Morning Meditation--Clinging To Him

MORNING MEDITATION

I now realize that all I gained and thought was important was nothing but yesterday’s garbage compared to knowing the Anointed Jesus my Lord. For Him I have thrown everything aside—it’s nothing but a pile of waste—so that I may gain Him.  When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.

---Philippians 3:8-9

Look what I did today!

Four weeks ago I was introduced to Lisa Dunn of "Thrive Wellness & Nutrition Center".  Whoa!  She is helping me change my life and that of my entire family.  She uses applied kinesiology to discover where your body most needs healing.  (Kinesiology is also called Muscle testing)  The purpose of muscle testing is to discover which organ most needs help.
  

Lisa (right) discovered that it was my parathyroid that was causing all kinds of problems.  It is what regulates calcium and magnesium blood levels.  Lisa was not even aware that I had any kidney stones, much less over 30.  She also didn't know that last December I ended up being admitted to St. Anthony's hospital due to low magnesium levels which gave me an irregular EKG.  



My doctors were treating my symptoms and were supplementing my magnesium. The truth is that when my parathyroid is working fully it will do exactly what it's supposed to and regulate those levels for me.  

Through muscle testing we discovered that my body, my parathyroid in particular, desperately needed this particular supplement.  (Please note that I take other supplements but this one is specifically for my parathyroid) 



Because Lisa tests each supplement on each person individually, she is able to recommend a very specific and personal plan for each client.   When she told me to consume 6 capsules per day I about fell off the table.  (I hate taking anything)  However, I desperately desire to be well.  

Ten days on program I woke up to extreme dizziness, palpitations, and thirst.  I didn't want to worry my husband and so I drove myself to the urgent care clinic while he was at work.  I went in thinking I was very sick and walked out with tears of JOY.  In just ten days my body was healing to the point of needing to wean off my blood pressure medicine. (I've taken it for 6 years)  



I was sick because I was overmedicating with my prescription meds.  My body no longer needed so much help.  In addition, my blood sugar was a little low (93) after eating breakfast. I found this intriguing because my last official blood work (April) showed my fasting blood sugar was 143 which is considered diabetic.

Whole Foods Workshop

In addition to muscle testing Lisa also coaches others nutritionally.  Today she had a workshop aimed at teaching us how to cook and feed our families healthy easy recipes so that they we can all experience optimal health.  Let me just say they were SO GOOD!

She made us so many different meals.  I actually forgot to snap shots of my favorites because Ummm....I was enjoying myself.   Though I loved this salad what I really loved was her homemade dressing of balsalmic vinegar, olive oil, and celtic sea salt.  No more processed dressings!  This stuff was GOOD!

I wish I had taken a picture of the inside of this paeleo wrap.  There was fresh diced veggies and avacado.  It was so good.  Scott doesn't like the coconut flavor of the wraps, but I sure do!

This was a vegetable stew made with healthy homemade broth.  It was incredible and actually Scott's favorite.  He liked it so much we had to stop on the way home to buy supplies:

Grahams Produce Stand

Scott loves to make shakes and one of the things we fell in love with was the chocolate banana peanut butter madness. 

As a matter of fact, we loved our shakes and smoothies so much that we came home and bought a refurbished blend tech.  We are learning how helpful having the right tools can be when making permanent changes.  I see the chocolate peanut butter shake as a breakfast staple in our home!

If you live locally and would like to learn more about how Lisa and Thrive Nutrition and Wellness can help you change your life you can contact her at: 

 http://www.thrivenwc.com/

Never for one moment do I forget that Jehovah Rapha is my healer.  He formed and made every intricate part of my body.  I am simply grateful that HE uses others to surround me and bless me with their passions!

Your thoughts and plans are treasures to me, O God! I cherish each and every one of them---Psalm 139:17 (The voice)

OH HOW HE LOVES US

Meditating on Psalm 103

O my soul, come, praise the Eternal
    with all that is in me—body, emotions, mind, and will—every part of who I am—praise His holy name. (1)

Despite all your many offenses, He forgives and releases you. More than any doctor, He heals your diseases. (verse 3)

When your soul is famished and withering, He fills you with good and beautiful things, satisfying you as long as you live.  He makes you strong like an eagle, restoring your youth. (Verse 5)

The Eternal is compassionate and merciful.  When we cross all the lines, He is patient with us.  When we struggle against Him, He lovingly stays with us—changing, convicting, prodding. (Verse 8)

You see, God takes all our crimes—our seemingly inexhaustible sins—and removes them. As far as east is from the west, He removes them from us. (Verse 12)

For He knows what we are made of; He knows our frame is frail, and He remembers we came from dust. (Verse 14)

Give praise to the Eternal, all that He has made in all corners of His creation.  O my soul, come, praise the Eternal! (22)

Here is a link to the bible gateway VOICE translation: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=VOICE

Humility verses Pride

"Don't let selfishness and prideful agendas take over. Embrace true humility, and lift your heads to extend love to others."

--- Phil 2:3

I LOVE THIS VERSE!  It was the people who modeled this scripture for me that changed my life forever!  I watched them lay down the gauntlet again and again.  It made my heart hungry for more of what they had. Though I know we will never arrive until we get to heaven, I do pray with all my heart that these actions become more and more of a surprise and less and less the norm.

Get beyond yourselves and protecting your own interests; be sincere, and secure your neightrs' interests first.  In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed.  Live with HIS attitude in your hearts. 

--Phil 2:4-5

2013/2014 Classical Conversations Finale!

We were overwhelmed, excited, and absolutely delighted to see so many in attendance at our year-end finale program last night.

As we gazed around the auditorium we saw husbands, wives, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends rejoicing in the Lord for all that HE has done!  

As we prepare to look at all of our class photo's, take special note that it is the parent who holds the certificate.  As tutors we always present certificates to our parents because you are your childs beloved teacher.  The role of your director and tutor is to walk beside you, but never in place of you.  

CLASS PHOTO'S

Please know our heart was to capture every single family.  Because we desired to stay on time we had to stick closely to our schedule.  Please know that each and everyone of you are LOVED and CHERISHED!

Mrs. Kronz's Abcedarians Class

Mrs. Higgins Abcedarians Class

Mrs. Adams Apprentices Class

Mrs.Collins Journeymen's Class

Mrs. Buxbaum's Journeywomen's Class

Mrs.Davis and Mrs.Dennison's Masters class

Mrs. Ulrich's Challenge A Class

Mrs. Hawkin's Challenge B Class

Mrs. Doto's Challenge IV Class

PROGRAM IN PROGRESS

Foundations students did an incredible job showing the audience some of the things they learned this year.

Mrs. Higgin's led our Orchestra song.  

All of our amazing tutors guided their students through the first six weeks of the timeline song.

Each group demonstrated one portion of week 13 New Grammar. 

They did a GREAT job!

Mrs. Mullin's and Mrs.Williams helped us show the audience what the E.E.L. portion of Essentials looks like.

We were able to share the vision of Essentials and the vital role in plays in transitioning into Challenge.

Mrs. Ulrich's Challenge A class did a great job showing two of the six specific strands they worked on this year:

Q&A Catechisms and Geography

While half the class worked on catechisms, the other half was drawing the world by heart on the white board.  Halfway through they switched places.  

Challenge B shared their favorite strand and what they loved learning the MOST!

Each student spoke beautifully and eloquently.

Mrs. Doto's Challenge IV class brought us to tears as they shared their favorite journey they've taken while traveling through all of the Challenge programs.

As Challenge IV completed their Classical Conversation journey  there wasn't a dry eye in the house.  

The parents wrote a few words to share all that God has shown them through their homeschool journey. 

We were incredibly blessed to witness the intimacy involved in saying goodbye to a season.

We were reminded not to blink, it goes way too quickly.

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future" 

---Jeremiah 29:11

Saying goodbye to yesterday as they prepare for a brand new tomorrow!

On behalf of each and every director we'd like to thank you for your gracious gift of flowers and your sweet words of encouragement.  It has been our absolute joy and privilege to walk beside you as we travel this wonderful road of home education together.

We really are better TOGETHER!

WE DID IT!

ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!!!!