness, advancing age, trauma, and major surgeries will adversely affect a person’s microbiome.  Sometimes restoration of normal gut flora can be difficult; more on that problem later.

What is the practical significance on a person’s health consequent to changes in gut flora?  There is a cause/effect relationship between an unhealthy microbiome and health challenges such as the following: brain development and behavior, appetite and food cravings, hormonal balance, gene expression, neurotransmitter balance, systemic inflammation, anxiety, obesity, and autism.  Nearly any health challenge a person may suffer is associated with a poor microbiome.  Please refer to a very good and entertaining lecture at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mioR_WrkRaU&t=784s 

Keep reading for some very important and practical considerations which you need to know and implement right now.

A group of about 8 species of gut flora in a healthy gut both produce and eat butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid.  These organisms produce butyrate from dietary fiber.  They produce so much butyrate that 5% to 15% of a person’s total daily caloric intake could come from butyrate and other short-chain fatty acids produced by the gut flora.  The gut also depends on butyrate for regeneration.  The gut lining renews itself every few days.  So, HERE IS A PROBLEM: when the diet has insufficient fiber, these bacteria have insufficient food and decline resulting in insufficient butyrate to maintain a healthy gut.  The gut lining can degenerate and get leaky so that toxic material from the gut gets into our circulation and cause systemic inflammation and the excess toxic load overwhelms the immune capacity.  This may cause or at least contribute to autoimmune diseases.  The SOLUTION is to adhere to a diet with plenty of fiber.  NO dairy product has fiber.  NO flesh food has fiber.  Refined grains have minimal fiber.  Very few Americans consume adequate fibre for maintaining a healthy gut and dietary fibre supplements have failed to help, butyrate supplements have failed to help, and supplementation of “probiotics” has not helped.  The best diet is a plant-based diet; it is the diet for optimum health in every way including providing the best dietary fibre for the microbiome.

Have you heard of TRIMETHYL AMINES?  It has been discovered that trimethylamine oxide causes oxidative damage to the delicate lining of blood vessels along with inflammation of the tissues.  This substance is commonly elevated in those with plaque build up in the blood vessels.  It is impossible to not be developing plaque build up in blood vessels when Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) is present.  So, where does TMAO come from?  Certain bacteria in the gut convert a couple of amino acids commonly in food into trimethylamine (TMA).  TMA irritates/damages the gut lining and can cause a leaky gut.  Not only is the TMA readily absorbed, but the leaky gut lets a flood of toxins into our circulation.  This condition causes diseases just like insufficient butyrate causes disease as noted above.  What about those bacteria in the gut which produce TMA?  Where do they come from?  Well, diet rapidly changes the gut flora.  The bacteria which produce TMA become dominant when a person’s diet contains meats, fish, eggs, or dairy products.  Stop ingestion of these foods, eat plants and the TMA goes away and the butyrate comes back.

Wheat/gluten sensitivity has become very common.  Could this problem be related to changes in the gut flora?  There is an association, but is it the cause or one of the consequences or both?  Whatever, it is known that our gut flora accomplishes a significant part of food digestion.  A more recent discovery is a substance secreted by much normal gut flora needed for good immune function in the gut and maintaining good gut health.  This substance, named terrahydrite, was first discovered in the soil produced by the soil microbiome.  The next discovery was that when given by mouth to people with various gut problems, the problems went away.  For more studies, a group of people with wheat/gluten sensitivity problems were selected.  Endoscopies with biopsies of the gut were completed and the degree of damage if any was documented.  Then the subjects were fed wheat products and follow up endoscopies with biopsies completed again.  Thus, gut lining damage was verified by endoscopy with a biopsy.  Then the study was repeated except along with eating wheat products, terrahydrite was given before the meals.  The follow-up endoscopies with biopsy verified not only prevention of more damage but also significant healing.  Then this same study protocol was repeated with people confirmed to be suffering from celiac disease.  The result – terrahydrite was shown to be healing the damage from celiac disease!  This is the first documented reversal of celiac disease damage.

Glyphosate (RoundUp) is at toxic levels in most of the food grown in the USA.  It kills normal flora both in the soil and in the gut.  It is likely a causative factor in the marked increase in wheat sensitivity.  Following the same study protocol as was done for evaluation of wheat sensitivity and celiac disease, terrahydrite was found to not only protect the gut from Round-UP inflicted injury but to result in healing of the gut lining.

Terrahydrite has markedly improved the treatment of gut dysbiosis and associated health problems.  It has been found helpful for the re-establishment of a healthy microbiome.  It is marketed as ION-BIOME.  Just do a google search on ION BIOME.

CONCLUSION: eating plant-based, eating organic, and using ION BIOME can heal and prevent many gut flora related health problems.

Delford Roth D.O.

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PHYTOCHEMICALS ARE OUR PROTECTION FROM CHRONIC DISEASES

The dawning of the 21st century has brought along with it a new wave of chronic illnesses that were pretty much unheard of in the 19th century.  Medical professionals and scientists are having difficulties trying to come up with adequate and effective treatments that will help to fight these acute medical conditions. Could phytochemicals be the solution to bolstering our immune system to effectively ward off many life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, heart diseases and diabetes?

What are phytochemicals?

            Phytochemical are the biologically active non-nutritional plant compounds in vegetables, fruits, grains and other plant foods. (Hai Liu, R. 2003) They are known to decrease the risk of many persistent medical issues.  Over five thousand phytochemicals were identified however, a large percentage are still not known.  Researchers are convinced that the protection received from phytochemicals that are found in fruits and vegetables may be more significant than is currently accepted because oxidative stress is caused by free radicals that are the primary drivers of many critical illnesses. (Hai Liu, R. 2003)

Phytochemical Sources

Phytochemicals also called phytonutrients are available in legumes, beans, herbs, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, seeds and nuts.  They are categorized based on their chemical composition and useful properties.  Phytochemicals are often defined as (flavonoids, flavonols, flavonols, proanthocyanidins, and procyanidins.  (Webb, D. 2013)

According to ( Zhang, et. al. 2015) phytochemicals also exist in consumable macrofungi, microalgae, and herbal plants used in medicine.  Fruits like berries, grapes Chinese date, persimmon, plum, Chinese wampee and tropical fruits like guava, sweetsop, mango, naseberry, and pomegranate also certain wild fruits are loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals. Polyphenols and carotenoids are the two primary phytochemicals since they supply more of the antioxidants found in our foods. For example, anthocyanins and ellagitannins are the main antioxidant compounds among the phytochemicals of strawberries (Zhang, et al 2015).

Fruits with a higher concentration of phenolic content have better results against oxidative stress.  An example would be the effectiveness of the grape seed extract to scavenge against ABTS radical was positively connected with the number of phenolic compounds. (Zhang, et. al 2015)  Carotenoids give food their yellow, orange, and red colors.  Lycopene, lutein and cryptoxanthin are the main carotenoids in the diet and our bodies and fruits and vegetable are their main sources in our diet. (Zhang, et. al 2015)

Oxidative stress in the bodies of humans can cause an imbalance to develop which can lead to oxidative damage of the large biomolecules such as lipids, DNA, and protein. ( Zhang, et. al 2015)  This damage is accountable for the onset of many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancers, and aging.  Therefore, antioxidant phytochemicals could play a key factor in treating and preventing critical illness.  ( Zhang, et. al 2015)   Human and in vitro studies concluded that phytochemicals have antioxidant qualities. The antioxidant capacity of

serum/plasma is proven to increase when fruits and vegetables are consumed in large quantities daily. For example, the serum antioxidant capacity increased remarkably after a group of elderly women consumed red wine, strawberries, vitamin C and spinach. These results are reflective of the outcome from previous studies that uncovered that the antioxidant capacity of plasma was increased notably when ten servings of fruits and vegetables were consumed for fifteen days.

( Zhang, et. al 2015)

How  Phytochemicals Properties prevents Cardiovascular Disease

Research has reported a strong correlation between a phytochemical-rich diet and a lower incidence of heart disease.  Intake of dietary flavonoids was significantly inversely associated with death from coronary artery disease and inversely related, however, less significant with the incidence of myocardial infarction.   (Rui Hai Liu, 2003) A study done in Japan recently showed that the total intake of flavonoids; quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, luteolin and ficetin was inversely correlated with the plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations. (Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

According to Joshipura et al,  the total fruit and vegetable consumption were both individually associated with lowered risk for coronary artery disease; the inverse association between total consumption of fruit and vegetables and coronary artery disease was noticed when the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was greater than  4 servings per day. ((Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

Phytochemical’s role in Cancer  prevention

There has been proof that antioxidants can lessen the risk of cancer. This is confirmed by  Block et al (11)  based on an epidemiological evaluation of 200 studies that analyzed the connection linking fruits and vegetable consumption and cancers of the lung, colon breast, cervical cancer, oesophagal cancer, oral cavity cancer, stomach and bladder cancer, pancreas and ovary.  (Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

 One hundred and twenty-eight of the total number of one hundred and fifty- six nutritional research, found that eating more fruits and vegetables proved to offer more protection from chronic illnesses.   It was noted that there was a higher rate of cancer among those who ate less fruit and vegetables.  (Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

A higher level of protection was discovered in twenty-four of twenty-five cases of lung cancer. Fruit remarkably offered more protection in terms of cancers of the oesophagus, and larynx.  In 26 of 30 studies, fruits and vegetable intake provided more protection with regards to cancers of the pancreas and stomach and in 23 of 38 studies of colorectal and bladder cancers. (Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

A study in   Finland observed  9959 males and females between 15-99 years old showed an inverse relationship between flavonoid intake and the incidents of all cancer sites combined. After 24 years of follow up, it was noted that lung cancer risk reduced to 50% in the highest quartile of flavanol intake.  (Rui Hai Liu, 2003) Consuming quercetin in onions and apples was found to be inversely related to lung cancer risk in Hawaii.  The effect of onions was very strong against squamous cell carcinoma.  Boyle et at (14) observed that increased plasma levels of quercetin following a meal of onions were accompanied by increased resistance to strand breakage by lymphocyte DNA and decreased levels of oxidative metabolites in the urine. (Rui Hai Liu, 2003)

Type 2 Diabetes

Research has indicated that foods that are rich in phytochemicals could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.  It is estimated that this could be done by lowering inflammation,  boosting sensitivity to insulin and stopping increased weight which is a key factor in diabetes. (Webb, D. 2013)

So far, the effects of polyphenols on fasting blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity by labs and animal studies have been positive.  Including polyphenols in the diet will stop the digestion of carbohydrates and the absorbing of glucose in the intestine, trigger the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, regulate the release of glucose from the liver, initiate insulin receptors and the uptake of glucose in tissues sensitive to insulin and moderate intracellular signaling pathways and expression of a gene. Researchers have discovered that a lowered risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with eating more green leafy vegetables, which are rich in phytochemicals. (Webb, D. 2013)

Polyphenols present in tea and cocoa help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Studies from eight European countries confirmed this.  It showed that those who drank four or more cups of tea daily had a 16% lowered risk in comparison to those who didn’t drink tea. (Webb, D. 2013)

Neurodegeneration

Phytochemicals offer protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s which are neurodegenerative diseases. Studies also indicate that phytochemical-rich capsaicin found in red pepper and curcumin found in turmeric, epigallocatechin gallate in tea, and resveratrol in grapes, wine and peanuts could offer neuroprotective effects. . (Webb, D. 2013)

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ALL OUT WAR II – SPIRITUAL WARFARE

ALL-OUT WAR II

There is a war going on in the universe and it is a spiritual war.  God’s faithful soldiers who are enlisted in His army are under constant attack because the devil plans to stop the work of God in these last days. Satan has his evil angels strategically placed around the globe tormenting and harassing God’s people.  He knows that his time is short (Revelations 12:12) and he wants to destroy as many of God’s mighty warriors as possible. Hence, he ramps up the attack on our leaders and their families and almost everyone in his efforts to gain an advantage for people’s souls (1Peter 5:8), (Ephesians 6:12).

Those who are engaged at the forefront of the battlefield are being beaten down with spiritual shrapnel, bullet casings, bullets, and injuries. They are tired and weary from this incessant oppression. God is calling all His soldiers to enlist in His army and to help support our brave soldiers to engage in this warfare by providing back-up for those who are weakened by the crushing blows of this tyrant. Where are the men and women of God? Get out of your hiding place and get involved in this vicious war.  The devil wants you dead and lost.  Get up and fight for your souls because it is not about your life anymore. Read the word of God daily, pray and intercede for others until you move the hand of God.  Hold up the hands of your brothers and sisters around the world just like the prophets of old did (Exodus 17:11-12).

We can all take a lesson from the brave and tenacious people of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy and the soldiers displayed remarkable courage, steadfast faith, indomitable spirit, and resilience in the face of terror. Their unswerving commitment helped them outwit the enemy many times. They will not give in because of their commitment to their country and its people. Despite the loss of many lives, they have not given up because they see the end goal and will continue to fight until the end comes. They deserve to be applauded for their bravery in planning, strategizing, and calling on strong countries around the world for help and executing the battle plan. UKRAINE, I AM PRAYING FOR YOU!

Today’s Christians need to have a battle plan ready every day because yesterday’s plan is obsolete and will not help you in today and tomorrow’s battle. We cannot keep running away when we are faced with challenges. We must keep beating down Heaven’s doors until the answer comes. Form alliances by praying in groups, teams, families, and church communities.  Pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:16-28).  We have God as a mighty warrior (Psalm 24:8), (Jeremiah 20:11), (Exodus 15:3). Many of us are shirking our godly responsibilities to watch and pray to keep us from the devil’s temptations.  We cannot continue to dance with the devil and expect to receive miraculous answers to our prayers. Stop being powerless because you have all the tools to fight these tactical wars designed to steal your soul. Strap on your armor daily and pick up your weapon, the word of God, the sword of the Holy Spirit and fight because you have a mighty army fighting for you (Ephesians 6: 11-18). Show up and show God that you want to be delivered, heal, restored, and delivered by doing the preparatory work before the night comes and it’s too late (John 9:4). When we are faithful in doing the work, we were called to He will be faithful and grant you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

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MONEY, SAVE OR SPEND- YOUR CHOICE

Pot of money with a plant growing out of it

Money has long been recognized as the medium of exchange for goods, and services that are necessary for our survival. However, there are the haves and the have nots? What causes this great disparity between these two groups? It all starts with knowing the art of money, appreciating its value, and learning how to manage it. Money management starts with creating a simple budget where you write all your income and expenses for a fixed period such as weekly or monthly.  It is often said; it is not the amount of money you make but what you save. Some people live from paycheck to paycheck every week and despite the amount they earn they never seem to have money. This is tantamount to selfish and reckless living. God expects us to use wisdom in the handling of our finances so that we do not become a burden to anyone. Everyone can learn the art of managing their money and it starts with what is in your wallet now.

 However, those who have mastered the art of managing their money are experiencing great successes in their lives and, to them, money is a powerful tool. 

Money – Good or Evil

Money answereth everything. Ecclesiastes 10:19. It means that we need money for everything; food, housing, transportation, education, medical expenses, etc. Without money, these services would be off-limits to us. Money is not the root of all evil because it is important to the functioning of societies around the world. 

Those who understand how money works put their money to good use by investing, giving to charity and carving out a good life for themselves and their families.   However, money is deemed evil when we get to where we covet it and will do anything to get it which amounts to greed. Those who are struggling with managing their money can become ensnared by it and this can lead them to commit deadly crimes to satisfy their obsession. Some gain their riches illegally and have used them as weapons against the poor. Oftentimes they are engaged in human trafficking, money laundering, sex trade, especially against children, and other illicit activities.  These heinous crimes result in gross physical and psychological damage to their victims and also result in exorbitant costs to economies around the world that funnel billions of dollars each year into fighting these money crimes and bringing their perpetrators to justice.

Managing Money

Everyone can learn how to manage their money. It doesn’t matter how small or large your income is. The first step is learning to live within your means. This means if one earns a hundred dollars weekly, that is what one should expect to live on. Avoid spending it all at once. Instead, make a budget and determine an amount for savings weekly, however small, and stick to it. Money appreciates over time, and with compound interest on saving accounts, the amount saved will soon add up. One can save for short-term or long-term goals. For example, buying a piece of equipment, appliance, cars, houses or college education for your children.

The summary below is a prime example of good financial management.  

Dr Ben Carson’s mother only had a third-grade education and worked as domestic help. Yet she successfully raised two boys on a minimum wage; one of whom became one of the world’s prominent neurosurgeons. How did she get to become such a financial wizard?   

  • Her relationship with God. 
  • She didn’t sit back and fold her arms.  
  • She worked hard and returned a faithful tithe
  • She was thankful for what God had given her. 

 God multiplied it and all their needs were met. Ben shared a story in his book, “Gifted Hands” – of when he became a teenager and started noticing that his peers were all wearing the latest fashions. He demanded that his mother got them for him, too.  In her wisdom, she handed him her paycheck and asked him to pay the bills and then buy what he needed with the rest.  To his astonishment, her wages barely paid the bills. At that moment, he recognized her struggles and a deep love and appreciation filled his heart for the woman who loved him so much.  He also had a new admiration and respect for her and from that day forward, he labelled her a financial genius. 

Sonya Carson had learned the art of living within her means; hence, it was easy for her to prioritize when it came to her family. This is a lesson that some of us need to learn and practice daily. It requires the discipline of budgeting and committing to it.  If something is not in the budget, you simply cannot have it. You must be willing to sacrifice the fleeting pleasure now for the substantial things later on in life. Set financial goals and stick to them.  Life’s emergencies will occur therefore it is necessary to put aside set amount of money to cover periods of unemployment, sickness or even death.  

Managing debts

We are to owe no man nothing but to love them, Romans 13:8. Unfortunately, many of us are saddled with unnecessary debts because we fall victim to the “eye see, I get mentality”.  We covet others for their discipline with money,  while we are bent on living the high-maintenance life. That’s the sacrifice you have made for yourself and you must be willing to accept the consequences of your actions, which is just several depreciated items, whether, high-end fashion, cars, gadgets, or entertainment at the end of the day. When the debt collector knocks, we become stressed and depressed, which can lead to other chronic illnesses later in life.  The antidote to this is to develop a healthy mindset about money and you will have money. Think about money as a friend or foe. When you learn to appreciate money, it becomes your friend because you will spend it wisely.

On the flip side, money becomes an enemy when we spend it foolishly.  

For those of us who have fallen through the net and are way over our heads in debt, there is hope for you.  You can begin to tackle your debt on your own or with the help of financial advisors.  First, you need to know the total amount of debt owed and to whom you owe them. Secondly, contact your creditors and work out a payment arrangement. Determine how long it will take you to pay off your debt and make a commitment to pay them off and stay out of debt. Sometimes this might mean taking on another job or a side hustle that will bring in the extra money you need to put yourself in a favourable financial position.

How  you spend your money matters

Everything we own comes from God, the greater giver: our money, time and talents. He expects us to use them for the greater good of humanity. Are your investing your money time and talents wisely or do you squander it on this world’s goods? I am sure that many of us have blown an entire paycheck on a shopping spree and then regret it later. I too have done some spontaneous spending, and I suffered from making those rash decisions. Think carefully before you open your wallet.

What a wise friend taught me about money?

I remember when I left college I got my first job early. I ended up at the same company where a friend of mine in management worked.  My hiring was not influenced in any way by him because he didn’t know I had applied for a job there. I rented a furnished apartment that was very pricey and I paid about 65% of my salary at the time on rent.  I was always in a bind each month.  One month I asked my friend for a loan.  He started by asking me a series of questions. How long have you been working with the company? What are your expenses? How much have you saved? My response to the latter was nothing.  He said I should have been saving at least 10% of my income every month. He politely said goodbye and hung up.  I was left fuming! I couldn’t understand what he was trying to tell me although I had graduated with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting.  It bothered me he didn’t help and for a while; I was mad at him.  After a while, I gave our conversation some thought, and I finally understood the principle behind his decision.  He would not enable me to continue to squander my hard-earned money because he wanted me to become financially independent. A friend will always tell you the truth.  I not only learned a valuable lesson, but I put it into action and when I was ready to purchase the first car I had saved up 50% and only needed financing for the rest. I have made many mistakes, but; I am now at a place where I strive to live within my means because I feel that when I manage my money; I am honoring my creator, God!

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BLESSINGS OF ABUNDANCE – JOY AND PEACE

Many of us have seen tough times throughout the last couple of years, decades, or our lifetime. We lost everything we had unjustly. We have seen our food supply diminished, experienced failing health, betrayal by friends and family members, isolation from those we love and stagnation. Hence, we have been experiencing severe drought in many areas of our lives. In desperation, our pleas ascend to God with urgency. God heard your prayers for help because His ears are always attentive to the cry of the poor and innocent.

God is preparing to increase the rains of blessings in your lives. You will receive blessings now, missed blessings from the past, and blessings for the future. Get ready for our overflow as you enter a new month. Your life will be complete in Him. Start preparing for the rain of abundance in your life.  HAPPY 2022!

JOEL 2: 19-27

Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.

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RISE UP AND WALK

Acts 3: 2-6

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have to give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

Life has a way of knocking the wind out of your sails. Sometimes it’s for a brief period however, at other times it can be long term.  These hardships are so severe that it is crippling and leave one with no will or the desire to fight one’s way out. Hence, we wallow in self-pity expecting everyone to give us a handout instead of a hand up which is what most of us need.  We become even further discouraged and sometimes bitter when others are not willing to do for us what we can do for ourselves.

The man at the Gate Beautiful was comfortable with his condition. Although it had reduced him to being a beggar, he was contented because it had brought him pity and along with it some money. When he met Peter and John, he set his eyes upon them; those pitiful eyes no doubt looking for money. They invited him to look at them. I bet this must have confused him because no one else had requested this of him before. As if reading his mind, they told him they had no money but that the name of Jesus was powerful. Peter commanded him in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to rise and walk. He gave him a hand up and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. It changed his mindset from begging to freedom and equal rights as a child of God. He was now rejoicing and praising God.

Yes, we have that equal rights too. God is waiting for you to get into your closet and pray and ask others to pray and believe with you because He wants to give you a hand up. Rise and walk into your calling, in the Name of Jesus! I challenge you to get up out of whatever situation you are in and position yourself to receive the blessings from Jehovah Jireh, today!

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE

In recent times the news has been a buzz about self-care because people are realizing how important self-care is to their well-being. Self-care means you’re present and doing the little things that nurture, nourish, and makes you feel great about yourself. It could be as simple as carving out the time to take a shower, groom your hair, brush your teeth, and eat a healthy meal or include at least one healthy food in your diet at each meal. Self-care is about managing yourself and your emotions. 

Self-care is so important because it is the first step in defeating depression. When we take the time to care for ourselves, we are loving ourselves and when we love ourselves it is harder for us to become depressed. Self-love is also the pathway to accepting God’s love and love from our families, friends, and fellowmen. Self-care contributes to a healthy boost in self-confidence which empowers us to create the future we want and the discipline to set goals and stick to them. It also helps us to make the right choices and tough it out when life gets challenging instead of folding under or running away. It inspires us to expect more from ourselves and others, creating our opportunities by looking for the open doors and walking through them right away. However, sometimes it is necessary to pry the door open so that we can get noticed or promoted to better jobs we are qualified for. 

Self-care helps us feel better about ourselves hence we show up looking and feeling good and this brings an abundance of light into our soul which chases the darkness away. Did you know one sign of depression is a lack of self-care? When we do not love ourselves, we show up looking anyhow and it is extremely difficult to care for ourselves. Many of us secretly suffer from depression because we have lost the will to be kind to ourselves. Self-care is simple all it takes is a willingness to do a bit of the hard things every day. Some are clinically depressed and will need help through therapeutic interventions or even medication. However, it takes effort to get to where you want to go and you must turn up to counselling, take part in therapy and take the medication if necessary. 

According to Psychology Today (2021), self-care is doing the things that you would rather put off because they make you uncomfortable. It’s about accepting personal failures, and relationships that let you down and becoming determined to find new strategies. It’s about forgiving those who wronged us, letting go of that which you cannot control or change with acceptance. It’s also about being willing to disappoint some people by ending toxic relationships. Self-care can also be about putting your life on hold to care for someone in need and at other times just putting yourself above those who are very demanding of your time. Ultimately, it is about living the life you choose on your terms instead of sleepwalking through it.

Self-care is taking it easy on yourself instead of always pushing yourself to be perfect. It’s about letting your house remain messy when you are tired of cleaning or don’t have the time. It is about knowing yourself and understanding what drives you to decide what changes are important for your life. Self-care is not about believing that you must be constantly busy to feel important as this will lead to burn-out and lead to self-sabotage. It is about taking the time to care for you when there is brokenness in your life that needs fixing. When you care for yourself, you realize that loving yourself and being compassionate might help you solve most of your problems Psychology Today, (2021).

When you care for yourself, you are the winner instead of the loser. You create a life you truly enjoy instead of the one that you hate. It is not creating a fake life but one that aligns with who you are. Sometimes it will mean giving up some of your goals to live a more balanced life. It’s choosing to decide from a place of calm and peace that will be long-lasting. It is looking to yourself to meet your own needs instead of others Psychology Today, (2021).

Self-care is living an authentic and meaningful life. It’s having an awareness of the benefits of a nice massage or green juice to enhance life but not as escapism. 

Reference

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-emotional-meter/202104/what-it-really-means-take-care-yourself

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Guarding your mind protects you from depression

According to Napoleon Hill, “you’re the total of your most dominating or prominent thoughts. If 90% of your thoughts are negative, you will be negative most of the time. Our thoughts can make us or break us. They can also help us stay committed to our goals, and relationships or sabotage them. Our thoughts can make us sick, and they can help us get well. They can make us rich or poor. Although material wealth can come about, I am referring to that richness of spirit that gives you a sense of calmness, peace, and trust that makes you feel rich though poor.

Our mental health is under constant attack, especially since the onset of Covid and all its derivatives. People are still walking as though they are on tenterhooks, waiting for the next disaster to strike or fearing the inevitable. This was a very traumatic experience for most of us, and many are still reeling from its effects especially those who fell ill from the virus and the long recovery path. Several are still carrying holes in their hearts from the loss of a loved one while some are still struggling with survivor’s guilt. People were already feeling the pressure and on top of everything, prices have skyrocketed on almost all consumer goods and services, leaving them to bear the heavy burden. Also, many are unemployed, which has resulted in the loss of income and adds to the stress of daily living. It takes a toll on individuals and families everywhere as they struggle to stay alive. The world has drastically changed in the last few years, and we are all feeling the pinch. With everything that is going on, it is hard to stay positive when everything appears to be gloomy right now.

Satan is incessantly trying to destroy our minds by relentlessly bombarding us with useless side chatter. We must learn how to tune them out by focusing on the main talk, which is the voice of the Holy Spirit. How many times have you found yourself in a church, at a meeting or at a lecture where you are trying to focus on the speaker, but there is so much side talk it is almost impossible to hear the message? Have you ever thought that there is something you could do about it, or do you just give up? This goes on in our minds daily. The simple answer is to focus your attention on the voice of the key speaker and make it your priority. This can be difficult initially, but over time it gets easier as the mind become trained to tune out the unpleasant things and focus its attention on positive things. The devil wants our minds, and he is constantly waging battles against our mental health. Let us strive to put God at the forefront always and His Holy Spirit will help us guard our thoughts by filtering the lies that the devils tell us about God, others, and ourselves.

HOW DO WE GUARD OUR MINDS?

  • Planning our day wisely by starting with the word of God and meaningful prayers (Psalm 5:1-4).
  • Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to keep our eyes, ears and hearts open to discern, hear, and understand the word (Psalm 119:18).
  • Apply the word of God to our lives daily relying on the Holy Spirit to guide us in interpreting scriptures (Psalm 143: 8-12)
  • Resist the desire to think or speak negative thoughts
  • Keep a joyful song of praise in your heart and a smile on your face even when you don’t feel like it.
  • Love and forgive everyone because it is the right thing to do.
  • Let the mind of Christ dwell in you. Philippians 2:5
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WHY AM I HERE? To fulfil my purpose

Born with a purpose

Some time ago I wrote a post titled, Who am I? Hopefully, most of us have already answered that question and are at least contemplating the next steps. I thought I would help you along the way by asking the next question, which is the second on my list from three years ago. Why am I here?

We are living in a very interesting time in earth’s history. One in which life appears to be moving at lightning speed with the help of technology. Coupled with this are the endless possibilities at one’s fingertip for living your life to the fullest. You are here because you are very special. You are here because you were born with a purpose. One that is so great that it will take a lifetime to accomplish. Let’s think about the circumstances of your being here, at this moment, in this world of chaos, strife, and uncertainties. Maybe you came about as the result of a one-night stand, or rape, or maybe your parents were deeply in love and the result is the resilient, beautiful, and awesome you!  

 The events of your life are important

It doesn’t matter how you came into this world. Whether you were born naturally or by other means, you survived nine long months in the womb and the trauma of the birth canal. You were determined to thrive therefore; you popped your head out right on time and cried. It was your way of announcing to the world that you were here and that you will not be silenced. Immediately, you had the attention of everyone who was running at your bidding, doctors and nurses, to pronounce you healthy. You had the biggest smile from your mama as she welcomed you into the world. Cradling you in her arms while swaddling you with love and the warmth of her breast. You grabbed hold of that breast and had your first meal outside of the womb. After all, you knew exactly what to do, because you were born with the intelligence to do so.

Preparation for life

 Welcome to the training ground of this life. You were born a baby, but we do not expect you to remain there. You were meant to explore your surroundings, become curious, question things, figure out how stuff works and earn social and relationship-building skills.  Humans were created to live harmoniously with each other and the universe by caring for each other and our environment. You are here because you have a purpose to be fulfilled.  What matters most is how you spend your time here and the legacy that you will leave for future generations.  We were not born to occupy space. We came fully equipped with everything that we need to function here on earth. God who created us gave us gifts, talents and a brain that is superior to all the computers that modern man can make.  He wants us to use our gifts and talents for the betterment of humanity. We are called to make an impact in this world; therefore, we should seek out those opportunities that are rewarding, honest, and efficacious and throw ourselves into them for the sole purpose of making the lives of the future generation better.

Pain with a purpose

We were created for God’s pleasure, and He delights in us and our sincere worship. However, He didn’t provide us with an all-expense paid pass in this life because He knows what is best for us. The joy and pains are measured to keep us on the path of righteousness and truth. Many of us have experienced intense pain and suffering in our lives at some point. These are just stumbling blocks on the way to greatness.  When we have endured the furnace of this life, it will equip us with the resilience that is necessary to help us spearhead and advance the cause that we are passionate about and for which we were chosen. You will have tribulations but be of good cheer I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

When your life has a purpose, you will experience pain. Most times the pain is unbearable, however, it brings forth joy as any mother will tell you. After hours of laboring, filled with anguish and excruciating pain, the voice of crying signals that a new life has sprung forth and that labor has ended. (John 16:21) The mother’s heart rejoices with love, gratitude and appreciation for this child that she carried for nine months and that is now the excellent fruit of her labor.  

 The testing

Similarly, college requires a series of exams that tests one’s competency at different levels. Although you went in as a Freshman they expect you to advance to the various levels,  Sophomore, Junior and eventually Senior. This is the most critical part of the journey because this is where the true test begins. There is a final exam and you will be tested on everything you have learned, hence the make-or-break moment. Many have persevered and received their rewards of accolades, honors, and awards, while others failed to make their mark because they simply were not prepared for college life. There is life after college that is filled with endless possibilities; advanced education, high-paying jobs, promotions, social and economic status, fame, fortune and maybe just about anything this world offers. Is this enough?

Our lives are not accidents

Nothing occurs in our lives by accident it was divinely appointed. Even the horrendous and evil things that were designed to destroy us. Although painful and vicious, they teach us persistence, patience, resilience and perseverance, which is the stock that great men and women are made of. When we study the Bible, we come across many great men and women who were severely tried and tested. Moses was an innocent child. He did nothing wrong yet because of Pharoah’s edict against all children under two years old, his life was in grave danger. His parents, through wisdom, placed their three months old son in a basket on the river. He was young and defenceless and to the human, his fate would be death from river monsters or drowning. However, God, who controlled all circumstances, send him help in the nick of time. His rescuer was not an ordinary person but the king’s daughter. She had compassion for him and raised him as a prince in the palace, which was prepared by God as a training ground for greatness. (Exodus 2: 1-10)

Paul the apostle prosecuted Christians with great zeal. This he did out of ignorance. God called him on the road to Damascus and he repented. He became one of the most influential ministers of the gospel, a prolific writer and proponent of the Gospel message. They also persecuted him with the same zeal he had when he oppressed God’s people. (Acts 22:1-10)

It doesn’t matter where you are on the path of life. Whether you are on the off-track, sidetrack, or beaten track, you are important and have so much potential. There is still time for you to accomplish the dream that was created for you by your Father, God. Here’s my hand. Let me help you along the way.

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PROCRASTINATION – delaying your life

Two men talking

We all fall prey to procrastination and within the last couple of months, I found myself in this rut where I didn’t want to write or do anything significant. Somehow I have built up my “resilience muscle” over the years because of the many difficulties I have encountered and have had to plough my way through. As I slowly turned the corner, my mind focused on those qualities that are unique to me. The word procrastination came to mind, and I felt impressed to do a bit of research into it. I realized that I have been putting off doing things because I am experiencing some difficulties in my life that had escalated and, although it has dampened my fire, I still maintained a faint glow. The situation is still present and persists. However, I have refocused my attention on doing those things that light up my soul. Enjoy the article!

 Procrastination is common to most people and is viewed as laziness or the inability to manage oneself. It is natural for people to avoid doing some things. However, procrastinators habitually put off tasks and often deliberately look for distractions. This shows the individual’s struggles with self-regulation. Approximately 20% of the population is habitual procrastinators. Often, their feelings will take precedence over pursuing their goals or responsibilities.  Procrastination creates the perfect condition for individuals to encourage negative emotions that can further undermine their future goals.

Procrastination also has an element of self-deception. There is a moment in which the procrastinator will recognize their actions and their consequences.  However, changing their habits is often more difficult than finishing the assignment in front of them. 

Understanding Procrastination

Procrastinators are often perfectionists. For them, it may be psychologically more acceptable to never take on a job than the possibility of not doing it well. It is common for them to become overly concerned with what others think about them hence; they endanger their future to avoid criticism. Although some procrastinators convince themselves that they do way better under pressure, there is no scientific evidence to substantiate this claim. However, they habitually wait until the last minute to complete a task because it gives them this rush of euphoria to overcome the odds.

Why do I procrastinate?

People are driven by varied thoughts and habits, but we shun work or delay them because we do not feel they are worth the time and effort and care more about being happy or being fearful of not doing a job well.  They might procrastinate when they are overwhelmed by all the complexities of a task, such as learning a new skill or when overly distracted or fatigued.

What are the psychological roots of procrastination?

Some of the influencers of procrastination recognized by psychologists are; low self-esteem, anxiety, lack of structure and the inability to motivate self to complete tasks deemed unpleasant. Studies have also shown procrastination’s close link to rumination or the fixation on negative thoughts. 

Consequence of Procrastination

Although procrastination may distract you from a task for a moment, it can have deep emotional, physical and practical costs later. Students who habitually procrastinate tend to score lower grades because they feel pressured at the last minute, hence underperform. Workers who procrastinate produce lower-quality work, and habitual procrastinators can expect a decline in their well-being as insomnia or immune system and gastrointestinal disturbance. Procrastination also threatens both personal and professional relationships.

Is procrastination bad for my health?

With one’s health – delaying exercise and physical checkups, and failure to commit to a healthy lifestyle can lead to a higher risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Procrastinators are more prone to blame themselves and withdraw from wellness advice, suggesting that more self-compassion would be more beneficial in helping them care more for themselves.

Is there a link between procrastination and depression?

Procrastination, avoidance and rumination are all common symptoms of depression.  Depressed people struggle with future planning, lose confidence in their ability to follow through, and adopt “what’s the point “ thinking. The treatment approach is known as behavioral activation, in which one schedules enjoyable activities that provide a sense of mastery or accomplishment, which may help ease some of these effects.

Is it easy to overcome procrastination?

It’s possible to overcome procrastination, but it takes considerable effort. Changing a habitual behavior consumes a lot of psychic energy, but engaging in a highly structured regimen of cognitive behavioral therapy is one approach that has worked for many. In the short term, some cognitive tricks can help people complete discrete tasks.

How can I stop procrastinating?

Studies based on The Procrastination at Work Scale, which identifies 12 common forms of workplace procrastination, have highlighted some potential solutions, such as adopting timelines that build in time for delay, but not too much; making a personal challenge out of mundane tasks; breaking large jobs into achievable chunks you can celebrate completing, and limiting your access to online news and social media.

How can a procrastinator change their mindset?

When people procrastinate, their present self benefits by avoiding unpleasant work, but their future self pays the price in stress or punishment. Developing empathy for one’s future self as one would for a close friend can be an important first step to ending the habit because we’re less willing to put a good friend in such a disadvantaged position.

How can I stop putting off important decisions?

Many procrastinators struggle to make important decisions, in part because not making a choice absolves them of responsibility for the outcome. But sometimes people simply become so exhausted from making decisions that it seems impossible to make even relatively unimportant ones. Research suggests that sticking to a personal set of decision-making rules, or outsourcing some decisions to a partner, friend, or co-worker may help overcome decision fatigue.

Are you a procrastinator? Please leave your comments below.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/procrastination

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choose happiness -the elixir of life

What is happiness?

Aristotle, the renowned Greek Philosopher said happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and the end of human existence.

Happiness is not a blank check on which you get to write any amount you want. For some people, the natural inclination would be to go out and blow it on some luxurious item that they think equates to being happy. Happiness is the elixir of life. It is a state of bliss where one experiences peace, enjoyment, fulfilment and calmness despite their circumstances. Many people have found it and are living their lives with purpose and meaning. However, some still do not know what happiness is and spend countless years chasing after it. They become fixated on the acquisition of more material goods, only to find themselves right where they started. Disillusionment often creeps in, forcing them to accept the notion that happiness is just an elusive dream. What they cannot realize is that material things are only temporary and do not bring long-lasting happiness.

Happiness is not a feeling. It is a choice that you make each day, followed by a determination to experience life in a new way by living uninhibited. It is a commitment that you make with yourself daily to walk on the path of happiness. Hence, upon awakening, you create the mindset to be happy despite the unforeseen that will always creep up to disrupt your plans and cause chaos. Cheerful people are always grateful and rarely complain about anything. Happiness is that state of mind you will achieve when you are in tune with your body – accepting of yourself, committing to goals and having a willingness to be content with whatever state you are in. It means loving yourself, your limitations, thankfulness, and striving each day to live a positive and fulfilled life.

Health Benefits of Happiness

When we are happy, our bodies respond positively by releasing healthy endorphins which are healing to the body and mind. Happiness prevents depression, sadness, outbursts of anger, envy, jealousy, and strife. When we operate from a place of happiness, it makes us more forgiving and accepting of other people’s flaws. Also, we love, respect, and show kindness and compassion to others. Happiness fuels our passion and love for life. It energizes us to get out of bed each morning to do the things that will create joy and well-being in our lives.

Happiness increases longevity and makes us look younger and longer. Our bodies function better when we are happy.  A calm and peaceful state optimizes digestion, hence our bodies receive the nourishment it needs from the foods we eat. When we are happy, it helps our parasympathetic nervous system to perform better. The functions of the parasympathetic nervous system are monitoring and effectively maintaining our heart rate, blood pressure, weight control, and hormone regulation, and allowing us to have that deep REM sleep the body needs for healing and repair.

Pursuing Happiness

Happiness is like a well springing from deep inside the ground, flowing outward and providing a continual stream of water. Happiness is invigorating and exuberant. Since we are in control of our happiness, we must work hard at creating and maintaining it. To do this, we must begin by taking the time to discover our gifts, talents, and passions and actively pursue them. For some, it will mean letting go of bad habits, parting ways with some close ties, or even breaking off toxic long-term relationships. Since we can only realize happiness when we are at total peace, these steps are necessary. This will be a period of enlightenment as we become reacquainted with our innate selves. Many of us have been living the dreams of our parents, teachers, spouses, and even friends. Often, we lose ourselves because of the unrealistic demands that they place on us. They also impose their values, forcing us into conformity. For years, we carry the burden and stress of pleasing them at the cost of our self-worth. It’s time to break free from all those negative dynamics by reclaiming and charting the course of your life. Keep moving in the direction where your heart is leading, because this is where your happiness begins.

Tips for Maintaining Happiness

Practice thinking healthy, wholesome, and positive thoughts throughout each day. Resist the urge to dwell on negativity that will not only depress you, but others, too. Do not give negative thoughts any room because you will be stuck with them. However, if you find those thoughts becoming overpowering, I recommend reaching out to others such as family, trusted friends, or a trained counsellor for help. Banish doom and gloom, and learn to see the positive in everything. Everyone feels down sometimes and it’s normal. However, do not allow it to prolong. Instead, shift the mood by going for a walk, connecting with the people in your life, visiting the mall nearest to you, or getting out and treating yourself to an enjoyable meal. Avoid negative and critical people because it will only be a matter of time before you adopt their ways, which will be to your detriment. Happy people love being around others. As a result, they enjoy spending time with family and friends and socializing with others. Therefore, surround yourself with a group of cheerful people from whom you can draw strength and inspiration during your downtime.  Remember, you are responsible for your happiness; therefore, do not expect anyone to do everything for you. Cheerful people attract those who are like-minded.

One of my Greatest Happy Moments

I have experienced periods of great happiness in my life despite some very traumatic events. However, I want to share one that has shaped the person I am today. The happiest moment of my life was when I graduated from college. It was a very special day for me because I dared to venture into a place where no other family member had gone. My college life was hard in every way and often I came close to quitting, but I kept persevering. I was overjoyed because I had triumphed, and the victory was sweet. My friends were there to celebrate with me and cheer me on. I could hear their resounding applause as I went forward to collect my degree. My college degree meant everything to me – freedom from financial constraints, independence, and the accomplishing of my other dreams. I had a job waiting for me as well and I was so happy nothing could have gotten me down. It was a jubilant day for me, and the memory is still vivid in my mind.

God created us to be free, and He wants us to be happy and filled with joy (John 15:11). Being happy is to be free from all the limitations that others have placed on us. I encourage you to reclaim your lives from those who have stolen them! Stand up and fight back to reconnect with your true self, as this is where happiness begins. Cheers to the true and happy you!

Do you have any happy moments in your life that you would like to share with our readers? I would love to hear them! Looking forward to reading yours!

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