BirthChoice Project

Tiffani was assigned a Benevolence Project last month wherein she was to learn about a charitable organization, create a goal to contribute her own time/talent/treasure, and write a report about her experience. She chose BirthChoice of the Desert and will add a brief synopsis of her report to this post very soon. She met her monetary goal and donated 2 baby blankets as well. Tiffani donated a fleece blanket. And a big thank you and hug to Andi, who crocheted a beautiful blanket that Tiffani could give!

Baby items given to new moms in need.

Each new mom receives a bag of goodies and diapers for her precious baby.

Tiffani showing Andi's beautiful blanket.











Tiffani meeting with Patty Stringer...BirthChoice's Director.

Tiffani sharing with her class about her experience with BirthChoice.

Luke 18:16-17
But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

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 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!

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

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

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.

Day 25 - BBQ Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

My best day yet! A little slow-going in the morning still, but around 1 PM I felt more normal than I've felt in a long time and it just kept getting better throughout the day! Woo woo!!

Ventured out to Harvest Health for a few things. Picked up Coconut Flour and a great cookbook for baking with it: Cooking with Coconut Flour: A Delicious Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Alternative to Wheat I also bought organic red grapes. Yum Yum! We love organic grapes...no strange coating left in your mouth after eating them. And these were so crunchy.

Made Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Baked Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon for dinner. Here are the easy recipes:

Crockpot BBQ Chicken

1. Place 1-2 pounds of your favorite pieces of chicken in the crockpot.
2. Pour 3/4 cup or so of BBQ sauce over the top. (We love Trader Joe's BBQ sauce for a prepared sauce.)
3. Cook on low for 5-1/2 hours.
4. Serve as is right from the crockpot or pour a little more warmed-up BBQ sauce on top per your preference.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

with Honey and Cinnamon

8 small to medium sized sweet potatoes
2 T butter **
2 T pecans, chopped
1 T honey, raw
cinnmon, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Place sweet potatoes on a cookie tray and place in oven.
3. Bake for 45 minutes.
4. Slice sweet potatoes open and put contents into a serving bowl.
5. Place 2 T butter and 2 T chopped pecans into a small sauce pot. Melt butter and coat pecans.
6. Take sauce pot off the heat. After a couple minutes add 1 T (or to taste) raw honey and stir.
7. Add cinnamon to taste. I used 3 shakes.
8. Pour honey-cinnamon sauce over sweet potatoes and stir until well combined. Let sit for about 5 minutes before serving, so sauce infuses with the potatoes. They will remain plenty hot for serving.

**Healthier and tasty option: Substitute 2 T flaxseed oil for the butter. Do not heat.

As we head into the cooler weather, I'd love hear about any easy Crock Pot Recipes you have. Post here or send me an email. :-)

Day 24 - A Little Heaven on Earth

I was able to attend my Bible study this morning for the first time in 3 weeks. The first 30 minutes were difficult energy- and breathing-wise and thoughts went through my mind to just go home. But I knew I was where I needed to be and stayed put. :-)

My small group as well as others were so sweet. I want to thank Kristi, Susie, Nancy, Joann, Phyllis, Heather, Karin, Margaret, Melissa, Karen, Jacquie, Michelle, Patty, Lilian, and Liz (and any other CBS attendees whom I didn't speak with today) for their prayers over the last few weeks and their kindness today. It was Luncheon Day and the ladies made a beautiful salad. Again, I was fed healthy things, both physically and spiritually. I left refreshed and thankful I'd gotten out of the door this morning.

A special thank you to Gina, who saw me before I even walked in the door. Simply the love in her eyes brought me to tears. I've had lots of tears of joy and thankfulness over the weeks, which cover those of pain. :-) God is sooooooo good!

After the study, Tiffani and I were off to Marilyn's...
1. Cell Energy Therapy - Reaction: I nearly fell asleep.
2. Infrared Sauna - Reaction: The temperature hovered between 145 and 150 F over the 45 minutes. Finished that really interesting book about Detoxification while relaxing in the sauna today. Perspired profusely...yeah!
3. Sea-Ionic Footbath - Reaction: Acckk! (to steal a Charlie Brown exclamation)...my water was black as tar. Bizarre to see, but we now know that the liver is able to do its job and that my joints and other organs are mostly cleansed of their toxicity.

We were back home and had dinner with Jeff. Then Reverence Club (a theology book club for teens) met in our home this evening. One of Tiffani's friends leads the group. When the kids are discussing, the moms have a little time together. I feel like I've been so deprived of people for the last few weeks, that I felt like I was in heaven today!

Evenings have been the best part of my day for at least a week now...so what a blessing it was to share an evening with my sisters! Phyllis, Debbi, Linda, Sherrill, Yvonne, Bethany and Melissa: Thank you all for being so sweet and caring and letting me share what God's been doing and for making me laugh and for hugs. :-) It was so good to see all of you! I've missed you.

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.

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.

Easy Homemade Broccoli Soup

Have to share this EASY recipe with you for homemade broccoli soup!

1 hand-sized cluster of fresh Broccoli, broken into florets (slice & use stem too)
1/2 Onion, sliced or diced
1 cup+ Vegetable Broth
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. When broccoli and onions are ready, pour the broccoli then onions into your Vitamix.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the Vitamix until the liquid comes to the 1 cup mark.
5. Mix on speed 5-6 for about 30 seconds...until all ingredients are combined.
6. Pour into a bowl and add about 10 drops of Bragg's Liquid Aminos. Stir and eat!
Serves 1-2.

Delicious!

Other Options:
- I think the next time I have avocado in the house, I'm going to add 1/2 an avocado to make it even creamier.
- I was also thinking about dicing some Grape Tomatoes (or Red Peppers) and tossing them in for nutrtion & color.

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 10 - Eustachian Tubes & DRIVING

10:25 AM ~ Feeling well this morning! One strange thing to the report. Around 6 this morning, I was lying on my left side and my left ear painlessly popped. Moments later I felt a burning sensation on the top of the soft roof of my mouth. I could feel something sitting up there...then it slid to the back of my throat. A little glob of gunk. Seems even my eustachian tubes want to play now. Glad they released what needed to come out and it was so easy. Whew!

Prayer request!
Safety and awareness as I DRIVE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 11 DAYS! I will ride with Jeff to the airport. And drive back to pick up Tiffani from her activity this morning. It will be a good test for me. I'm taking my Apple Kale Green Smoothie along for the ride, as it was incredible last night! I was so AWAKE, I just wanted to chat all night long. Hee hee!! Happy cells! Talking too much takes my breath away still, so Jeff and Tiffani helped me keep my talking to a minimum.

8:11 PM ~ Morning was great...drove with no problems. Green Smoothie at hand. Felt alert...driving is kind of automatic now at this age, I guess. Had brief birthday visit from Dani and Chloe. So glad to see Chloe moving about after chiro care. :-) Praying for you sweet girl!

Had very emotional couple of hours this afternoon...first difficult "emotional" day since this whole thing began...instigated from an outside source. Nothing to do with my healing although I know to hold anything about it can affect my healing. So I've prayed it away. :-) Jeff is my hero and I know he took care of it. Thank you, Hunny.

Thank you to Shannon and Kendra for bringing our meal this evening. It was perfect. Our very own Egg Casserole and a beautifully prepared salad with broccoli...how did you know I'd been craving broccoli?? I was going to make fresh broccoli soup today, but was too tired.

Just had my O2 Treatment. Off to bed. I feel very tired tonight. Lost another pound...106. Looking forward to my treatments tomorrow!

Jeff arrived safely...thank you for praying travel mercies over him.