Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 100
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

Friends are Precious Gifts

Leslie, Traci, Lyndi (birthday girl!) & Stacey

I was looking through some picture folders on my computer this morning and came across this one that made me smile. :-) We were celebrating Lyndi's birthday at Las Casuelas Quinta last summer. It's always a pleasure to take time to be with precious friends. [Looks like I didn't get the memo to wear a wild 'n crazy blouse. Hee hee!!]

"Friendship is like a violin;
the music may stop now and then,
but the strings will last forever."
~ Unknown

Santa Monica Pier

Jeff had a meeting this weekend in Los Angeles, so we took off yesterday and had dinner at Houston's Restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Whenever Jeff has a chance to eat at a Houston's, we're there! :-) All roads lead to Houston's! We stayed at the hotel where the meeting took place. Tiffani and I enjoyed reading and chatting while Jeff was away.

And we enjoyed some Family Time today at the Santa Monica Pier. We had lunch outside at Rusty's Surf Ranch on the Pier. Then rode the Ferris Wheel. Jeff and Tiffani had a little treat, while I had Strawberry Cream green tea from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. One of my favorites!

We had a sunny, cloudless, warm day. We walked to the end of the pier and down the steps to see the posts holding up the hundreds of thousands of pounds of cars, restaurants and amusement rides on the pier...a sight to behold.

We watched talented pier performers: break-dancers, a man singing old Rock 'n Roll, a woman singing gospel, and painters. On the way out, Jeff threw 4 baseballs, which stayed in the red bucket, to win Tiffani a stuffed blue & pink puppy...that she immediately named Blink (combining blue & pink).

We passed by Muscle Beach on the way back to the car and found an empty bench with our names on it. We sat and soaked in the sun's rays for a while, watching acrobats and free-form dancers. Marveling at the strength of all ages climbing ropes thirty feet above the ground and swinging on rings.

Day 40 ~ So Much Can Happen in 40 Days!

DAY 40!!!

* Noah was in the ark while it rained for 40 days and 40 nights.

* Moses was on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.

* Elijah went to the mountain of God in 40 days and 40 nights,

on the strength of one meal provided by the angel of the LORD.

* Ezekiel was to lie on his right side and bear the iniquity

of the house of Judah for forty days, a day for each year.

* Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights prior to his temptation.

* He was tempted for 40 days.

* He taught the apostles upon his return for 40 days.

So much can happen in 40 Days! Amen and amen! :-)

This day marks the point where my day-counting ends and new life begins...

I was reminded yesterday that as I wait for 100%, that many people in this world have never even experienced 100%. At 90%+ today, I'm incredibly fortunate!

I am feeling soooooooo much better AND again I thank you all for your prayers and supplications on my behalf and on behalf of my family.

I'm not sure about the long-term ramifications of my condition, but I trust my heavenly Father and I am committed to doing what it takes to make them as minimal as possible.

I am filled with joy overflowing!

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,

so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Day 39 ~ Date Night

What a blessing to feel 90% +! My lungs only released twice all day. My breathing is very good.

For the first time in 6 weeks, I was able to take Tiffani to Educational CoOp classes (Finance & Shakespeare) and Chemistry. Out of the house without feeling fatigued from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Able to smile and laugh and have conversations ... feel normal.

When Jeff came home from the new Wellness Center, we realized we could actually resume our weekly Date Nights. Woo woo!! So, off we went ... dinner and a movie. And we spent some time with Tiffani when we came back home .

Life marches on ...

Day 38 ~ Hosanna! Our God Saves!

3:11 PM ~ I made it to Bible study and had a great morning! Yippee!!!

Having studied then discussed the 7th chapter of Revelation, I'd like to share our opening and closing songs ...Hosanna & Our God Saves... how very appropriate ...

Day 37 ~ Raw Foods

1:34 PM ~ I just returned home from Marilyn's and my footbath water was the lightest orange that it's been. Yeah! I shared that mornings are still a little difficult for me and she said that sounds like it will be my indicator for completely renewed health.

Right now mornings are difficult since the body uses resting and sleep for continued detoxification. My body works hard overnight. :-) When I am able to hop out of bed like I used to, I will know my body is cleansed.

I brought home more highly-alkalized water for the humidifier and will continue this treatment at home. My lungs have been releasing less and less resinous goop as the days go by.

I always learn something interesting when I have time with Marilyn. She shared more about Raw Food today ... including some incredible desserts. I browsed through 4 cookbooks by Kristen Suzanne and can't wait to try some of the recipes!

Pina Colada Muffins

Pina Colada Muffins

3 eggs
2 T coconut oil (or butter), melted
1/6 cup agave nectar (or 1/4 cup sugar)
1/4 t salt
1/4 cup coconut flour, sifted
1/4 t baking powder
1/2 c pineapple, finely chopped
3 T coconut, grated

1. Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.
2. Blend together eggs, coconut oil, agave, and salt.
3. Combine coconut flour with baking powder and whisk into the batter until there are no lumps.
4. Fold pineapple into batter.
5. Pour batter into greased muffin cups
6. Sprinkle grated coconut on top.
7. Bake for 16-18 minutes.
Makes 6 regular size muffins, or 12 mini muffins.

Day 36 ~ Tea & Friends

10:15 AM ~ Today is beginning wonderfully...I feel nearly 100%. Seems amazing after all this time!

Yesterday, I had a slow start, but by 10:30 AM I seemed to be moving about fine. :-) I took it easy and had fun preparing for the Moms Night Out (for our homeschool support group). Tiffani made Pina Colada Muffins and Brownies (with and without Peppermint Cream Cheese frosting). I'll post the recipes in a different post. The Muffins were a huge hit! No flour or sugar! And she helped me decorate and plate the goodies.

As it was a "Welcome" Tea for our new members, I made a pot of Apple Cinnamon and set out a pot of hot water and my tea basket & strainers. We also had Brie, Grapes, Crackers, Cream Cheese & Pomegranate Salsa on little toasts, and mozzarella/tomato salad. And dates & flowers, from Futterman Farm...thank you, Gale!

I had to cancel last month's MNO, which had over 25 moms RSVP'd. Tonight we totalled seven. Each month is different. It was a beautiful and moving evening. Lots of sharing, remembering, prayer and encouragement. I was so blessed to be in the company of Debbi, Marcie, Gale, Andrea, Jeanette, and Lezanne. Three new home educating mamas, three veterans, and one who came to bless and encourage since she has graduated all of her children.

I love being amongst women who love their husbands and their children.

Who love being wives and mothers.

Who love watching their children grow

into whom they've been created to become.

Who love sharing what the Lord is doing in their lives...

Day 34 ~ Blessings Flow...

Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow...

I had a really good day! I'm believing that this little adventure is coming to an end.

Yesterday my lungs released a solid chunk of something...I wish I could have expelled it, but it was too large for me to "cough" up. So I had to swallow it. It felt like the size of a large capsule when it lodged in the right side of my throat. I ate some sprouted bread to push it down and took an herbal intestinal formula right away to make sure whatever it was didn't stay in my body long.

Since that experience, I've had one other solid piece of something release...this one being much smaller.

We spent a couple hours out as a family today...seeing Jeff's new Wellness Center that opens tomorrow and having lunch out. It was just so wonderful being out and about with my family again. Feeling normal.


Prayer Requests:
- Weight now: 104 ~ praying for increased activity to build muscle mass, which is the only way I've ever been able to keep weight on.

Praises:
- I can breathe so much better after my lungs release more.
- Emotionally, I am so encouraged, which helps me see an end to all of this...which in turn helps me feel better.

Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.

~Auguste Rodin

Day 33 ~ Seeing Beauty in Everything...

8:53 AM ~ Had an interesting night...coughing woke me up twice and both times my lungs released more...and both times I was perspiring profusely. Oooohhh...just like we've told Tiffani since she was young: God made our bodies so smart!!!

Despite the two wake-up calls, I had a great night's sleep. I feel refreshed this morning...my best morning all week. I have the humidifier going and about 10 minutes ago my lungs released the largest amount yet! Each time it releases, I can breathe even better.

Tiffani has joined me in my room this morning for breakfast. I have the corner-window blinds open, which reveal beautiful Birds of Paradise. The hummingbirds love them, so we've had quite a show this morning. I have a chaise that sits directly in front of this window and it's not unusual for these curious and tiny birds to hover and look in or simply sit on a leaf and rest for a bit. When I was a child living in another area, I never saw hummingbirds just sit. Out here it happens all the time.

Like the hummingbird sipping nectar from every flower, I fly joyfully through my days, seeing beauty in everything.
~ Amethyst Wyldfyre

Broccoli Celery Soup

I have another EASY soup recipe with various options to share...

Broccoli Celery Soup
2 hand-sized clusters of fresh Broccoli, broken into florets (slice & use stem too)
1 Onion, sliced
6 celery ribs, chopped
1-1/2 cup+ Vegetable Broth
1 tomato or several grape/cherry tomatoes, diced
Olive Oil
Bragg's Liquid Aminos

1. Steam broccoli in a little vegetable broth. Steam only until broccoli is warm (do not let broth boil). Should still be crunchy and bright green. And you shouldn't be able to smell it cooking.
2. Saute the onions in a bit of olive oil...they become so sweet.
3. Add celery to the onions. Saute for just 3-4 minutes.
4. Into a Vitamix, add broccoli, then the onions/celery.
5. Pour vegetable broth into the Vitamix until the liquid comes to the 1-1/2 cup mark.
6. Mix on speed 5-6 for about 30 seconds...until all ingredients are combined.
7. Pour into a bowl and add about 10 drops of Bragg's Liquid Aminos. Stir.
8. Top with tomatoes.
Delicious!

Another Option:
Last night before topping with the tomatoes, I added some cooked brown/wild rice. It made a real "meaty" soup.

Day 32 ~ Pressing On...

10:37 AM ~ I had thought about cancelling my detox appointment yesterday since I felt so bad, but my wise Tiffani said that was the exact reason I needed make that appointment. :-)

So, I went to my appointment and Marilyn suggested that I use a humidifier with 11.5 pH water (highly micro-clustered). I used it while I was there and she sent home some of the water with me, so I could do the same at home.

I used the humidifier last night and had a little something come out of my lungs. But that was nothing compared to what came out this morning! Wow! So far this morning, I've had 4 balls (1" to 1-1/2") of white/clear goop come out.

I awoke with hardly anything on top of my soft palate this morning. When I took a deep breath upon waking this morning, I coughed like crazy and balls came out for the next hour or so.

*It's important to note that the substance coming out of my lungs is white/clear in color, not yellow/green as in the case of a cold or flu.

There has been much concern about my weight loss and I'm encouraged that all will be fine. I was reminded that healing takes a lot of the body's energy. Digesting food takes an enormous amount of energy. So I will keep eating Vitamix meals, which are easily digestable and not force myself to eat when I'm not hungry.

And I may start Sprouting...for extra nutrients in a compact form.

7:48 PM ~
A truly remarkable day! My lungs released at least 4-5 more balls of goop throughout the day. I'm so thankful that it's leaving my body. I was able to pick Tiffani up from her Chemistry class and chat with Sande, Cindy and Leslie for a bit. And to Tiffani's chemistry teacher about my condition...very eye-opening.

After we got home, Tiffani told me about her CoOp and Chemistry classes. As we chatted, I actually began to feel hungry. I called Jeff and asked him if he'd like to take us out to dinner when he got home. :-) He picked us up and I was able to eat a half salad and a little chicken.

Philippians 4:
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Day 31 ~ I Can Do All Things...

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

11:27 AM ~ Good morning! I'm so sorry to report that this is my worst morning yet after the sinuses opened up. Functioning at about 65-70% today. I'm just exhausted after having about 2-3 hours sleep.

Yesterday, my words were Strength and Strong, so I'm hanging onto those today. :-)

I thought about rescheduling my detox appointment today (I really don't feel like driving), but I know I need to be there to keep these toxins on the run.

Prayer Requests:
- Increased appetite...not very hungry.
- Restful sleep tonight

Praises:
- Something wonderful happened yesterday to show me that God is answering my prayers and moving on my behalf and others.

Love knows no limit to its endurance,

no end to its trust,

no fading of its hope;

it can outlast anything.

Love still stands when all else has fallen.

~ Anonymous

Tropical Apple Kale Smoothie

I have perfected a wonderful fruity green smoothie. Hee hee!!

Tropical Apple Kale Smoothie
1 apple, cored
2 kale leaves, minus the stems
1/2 banana

1 t. coconut oil, organic, unrefined
1 cup cold water

Into a Vitamix...

1. Add one cup of water, kale and apple. Blend together.

2. Add banana and coconut oil. Blend together.

3. Enjoy!

* I really like this recipe. You can also add 1 cup of crushed ice if you want it thinner/slushier. I've tried it both ways and I prefer it without the ice.

Day 30 ~ Winnie the Pooh & Tigger too!

Awoke around 3 AM with horrible, burning pain on top of the soft palate. I don't like to wake Jeff up unless it's an emergency, but I had to this morning. He adjusted my neck and did a lymphatic massage. The lymph system has no pump of its own and depends upon the body's movement and breathing to move lymph through the body. Since I've been so inactive, my lymph is just waiting patiently to be moved. :-)

Thankfully, I was able to get right back to sleep.

I awoke later this morning with a resinous substance on top of my soft palate. I sent a teaspoon of raw honey back there, which soothed the burning and helped release the toxins. Raw honey is truly miraculous. Only slight pain at the edge of the soft palate now.

8:25 PM ~ Eating honey like Winnie the Pooh and bouncing like Tigger today! I was on our rebounder (many times) for the first time since this all began...this will also aid in moving the lymph. I couldn't really think about jumping before now. I still can't jump with my feet completely off the rebounder, so bouncing will have to do for now. Go lymph, go!

Tiffani and I ran out yesterday to Trader Joe's for some smoothie items. What a blessing it was to see Chris and get a hug in the check-out lane.

Thank you, Dr. C., for your laying on of hands & prayer with Tiffani last night. I thank you and Connie so much for your prayers.

Leslie and Stephanie, it was great to catch up a bit via phone today, during a better time of day for me. Thank you so much for checking in with me. And Lynda, thank you for your sweet emails...makes the long distance seem so much shorter! Christa, Christine, and Dani, your emails have also been a blessing.

Prayer Requests:

- Weight gain

- Toxins and resinous goo keep coming out!

Praises:

- I checked my weight/body fat at Jeff's new Health Center last night and I'm up to 107.6 and 18% body fat. Both still low, but I was encouraged that my body fat % was up from the 12% that it used to be.

- Jeff's interviews went very well for staff hiring.

Day 29 ~ BREAKTHROUGH??

I am so encouraged this morning!!!

I woke up about 5:30 AM with horrible, burning pain on top of my soft palate...similar to Day 10. Except this time, it was not a little blob of gunk, it was a massive amount and being released from my sinuses. I find it interesting that today is one month to the day that this all began and today is when the entry point of my condition begins to release. It's the same thin, slippery, gasoline-tasting substance that continually comes up from my lungs.

To aid this cleansing, I felt led to take Nature's Sunshine ALJ, which I always have on hand. It's a great herbal supplement for cleansing the entire respiratory system. Whenever I take ALJ, I imagine tiny scrubber brushes working away. :-) And I also started taking my favorite powdered Vitamin C.

RETRACING: There is a phenomenon in natural healing called Retracing. It's the principle that as your body heals, you may encounter symptoms again that you've had previously...even if it was years ago.

One Personal Example:

When I began receiving chiropractic care years ago, I had no pain, but my spine was a wreck. I didn't realize that even though I had no pain, the misalignments were keeping my nervous system from sending its signals to the organs and tissues of my body at 100%. The first of my health symptoms to disappear was monthly cramps...lived with them until I was 24 and they've never come back. Next, I retraced a quadricep injury from high school. When the pain came into my leg, I mentioned it in passing to Jeff...and that's when he told me about retracing. As the nerve supply was working more optimally, it was actually able heal my leg in a way that couldn't happen previously. I went through a couple more injury areas including a badly sprained elbow. Then my ears started bothering me...you guessed it! Chronic ear infections and plenty of antibiotics as a child. My ears bothered me for a couple weeks. Then nothing.

So here I am, 16 years later, going through a Chemical Detox Program and Retracing. The first areas of assault were my sinuses & lungs and they are the last to cleanse. As I was praying this morning and realized the pattern, I was sooooooo encouraged! 100% is around the corner!

I saw Marilyn yesterday and my water was not black! Woo woo!! It was just slightly orange with no odor and just a few black flecks.

Romans 5

3 ...we also exult in our tribulations,

knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character;

and proven character, hope;
5 and hope does not disappoint,

because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts

through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Day 27 - With Wings As Eagles

So tired the last couple days...sleeping in and long afternoon naps. Each morning I wake up with another symptom or a repeat symptom.

Strange little tidbit ~ I was looking at my fingernails yesterday and there is a faint, but very distinct discoloration at about a month's growth...when this whole thing began.

How much longer to 100%? I pray. Thank you, Yvonne...praying for 110%! :-) My family and friends make it easy to focus on the wonderful things in my life the majority of the time. And I am reminded that this too shall pass.

Thank you, Leslie, for your near-daily check-in texts. Marny for your encouraging emails. Deborah, for the scriptures you send that remind me to keep my focus Higher ~ Isaiah 40:31. Gale, for our conversation the other day, which allowed me to share the spiritual-side of this journey. Susie, for your sweet handwritten note.

Prayer Requests:
- For weight gain...back down to 106 today. I told Jeff I need to go on another cruise! Hee hee!!
- Continued cleansing...especially lungs.
- Great outcome at Detox appointment tomorrow.

Praises:
- I was able to walk around our neighborhood yesterday...instead of just 8 houses down and 8 houses back home.
- My appetite is good, so if I can increase my intake just a bit, I should be able to balance it with an increase in activity and GAIN weight!

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD

shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.