Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World

Tiffani and I drove out to the desert this afternoon after CBS, so she could attend her Theology Book Club and I could meet with my MaryMartha group. We are always so thankful and filled up after meeting with the special people in these groups. That's why we can't let go of them (for at least this school year!).

If you haven't read Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, we'd all hightly recommend it. Joanna Weaver has this amazing ability to teach by using personal story and images to create a new awareness in her reader. I'll be honest I bought this book, because I was compelled by the title and thought it was going to be one of those easy reads that I call a "bathtub book." You know...a good book, but easily read without pen in hand...good reminders and confirmation, but nothing really deep.

Was I in for a surprise when I attempted to read the first chapter in the bathtub without a pen! I had to put it down. And it was several months before I picked it back up...when Bethany suggested that we moms, who meet while our children discuss their books on Thursday night, should also read and discuss a book that would help us grow.

I suggested Ms. Weaver's book and we spent the summer reading, meeting and discussing it. And our time together has been so lovely! Filled with insight and hardship and joy and prayer. This little group of women has turned out to be one of the most precious groups in which I've ever participated. What an incredible blessing!

Stony Paths

I found a card to send off to a friend today, with a quote from Corrie ten Boom. If you have not read Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place, this is another "must" read. I've read it twice and will certainly read it again. It is a heart-changing and life-changing book.

If God sends us stony paths, He provides strong shoes.
~ Corrie ten Boom


We know that life isn't easy, but we know that if we remain "connected to the Vine," that we need never give into worry.

Detours

PHOTO CREDIT: HIKE NOW
I was replying to an email this morning from a sweet sister, who was sharing that she calls upon the Lord each morning to see what she should do and to give her the strength to do so. And these verses were laid upon my heart...emphasis mine.

2 Corinthians 12:
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

May we go through each of our days, asking Him to author them. Being flexible and not worrying about the little detours in our plan. God's plans are better than our own.

Our Lord bless you and keep you...today and all days...Joy!

HOPE

For You are my HOPE;O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.
~ Psalm 71:5

My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my HOPE is from Him.
~ Psalm 62:5

Be strong and let your heart take courage,All you who HOPE in the LORD.
~ Psalm 31:24

Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,
According as we have HOPED in You.
~ Psalm 33:22


But now faith, HOPE, love, abide these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
~ 1 Corinthians 13:13


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.
~Romans 15:13

There is a God...

Good morning!

A dear friend sent out this song to celebrate the One and Only God...from Whom all blessings flow. Through His lovingkindness and the petitions of fervant prayer warriors, she is cancer free. And is celebrating!

Her story and this song brought tears to my eyes this morning, as I remember what He's done for all of us and how nothing is too BIG for Him. Trust Him.

With a grateful heart...

Friends are Blessings!

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.

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 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 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

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.

Day 23 - A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine

4:06 PM ~ I'm so sorry I haven't been able to update the blog in a couple days. I appreciate your phone calls! I am doing much better. Our internet router's power cord stopped working and Verizon had to send a new one. They said it would be in here in 2-3 days, but in fact it arrived yesterday (the tech blessed us by sending it Next Day Air). Thank you! :-) We got plugged in yesterday afternoon, but it took about 24 hours to configure all the computers ~ fortunately the computers configured themselves.

Sunday, October 25, 2009 ~ Thank you to Lyndi and Hannah for dropping off our "last dinner" this evening. I started feeling GREAT around 5 PM and when they came to the door around 5:30 PM, I felt like me! There were lots of HUGS! Hee hee!! The Lemon Chicken and Broccoli were so tasty. And the pumpkin bread smelled as delicious as it tasted, Tiffani tells me.

Again, our family wants to thank all of you who have been praying for us, getting Tiffani where she needed to be, grocery shopping, caring for our home, and bringing us meals. I was telling my Bible study group leader yesterday that it's been truly amazing to learn even more about how our bodies work, to watch the body of Christ in action, and to see God's love and mercy displayed in such incredible ways ~ through both physical and spiritual feeding.

I am truly in AWE!

Monday, October 26, 2009 ~ After feeling so great the night before, I woke up in a fog this morning. Stinker! Good news was that I was able to pick Jeff up at the airport as he flew in from Dallas. When we got home, Tiffani and I headed for the adjustment table. My feet and toes were so subluxated. But they were fixed and later that afternoon, I was off to see Marilyn.

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Today, I felt like I could breathe better...no pain.

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 145 and 150 F over the 45 minutes. Read a really interesting book about Detoxification while relaxing in the sauna today. I have to remember to get the title of it next time! Still love this box! I don't think I've mentioned how beautiful it smells in there...rich, warm like cedar.

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: My water was even lighter orange today and the tiniest bit of brown debris (liver) & black flecks (heavy metals) were released! No smell.

I hugged Marilyn when I left, as I always do. She is so sweet and caring. And speaks softly with conviction. She was wearing purple today...I love purple! I'm a sponge when I listen to all her knowledge.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009 ~ Today was pretty uneventful. I did all my "little things" ~ which a few of you have asked...

Q: What else are you doing at home to detoxify your body?

A: When I remember to do all of these things in a day it's a good thing...I've been (1) oil pulling, (2) neti potting, and (3) using American Botanical Pharmacy's Intestinal #1 and #2. According to the website: Intestinal #2 draws out old matter, toxins, poisons, bacteria, drug residues, mercury and lead. Intestinal #1 pushes everything through. I haven't been talking about the "results" of these little things for good reason! Hee hee!! That would be TMI (too much information!). (4) Green smoothies...if anyone is interested, email me and I'll send you a list of 70 recipes! (5) Taking liquid minerals in my alkalized water, which push toxins through the body. There are probably some other things, but that's all I can remember right now.

Back to TODAY! Wednesday, October 28, 2009 ~ Today I was determined to do my own grocery shopping. What normally takes me an hour, took 2 today. But I was victorious! :-) It was so fun to smile and help people in the stores again.

I was also able to make dinner and do a couple loads of laundry. And I'm looking forward to attending CBS tomorrow morning. I'm breathing well...about 90%. And have just mild bladder pain as my body continues to dump toxins. "Pink water" helps...alkalized water with a splash of 100% cranberry juice. I know I'm nearing the end of this chapter. :-)

I leave you with one of my "life verses"...

1 Thessalonians 5
16 Be joyful always;
17 pray continually;
18 give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Sisters...a poem

Marny sent me this beautiful poem last night...adding to my joy...

Sisters

I've never walked a mile in your shoes
Tasted the tears you've cried
I've never known the deepest longings
You hold inside
But I've had my share of disenchantments
Days when I've been so low
And I'm here to say no matter the heartache
You're not alone

I will be there with you
through all the joy and sorrow
I will be there to point you to the One
who holds each tomorrow

We are sisters, sisters in the Lord
Our faith in common, sisters in the Lord
No matter how the world defines us
Nothing can break the tie that binds us
We are sisters, In the Lord

We were all little girls at one time
Full of hopes and dreams
And now as we give ourselves we're learning
What love really means

Take my hand
I'll take yours
We'll reach together
For the hand of Our Lord

Day 20 ~ A Joyful Heart!

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!

The heavens are not too high, His praise may thither fly,

The earth is not too low, His praises there may grow.

Let all the world in every corner sing, my God and King!

~ George Herbert

Pictures from our backyard on this gorgeous October day...

Psalm 118:24 & 29

24This is the day which the LORD has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

29Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Day 19 ~ So Blessed...

2:53 PM ~ Not much to report today, which is a good thing! Woo woo!! A relaxing day ~ Breathing well as long as I don't talk! :-) Physically, I'm about 85-90%; energy level at 75-80%.

Thank you, Rick, for dropping off Angie's potato dumpling soup and chopped salad this afternoon...grandmother's recipe? Tiffani and I both say Yum Yum!! Would love this recipe, if it's not a family secret!

Lots of time in the Bible today. Word study on breath, which had me in Job, Isaiah, and the Psalms quite a bit! Here's a Psalm that touched my heart...

Psalm 33
Praise to the Creator and Preserver.

1Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming to the upright.

2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;

Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

3Sing to Him a new song;

Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

4For the word of the LORD is upright,

And all His work is done in faithfulness.

5He loves righteousness and justice;

The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.

6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,

And by the breath of His mouth all their host.

7He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;

He lays up the deeps in storehouses.

12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

13The LORD looks from heaven;

He sees all the sons of men;

14From His dwelling place He looks out

On all the inhabitants of the earth,

15He who fashions the hearts of them all,

He who understands all their works.

20Our soul waits for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

21For our heart rejoices in Him,

Because we trust in His holy name.

22Let Your lovingkindness, O LORD, be upon us,

According as we have hoped in You.

Day 18 - "Let It Go"

7:26 PM ~ Treatments went great this morning!

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Today, I felt a brief pain around my liver. And I watched a video on what this therapy does to increase circulation in the body, as well as "unstick" red blood cells and create an environment for the white blood cells to communicate better with the body. What amazing technology!

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 140 and 145 F over the 45 minutes. I love sitting in here...it's the one time during the day when I can breathe with no problems. And I sweat more today than I've ever sweat in my life! Yeah! Toxins are breaking through!

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: My water was a lighter orange today and less debris was released. The noticeable difference today was that there was no smell. Another Yeah! I left feeling rejuvenated and with a brighter outlook than I've had for the past 2 weeks.

I'd say at this time, I'm about 80%, maybe even close to 85%. Yippee!! I can breathe almost normally. And even take some deep breaths with no repercussions. No O2 Therapy today.

I had the blessing of a visit from one of my wisest friends and sisters this afternoon...thank you, Lyndi for sharing tea with me. She let me chat away. Part of this healing process is about "letting go" of stuff that my flesh still wants to take care of, but God is saying to "let it go." The more I spoke today with Lyndi, the more I was able to just "let go and let God." The Lord has seen me through this far and will be with me all the way. I pray that I can be obedient and let go of every person/entity by whom I've been wronged in this brief journey. Every day I get closer, today is my closest day of all to "keeping no record of wrongs." I don't care to be bitter. And I've learned sooooooo much through this experience that I can share with others!

Genesis 50:20 has continually come to mind over the past week or so:
20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive."
[To clarify my thoughts in regard to this verse...I solely reference the enemy. I don't believe for a moment that any person/entity "meant evil against me."]

Thank you, Barb and Kaleigh for stopping by with one of our favorite dinners! Wild salmon with rice and roasted peppers/onions. And such a special treat for you to share your Canadian tomatoes in that delicious salad. Can't forget the Rice Krispie Treats for dessert! So glad you were able to stay a few minutes. It was a very good day for me. Hope we're able to get out there and hike with you very soon.

Thank you, Leslie, for taking Tiffani to Chemistry today, feeding her (lunch), and for fruit from TJ's. And Bethany G., thank you for getting her home safely.

Prayer Requests:
- That I will continue to breathe normally without labor.
- That I will remember all the little things I need to do throughout the day to further my progress.

Praises:
- Jeff had a successful speaking engagement in Chicago and his flight today to Dallas was uneventful...he arrived safe and sound.

Day 12 - Goin' Fishin'

11:48 AM ~ Back home with Tiffani. Test done. Yeah! Now we wait one month for the results.

I survived driving and hanging around during test time...holding steady at 75%, so I'm hoping I'll feel even better after I eat something for more energy. :-)

So, all's well here. Thanks for checking in.

Our Family's GONE FISHIN' ~ On a REALLY BIG Boat!!
Details to come... :-)

Day 11 - Fruit and Flowers

7:20 AM ~ A brand new day...a day of new possibilities. :-)

I woke up praying for the woman who shocked me with the message she left on my cell phone yesterday. It dawned on me that it's probably just her nature...some people are just more empathetic than others.

God is so good to have always pressed His message from 1 Corinthians 13 on my heart...Love keeps no record of wrongs...so I'm blessed this morning to move forward in love and joy. And I pray that I meet this woman in-person someday (I don't know her, nor have I ever met, seen or spoken with her) and give her a hug. Because I'm a hugger. :-)

And it's a good lesson for all of us in addressing someone who is ill. We better pray for the fruit of the Spirit to overflow out of us before our encounter with them OR before leaving them a phone message, because an ill person needs our: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control (Gal 5:22-23). They don't need to be told a list of things they already know. They don't care about our agenda. They are caught in their own little world of hurt and healing for a while. They need to know that you are concerned for them...and that you love them. That is all. So simple.

And onto Flowers...I forgot to mention the beautiful flowers I received on Tuesday! I have them both on my bedside table.
The first to come in are from Leslie...pretty little purple flowers. They have a name (campanula get mee), but I just call them "my purple flowers." I love all purple flowers...they always catch my eye and cheer me up. There are lots of perfect little flowers on each stem and the stems are "wild" ~ shooting everywhich way out of the little container. I love them! They make me think Life and Vibrant Health.
The other flowers came in with dinner from Marny on Tuesday night. She told Tiffani she was hoping they'd be "Birthday flowers and not Get Well flowers." I love them, Marny, for any occasion. :-) They are little pink roses...2 in full bloom, 2 waiting for the perfect moment to burst forth with blossom and fragrance. The 2 that are open smell delicious. The petals are soft and their green leaves lush. They remind me to relax. Stop and smell the roses...

This morning's Prayer Request:
1. That driving again will be no issue. I know I have plenty of help getting Tiffani where she needs to go today, but I'm going to drop her off at CoOp classes, because I have to go to my Treatment appointment right after anyway.
2. My largest request...Please begin praying for Tiffani's CHSPE test tomorrow. She only needs to take the math section to pass. And I've been a huge burden to her these 2 weeks leading up to this test. Interrupting study time, etc. Lord, I pray that you will cover any question she encounters that would have been studied for had she not been attending to me. A friend also mentioned the stress of knowing an ill mother is waiting for while she is taking the test on top of general test stress will need to be overcome...she said she knows from her own experience. So I pray for His guidance and wisdom over Tiffani...she'll be sitting for the test at 8:30 AM.

I'm feeling well this morning...I'd say about 50%. Breathing is good. Still pulling thin, slippery stuff from my lungs. Brain seems clear. Will update after my treatments today.

Q. Have you been running a fever?

A. I was until a couple days ago. Between 100.5 and 102.2. My temperature was normal yesterday when I checked. Haven't checked today.

7:32 PM ~

Treatments went great today! Marilyn is wonderful.

1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: Again, didn't physically feel a lot with this one. Today, I felt a pulsing a few times around the area of my right foot injury last April.

2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: I was in the sauna for 45 minutes. The temperature hovered between 140 and 145 F over the 45 minutes. Marilyn checked on me throughout this time. Again the warmth felt beautiful to me. I barely perspired the last time. This time, I was excreting some toxins. :-) Still not a full-sweat, but I'm working up to that.

3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: By the end, my water was about the same color as last time indicating the same things are still being released from my body, but there was a noticeable decrease in the amount of debris. The stench was worse today...more chemicals.

I left feeling relaxed and about 65%, as the day has gone along and I've continue to drink my special water with minerals, and eat, I'd say at this time, I'm at least 75% Yippee!!

A big thank you for another great dinner! DeLora you are so sweet. I think you're the only one I've actually seen during a meal drop, so that was really special. And just so you know, Tiffani had seconds. :-) I loved the spinach salad...I personally can't use dressing right now, but it was delicious with the sweet strawberries and almonds.

I thank God for all of you. I really can't find the words to thank all of you enough for seeing my family and me through all of this with your prayers, encouragement, and practical help. I pray that you are all happy and healthy.

Much love...Traci :-)

Day 8 Part II - Answers Beyond The Asked...

9:47 AM ~ Looks like we may not have to drive to Riverside after all. Jeff heard back from the practitioner in Rancho Mirage and it looks like I can see her at 10:30 this morning. Praying that this all works out. I don't know if it's actually raining in Riverside, but it's gorgeous here...lots of blue sky. So thankful to avoid 1hour + drive made longer by the rain.

7:30 PM ~ I think it was the hand of God keeping us from driving to Riverside today. As we drove towards Rancho Mirage this morning, the pass was completely socked in with weather and clouds. And wait until you hear the rest of the story!

When we sat down with Marilyn Miller, N.C. today, she apologized for not being able to get back to us sooner and expressed that she was glad we didn't have to drive into Riverside. She told us that she'd been called out of state for a family medical emergency and thought she'd only be away for 2-3 days. Her 2-3 days turned into 2 months and she just came back last night. She heard Jeff's urgent messages and contacted him for my appointment this morning. I am so thankful for all of your prayers. God heard them and sent her home for me. And I told her I thought exactly that when our appointment was over.

[Jeff called the practitioner in Riverside to let her know we'd gotten a call from someone out here. She was very kind, said she was glad I didn't have to be driven so far, and that she prayed that I would recover very soon. Lord, I ask that you bless her 10-fold for her sweet heart.]

We had a consultation. I filled her in on my last 2 weeks' acute history and my overall state of health prior to these conditions. She explained how toxins are stored in the body...normally choosing fat first, but due to my low body-fat %, my toxins would find my organs and joints. Interestingly, I had been having some joint pain since Saturday in my fingers and feet. Based on my history, she discussed the 3 treatments she thought would be best for my conditions.

Below I'm listing each of the therapies / their specific benefits / my reaction to them

1. Cell Energy Therapy -
Benefits: Every disease starts with an energy deficiency (ATP) in the cell. The most important basis for the efficacy of BEMER application is a significant improvement in the body's micro-circulation. As a result, utilization of oxygen in the cells increases and the body increases production of its own energy supplier (ATP). The organism becomes more stable and efficient. Toxins and waste products are more rapidly broken down. The body's natural regulatory mechanisms are reinforced and healing processes accelerated. Micro-circulation refers to the flow of blood through an organism's billions of tiny blood vessels. It is the most vital part of human blood circulation. It is here where the entire exchange of substances between the blood and the surrounding tissues (cells) takes place.

Reaction: Didn't physically feel a lot with this one, just an occasional painless zing in my fingertips. This was meant to prepare my cells for the 2 therapies that followed.

2. Infrared Sauna -
Benefits: Infrared heat is the only heat that penetrates deep enough and hot enough to melt subcutaneous fat, which is where the body stores dangerous toxins and acids, and literally shakes them lose so they can be directly expelled safely out of the body through our sweat. Perspiration removes many chemicals and heavy metals from the body.

Reaction: (first of all...that's NOT me in the picture to the left!) I was in the sauna for 45 minutes. The door opened easily from the inside so I could get out unaided if need be. The temperature hovered between 135 and 140 F over the 45 minutes. Marilyn checked on me throughout this time and made sure I knew that if I couldn't handle the whole 45 minutes, I should come out. Well, let me tell you! It was the most incredible treatment. With all the pain I'd experienced the preceeding week, this warmth felt beautiful to me. Like an intensely hot, dry summer desert day.

Marilyn had mentioned that this type of heat penetrates 1-1/2 inches into the body. Since again, little fat, it would penetrate my organs and begin a toxin release. Staying in the whole 45 minutes was easy. I could feel life returning to my brain and body throughout the time I was in there. When the time was up, I opened the door and a bit of cool air came in. I let myself get used to the change in temperature. Marilyn handed me a bottle of water to spray on my extremeties and core to cool down. She asked if I was light-headed or dizzy. I was neither. I was in awe. I walked out, looked at Jeff, and said "My brain is awake!" And I cried. What a relief.

I wish we would have video taped me walking in, then walking out. It was remarkable. Walk in hunched over and ashen, walked out alert and glowing.

I rested for about 10 minutes before beginning the third treatment, to make sure that I wanted to attempt all three today.

3. Sea-Onic Footbath
Benefits: An ion (as found in the ion foot bath is a charged atom that has gained or lost an electron, thus creating a magnetic field capable of neutralizing oppositely-charged particles (in the case of the foot bath, toxins in the human body). In my own words: the ionization is like a magnet that attracts the toxins of the body through the pores of the feet. We knew this therapy worked, as Jeff's dad had used it successfully in Canada. Marilyn also said that cleanses the lymphatic system and at this time I still have its cleansing power working in me, up to three days.

Reaction: This was so soothing...soaking my feet as this ionizer did its thing. About 10 minutes into it, the water started turning a bit yellow. By the end, my water was orange-brown with black flecks.
Orange - joint toxicity
Brown - eliminative organ toxicity (kidneys & liver); cellular debris
Black flecks - indicates heavy metals
I was happy to see all that stuff in the water and out of me! Jeff had a footbath today too. His was not even close to mine. His water didn't stink and had no black flecks. Mine smelled like skunk! Marilyn said it was from the chemical toxicity.

While I was there, I drank 4 glasses of an alkalized water. Marilyn sent me home with 3 gallons of water, each a different alkalinity for each day before I see her again on Friday. I will have all 3 treatments again.

I was told to rest when I got home, so I climbed in bed and it was the most comfortable feeling bed I'd felt in a week. My body was sooooooooo relaaaaxed, but my brain was "pedal to the metal," so I couldn't sleep at all. So I lay there. Tiffani came in for a bit and we chatted for a short while.

I'd been coughing pretty continuously for the last 3 days or so, bringing up a very thin, slimy substance that tasted horrible...more of the chemical, we suspect. It is so thin that I actually can't expel it from my mouth, and have to swallow it. Yuck! I just pray that my better functioning organs will now take care of it properly without getting bogged down. This coughing came up a few times in the sauna as well and I could really feel the substance in there.

It's 8 hours now since my treatments. I have only the occasional cough at this time. I coughed much more earlier in the day when I came home. No headaches. My brain is clear. I feel more agile. No pain in any organ. I had an appetite and was able to eat a good portion of Marny's thoughtful dinner gift tonight...roasted chicken and Greek salad. I feel my energy returning, I pray for strength as well.

Thank you, Marny and Preston, for bringing us a beautiful dinner. And thank you, Leslie, Hannah, Zack, and Gracie for stopping by with some items from Trader Joe's.

Jeff will check my spine just before I go to bed...that should be interesting to see if he needs to adjust me as much tonight.

I have a thing or two more to share, but I know what I've put in this already lengthy post is the most important. And my brain/body are coming closer together speed for speed. So think I'm ready to sleep.

Thank you all for your persistent prayers. This ordeal would be so much more difficult without you. I realized last night with all the prayer lists that I've been put on, at least a thousand people have been praying for me throughout the world. That leaves me humbled and thankful.

I LOVE YOU ALL.

Joy! (I can say this in all truth of the word)
Traci :-)