Women's weekend Getaway

Well, well, well. I believe I speak for all of us when I say, we are still on a spiritual 'high' after our 'Women's Weekend Getaway', from Friday July 31st 2009 to Sunday August 2nd 2009. It was an awesome, inspiring, uplifting time. Twelve very exciting women, from PA, DE and NJ met in Delaware and caravaned in three separate vehicles to a beach house in southern Maryland.
We arrived there on Friday afternoon and settled in quickly and started off a 'Passion Party' by a guest host. Now for those of you who do not know what that is - 'google' it :-) That was a lot of fun and I sure learned some very interesting things.
Next was the 'fish-fry'. A few ladies who were assigned to do did a fabulous job and dinner was a success.
To wind down we had an ice-breaker/introduction game. Everyone wrote down three things about themselves; 2 were true and 1 false. The group then tried to guess which one was the false one. It was such a fun way to get to know each other. Some enjoyed a glass or 2 or 3 of their favorite wine. We went to bed between 1 and 2 am.
Saturday morning we were up and ready to start the day with anticipation. The plan was for a sunrise service on the beach, but after our late night we got to the beach a little after sunrise :-) That was just fine by us. We were all dressed in white from head to foot as we gathered on the pier. It was a spiritually uplifting time of song, prayer and God's matchless word. Each of the ladies took turns reading Proverbs 31:10-31 about the 'Virtuous Woman'; every one received a copy of those verses and a frame where they could insert their favorite picture so as to encourage and bless them to see themselves as a 'Virtuous Woman'. As one of the ladies described it later, "it was a time of anointing".
Breakfast was another great experience as we partook of 'Candia's special yam busicuits' Annie's banana bread, eggs, turkey bacon, coffee and tea.
The rest of the day included sharings and prayer and tears as we held hands on more than one occasion to lift specific things, believe together and speak in tongues for answers in our lives. My heart melted at the love each woman showed for God and His word; the heart to bless and encourage each other was so inspiring.
It was not all 'heavy stuff' like I like to call it; we laughed, danced watched a movie or two and had fun.
Dinner consisted of a healthy diet of 85% raw (vegetables) and 15% cooked (Salmon). Desert was a blend of fresh fruit smoothie which was very refreshing.
About an hour or so after dinner, we enjoyed a dance lesson with dance expert - Tiffanny, followed by a fun time of music and dancing together. The night ended with more sharings/prayer/counseling way into the early hours of the morning.
Sunday morning found us eager to return home to share all we had learned and to show off our changed lives. Each of us left a different woman than when we arrived.
A brief fellowship of singing, prayer and teaching from God's word left many in tears, over-whelmed with the love manifested in the room. Carolyn presented an awesome teaching on Ruth and Naomi - great women of God in the word.
After breakfast, we cleaned up, packed and loaded up and were on our way back home.
What an uplifting time, what a time of divine blessings and enrichment. I learned something from every single woman there - young and younger :-)
Our goal is to continue to encourage and build each other up with God's word. For the married ladies, we want to be the best wife, helpmeet and support to our husbands; to the single ladies we want to encourage keep picturing yourself in that role if that is what you are believing for. Let us not limit God in our lives; we are God's Virtuous Women.
We are what the Word of God says we are.
We have what the Word of God says we have.
We will be what the Word of God says we will be.
Add your comments/thoughts/blessings here, let us continue to share our experience. I know if I did not share, I would not be able to keep it all in.
God's love and richest blessings to all.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

To all the fathers, hope it was a good day. To all the children, I hope you got to spend some with your father. For those, like me who have lost their fathers, I hope you have good memories that will last forever.
I am also proud to say my son, Swanson is a great dad to his daughter Jemini Jade.
I like President Obama's 'Father's Day' message. I am including the whole message here, in hopes it will bless and encourage many. From MSN news:
"As the father of two young girls who have shown such poise, humor, and patience in the unconventional life into which they have been thrust, I mark this Father’s Day—our first in the White House—with a deep sense of gratitude. One of the greatest benefits of being President is that I now live right above the office. I see my girls off to school nearly every morning and have dinner with them nearly every night. It is a welcome change after so many years out on the campaign trail and commuting between Chicago and Capitol Hill.

But I observe this Father’s Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters’ lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life. My father left my family when I was 2 years old, and I knew him mainly from the letters he wrote and the stories my family told. And while I was lucky to have two wonderful grandparents who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me, I still felt the weight of his absence throughout my childhood.

As an adult, working as a community organizer and later as a legislator, I would often walk through the streets of Chicago’s South Side and see boys marked by that same absence—boys without supervision or direction or anyone to help them as they struggled to grow into men. I identified with their frustration and disengagement—with their sense of having been let down.

In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence—both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.

That is why we need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one.
As fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well—but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most.

And it’s not enough to just be physically present. Too often, especially during tough economic times like these, we are emotionally absent: distracted, consumed by what’s happening in our own lives, worried about keeping our jobs and paying our bills, unsure if we’ll be able to give our kids the same opportunities we had.

Our children can tell. They know when we’re not fully there. And that disengagement sends a clear message—whether we mean it or not—about where among our priorities they fall.

So we need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what’s going on in their lives.

We need to set limits and expectations. We need to replace that video game with a book and make sure that homework gets done. We need to say to our daughters, Don’t ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for your goals. We need to tell our sons, Those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in our house, we find glory in achievement, self-respect, and hard work.

We need to realize that we are our children’s first and best teachers. When we are selfish or inconsiderate, when we mistreat our wives or girlfriends, when we cut corners or fail to control our tempers, our children learn from that—and it’s no surprise when we see those behaviors in our schools or on our streets.

But it also works the other way around. When we work hard, treat others with respect, spend within our means, and contribute to our communities, those are the lessons our children learn. And that is what so many fathers are doing every day—coaching soccer and Little League, going to those school assemblies and parent-teacher conferences, scrimping and saving and working that extra shift so their kids can go to college. They are fulfilling their most fundamental duty as fathers: to show their children, by example, the kind of people they want them to become.

It is rarely easy. There are plenty of days of struggle and heartache when, despite our best efforts, we fail to live up to our responsibilities. I know I have been an imperfect father. I know I have made mistakes. I have lost count of all the times, over the years, when the demands of work have taken me from the duties of fatherhood. There were many days out on the campaign trail when I felt like my family was a million miles away, and I knew I was missing moments of my daughters’ lives that I’d never get back. It is a loss I will never fully accept.

But on this Father’s Day, I think back to the day I drove Michelle and a newborn Malia home from the hospital nearly 11 years ago—crawling along, miles under the speed limit, feeling the weight of my daughter’s future resting in my hands. I think about the pledge I made to her that day: that I would give her what I never had—that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father. I knew that day that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless she had every opportunity in hers. And I knew I had an obligation, as we all do, to help create those opportunities and leave a better world for her and all our children.

On this Father’s Day, I am recommitting myself to that work, to those duties that all parents share: to build a foundation for our children’s dreams, to give them the love and support they need to fulfill them, and to stick with them the whole way through, no matter what doubts we may feel or difficulties we may face. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father’s Day, and that is my hope for this nation in the months and years ahead." Retrieved online on June 22nd, 2009 from: http://www.parade.com/export/sites/default/news/2009/06/barack-obama-we-need-fathers-to-step-up.html

Many fathers sadly do not take that responsibility seriously, but thank God for those who do. Hopefully President Obama will be a great example for not only black men, but all men to be better fathers.

Life & Relationships

Recently I was in a discussion about infidelity, and it became quite a war of words by email. Can you separate how you feel about affairs from the person having the affair? What if that person is a close relative? Can you still love that person, but hate their lifestyle? Well, my conclusion is that you can hate the lifestyle, but love the person. Infidelity, by anyone is wrong and not Biblical, but as Christians we can lovingly speak God's Word and encourage a change. Now what about infidelity if two people are not married but dating. While it may not be exactly the same thing, the two people have made a commitment to each other and the hurt and emotional pain it causes is just as raw and real.
To all those with questions, or those who may have been the victim of infidelity or even the one to be unfaithful, I want to refer you to an awesome book on the subject. "Love Life" by Ed Wheat, M.D.
Dr. Wheat refers to Genesis 2:24 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave (cling/adhere to) unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." The "two will actually become one." The following are a few very cool and accurate phrases from Dr. Wheat's book.
"Whatever is important to you in this life should be less important than your marriage." That means your business, career, sports, hobbies, children and yes even 'church work'. "Marriage begins with a leaving: leaving all other relationships."
"Anything that puts distance between you - mentally or physically - should be avoided because it breaks the divine pattern for marriage."
So for those of us who are married it is solemn reminder; for those planning to get marriage, and want a long, happy marriage, I suggest get Dr. Wheat's book, and start like he did in Genesis 1-3, and re-focus your thoughts to match God's plan for a marriage that works.

Graduations

My family just celebrated the graduation of my niece from University of MD. She graduated with (wait for it).....a 'Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry'. Is that kid smart or what?? At present she is doing a fellowship which keeps her very busy. We are all extremely proud of her and I know I mother - my sister Karan is especially proud.

Her other two kids Tamilia & Francois are doing very well also. Tamilia graduated with a Bachelors degree in Paleontology (not sure if I got the spelling correct), and Francois is graduating from high school in London.
In a few months our daughter Makeeva will graduate with certifications in EKG Technology, Phlebotomy and be a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). She plans to continue on in nursing school for a BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing). We are very proud of her also. Keep up the good work guys and God bless.

Gallbladder Surgery

Why are so many people having gallbladder surgery? Even in the medical field they ask themselves that question. They explain it away by saying that it is due to the Standard American Diet of fast foods and fatty diets. Gallstones form, or there is a back-up of bile or the gallbladder becomes inflamed or infected. It is a very uncomfortable feeling to say the least and many times causes excruciating pain. So, is surgery the best treatment course? Surgeons definitely seem to think so.
I personally believe in natural healing. My first choice is prayer with or without the healing touch. For the skeptics, I say "I'm just glad it works." Those who believe know and understand what I'm talking about. God's word is specific about healing, I am amazed that we miss it every time. We are human I guess and have doubts that it really works. Psalms 107:20 "He sent His Word and healed them...." We need to accept it and claim it. Don't say one thing and the next minute you are questioning your belief.
First of all, you need to take the first step as outlined in God's Word to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are born again. Romans 10: 9,10.
God's medicine is simple. It is to speak His word by mouth three times a day until healed. (1) Jesus is the Lord of my life. Sickness and disease have no power over me. Colossians 1:21,22. (2)Jesus bore my sins in His body on the tree; by His stripes I have been healed. I Peter 2:24; Romans 8:11. (3) God has forgiven me and healed all my diseases. Psalm 103:3. (4)I believe God's promises and claim them as my own. Jeremiah 30:17.
Then you must take believing action; don't just sit around and wait for the healing.
Manage your diet, make some changes and stick to it. Your body needs to be detoxified immediately. There are many ways to do so. One website I found is very informative and even sells natural products to help with that. Check it out:
http://www.gallbladderattack.com.
Don't forget to come back and add your blog with comments or more questions.
My favorite is: http://www.hallelujahacres.com. It speaks specifically about "God's way to ultimate health". I have been to one of their centers and highly recommend it.
If you are looking for a peaceful atmosphere where you can meditate, and concentrate, focusing on your health, Hallelujah Acres is it. I accompanied my sister there and after one week she was healed. The second day I was there I was asked by the coordinators to minister healing to one of their employees. She later stated she started feeling better almost immediately but wanted to be absolutely sure before she said anything. The next day she said after 15 months of living in severe, crippling pain she woke up with no more pain.
If you need direction to work through your spiritual healing and physical health, healing, and wholeness, go to my website and fill out the questionnaire; email or print and mail it to me. I will work with you to customize a healing program for your life. It will include prayer and ministering (free of charge); then a program - God's way to maximize your health and quality of life. http://www.atouchofnewhealth.com.
Have a blessed day.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mothers out there. Sorry I missed it.

What do we know about Soy?

In response to many questions from friends about Soy products, I did a bit of digging.
Here it is:
I switched to Soy milk and other "nutritious" soy-based snacks after hearing it was better for me because of my menopausal symptoms. For those of us who know - you understand; for those who don't - hot flashes (worse at night); feeling like you're on fire from the inside out; severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, dryness - everywhere, including eyes, & other 'unmentionable' places. O, don't forget the rapid weight gain. About the same time, my thyroid started acting up again, and the symptoms were intensified. Well, I got so sick of the weight, I thought it was the root of all my problems, and believed that losing it would help lessen the symptoms. So, I ventured into 'L.A. WeightLoss' to ask about their program; only to be turned away with, "Sorry Ma'am, we cannot help you. All our products are soy-based and you should not use soy with your thyroid problems - it only makes them worse." Guess what? It had already made them worse because I had been using soy for a few years.
One of the things they explained was the same thing I found in my search for more answers online: "Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy..." http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/
This is the link to more about those 'phytoestrogens'.
Not convinced? Here's more:
"Most people remain unaware that soy is known to contain an array of potent chemical toxins. The modern manufacturing processes of high-profit industries make no effort to remove these potent toxins. High levels of phytic acid, trypsin inhibitors, toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines are all present in soy products.
Phytoestrogens that disrupt endocrine function and are potent antithyroid agents are present in vast quantities in soy, including the potentially devastating isoflavone Genistein. Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula, as has the underdevelopment of males. Infant soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy is linked to infertility, breast cancer, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and many other disorders."
More to come on the soy controversy.

Summer

Wow! Did I sleep thru spring? It feels like summer is here. I enjoy the warm weather as much as anyone, but wow that was quick. I prefer a gradual change; how about you?
Are you all following the latest news about the flu epidemic in Mexico? Who would have thought the flu could be so deadly? Here is some of the news:
"WHO declares international concern over swine flu."
"GENEVA – The World Health Organization warned countries around the world Saturday to be on alert for any unusual flu outbreaks after a unique new swine flu virus was implicated in possibly dozens of human deaths in North America."
WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said the outbreak in Mexico and the United States constituted a "public health emergency of international concern."
Take precautions as with any other flu-like symptoms. Hand washing is a big one; keep your immunity up with plenty of Vitamin C, E and Cod Liver Oil.
Within the next 24 hours I will add a link to my website at: http://www.atouchofnewhealth.com with more information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Stay safe.