The Lord really gave us some annointed worship last night. See, I'm a soprano on the worship team -- been "off duty" since October when I got re-injured and just started back up about 5 weeks ago -- but I don't normally have a very strong voice. Usually, I just blend with the other soprano(s). However, last night I was the main soprano (have been quite a lot lately). Worship leader is an Alto, can falsetto soprano, but not lots of volume. Last night, again, I asked for prayer for my sining voice -- we were so exhausted from working through D's storage all day right up till time for showers and church! God annointed! It was cool!!
God blessed so much yesterday, even while doing storage. I was thinking, "oh I don't want to type it all," but I need to praise the Lord for what He did, so here goes:
1. My kids were done with their schoolwork by 10:30 am!
2. D had kids she was supposed to babysit at 1:00. One has a broken leg, so we would not have been able to continue working on storage. Those kids cancelled, but another family called. The other family loves helping with cleaning, etc. The dad dropped them right at the storage units for us, and they were a super help!
3. Another friend "just happened to be down in town" and called and offered her help because she "figured we would be at storage." (Is that God or what?) She didn't do much but keep me company, but I certainly appreciated that (I'm not much use at storage cuz' of my leg) -- however, she brought her 16 year old daughter (one of my daughter's closest friends) who is a HUGE helper!
4. I was Actually Able to Help!! Both riding cart and electric wheel chair were in the van. They were unloaded to be able to load the van fully. My littlest one, who is also not much use at storage generally, and I went to a nearby restaurant and picked up food for our crew -- me driving the cart and her walking. I tried to go through drive-through, but they wouldn't let me (Ha! Ha!) But I hadn't brought my crutches!! They were very accomodating, though. They held the doors, etc. and even the patrons were very helpful. One fellow gave up his seat, so that I could gain access to the only easily-accessable plug in. The cook even gave us extra food because he messed up part of the order.
5. My eldest spied loose rubber on D's tire, thus preventing a probable very serious accident. This is actually two praises -- one that Dustie hadn't been in an accident already with the amount of driving she does, and two that she knew about it, so she didn't go up the River Road last night to church and probably end up in the River!!!
6. Because of all the help, the storage unit probably only has 2 loads left in it. She should be able to be out well-within the time-frame, thus saving her $85+ a month! (Prayer issue: Her house and van are full. She has to do some major sorting & tossing before we can get anything into either!)
Phew! I think that's it!! Sorry about all the "!!!" but it was that kind of day!!! :)
Blessings,
Sharron
JAMSGems4U My name is Sharron Long. I'm an author with 3 published cookbooks, a home schooling mom and a house parent at a Christian youth ranch. I'm interested in health and family related things. I write mostly recipes for folks with allergies. We've gone through various stages, so you'll have to check the individual recipe for what it covers. Check back often because I'm constantly adding to my recipes here! All recipes are cSharron Long and Adams Media.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Praise Report!!
I have a praise report! :)
Let's see, first I tithed and gave our missions offerings. Then I roughed out our budget, and I wrote an email to my prayer group about our need $$. Then, I called SSA and found out the REAL reason I was denied was because we make too much $$ (by -$400 a month) and I didn't work the right amount during the right timeframe.
While I was sitting there listening to her tell me the real reason, I doodled a picture. I figured it would be easier to attach than describe. See how the first one is all shakey & wobbly and even a bit broken? When I got off the phone, I saw that and decided to draw a more "victorious" picture. I drew the 2nd. If you can't make it out, the word the big, muscular cross is smashing is "bills" -- this time it's the bills that are shakey and wobbly and Smashed! ("Denise" is the lady from SSA, fyi.)
So, nothing had really been accomplished, except, I think, a change in my mindset because of the doodle!
I hopped (remember, I'm on crutches) out to the living room because I'd been called for lunch. I ate my food and the phone rang. It was the finance lady from the hospital. See, we'd qualified for a reduction in payments, but we still owed well over $1000++ from my ER visits before I got insurance in January and continuing co-insurances. We've been paying $128.96 each month. She called to let me know she'd caught some more of my bills coming through the system, and that I'd sure been in there a lot lately. While we were talking, I told her that Dan is having surgery next month, & I don't qualify for SSA because we made too much by -$400. I asked if we could combine the accounts. She started talking then stopped short. She kind of sucked in her breath and asked, "How many people are there in your family? And how much is your gross income?"
She then told me they'd had a revision of their income guidelines and that we now qualify for a FULL WRITE-OFF!!! She's sending me the paperwork, so we will no longer have that bill! We won't get anything back that I've already paid (pooh), but I don't have to pay it this month!!
Talk about immediate answer to prayer :) :) :)
And, Jess' first orthodontist appt went just fine. The bill is paid-in-full -- ended up saving 25%. We have about $150 left from the $$ Dad gave us. Dan has a broken tooth, and with our discount card, I'm hopeful that will cover fixing it.
We also spoke to B last night and can really tell God is moving on his family!! Now, his maternal grandmother has been "on board" with the plan to move him here since she learned of it. She's even willing to help him financially to do so. She's a lovely Christian lady and is excited about him having the opportunity to get a fresh start and a ministry. His mother, sister and father have been giving him grief, though.
Well, yesterday, he spoke with his mom again. Apparently, Grandma had given her a call and explained it all to her. Now, she's on board and gave B her blessing! Woo Hoo! His dad even backed off yesterday. He's still unhappy, but resigned to the fact it is going to happen.
Thank you, God!! Prayer changes things and people!!
Poor B had to work from 1am till nearly mid-night last night. He called me about 9:15 almost in full-meltdown. He was so exhausted and frustrated, but I prayed with him. He felt better immediately and was able to quickly finish his work and head home. However, he is fully ready for us to come get him "tomorrow!"
Also, there is the problem of $$ for gas for the trip to get him. My friends's wheelchair van is a large consumer, so it will cost about $150 for the gas. God has provided that as well. I expect them to go Friday afternoon and come back either Saturday or Sunday. Please keep praying, as she'll be taking my children to help B pack up his stuff and load it. The little ones will go to keep B company while he drives in his car. J will be the muscles to help my friend with the packing and keep her company on the ride home!
Thanks again for praying!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Let's see, first I tithed and gave our missions offerings. Then I roughed out our budget, and I wrote an email to my prayer group about our need $$. Then, I called SSA and found out the REAL reason I was denied was because we make too much $$ (by -$400 a month) and I didn't work the right amount during the right timeframe.
While I was sitting there listening to her tell me the real reason, I doodled a picture. I figured it would be easier to attach than describe. See how the first one is all shakey & wobbly and even a bit broken? When I got off the phone, I saw that and decided to draw a more "victorious" picture. I drew the 2nd. If you can't make it out, the word the big, muscular cross is smashing is "bills" -- this time it's the bills that are shakey and wobbly and Smashed! ("Denise" is the lady from SSA, fyi.)
So, nothing had really been accomplished, except, I think, a change in my mindset because of the doodle!
I hopped (remember, I'm on crutches) out to the living room because I'd been called for lunch. I ate my food and the phone rang. It was the finance lady from the hospital. See, we'd qualified for a reduction in payments, but we still owed well over $1000++ from my ER visits before I got insurance in January and continuing co-insurances. We've been paying $128.96 each month. She called to let me know she'd caught some more of my bills coming through the system, and that I'd sure been in there a lot lately. While we were talking, I told her that Dan is having surgery next month, & I don't qualify for SSA because we made too much by -$400. I asked if we could combine the accounts. She started talking then stopped short. She kind of sucked in her breath and asked, "How many people are there in your family? And how much is your gross income?"
She then told me they'd had a revision of their income guidelines and that we now qualify for a FULL WRITE-OFF!!! She's sending me the paperwork, so we will no longer have that bill! We won't get anything back that I've already paid (pooh), but I don't have to pay it this month!!
Talk about immediate answer to prayer :) :) :)
And, Jess' first orthodontist appt went just fine. The bill is paid-in-full -- ended up saving 25%. We have about $150 left from the $$ Dad gave us. Dan has a broken tooth, and with our discount card, I'm hopeful that will cover fixing it.
We also spoke to B last night and can really tell God is moving on his family!! Now, his maternal grandmother has been "on board" with the plan to move him here since she learned of it. She's even willing to help him financially to do so. She's a lovely Christian lady and is excited about him having the opportunity to get a fresh start and a ministry. His mother, sister and father have been giving him grief, though.
Well, yesterday, he spoke with his mom again. Apparently, Grandma had given her a call and explained it all to her. Now, she's on board and gave B her blessing! Woo Hoo! His dad even backed off yesterday. He's still unhappy, but resigned to the fact it is going to happen.
Thank you, God!! Prayer changes things and people!!
Poor B had to work from 1am till nearly mid-night last night. He called me about 9:15 almost in full-meltdown. He was so exhausted and frustrated, but I prayed with him. He felt better immediately and was able to quickly finish his work and head home. However, he is fully ready for us to come get him "tomorrow!"
Also, there is the problem of $$ for gas for the trip to get him. My friends's wheelchair van is a large consumer, so it will cost about $150 for the gas. God has provided that as well. I expect them to go Friday afternoon and come back either Saturday or Sunday. Please keep praying, as she'll be taking my children to help B pack up his stuff and load it. The little ones will go to keep B company while he drives in his car. J will be the muscles to help my friend with the packing and keep her company on the ride home!
Thanks again for praying!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Update on B and hubby 4-24
Hi there,
I realized it has been several days since I've done an update on my friends's nephew, B. Remember, the essence of his disability is that he's extremely easily swayed by "whomever is in his face!"
Well, he told his dad that he's moving here to get a fresh start, and his dad started "playing the martyr" and got B very upset. He was telling him things like "oh if you leave, I'll just die" and blubbering and crying and getting his cronies to do the same. Then told him more lies about his aunts. Very manipulative :(
B was so upset when he called us last evening. But we reminded him WWJD -- I actually had him write it on his wrist so that he could look at it when he's being verbally accosted!! We prayed with him a couple of times, and had him work this thing through in his own mind with us just using guiding questions. We discussed what it would be like for him if he stays where he is vs. coming to live here. We pointed out that Jesus said that he will reward those who leave friends, home and family for his sake will be rewarded 10 fold. In reality, that is what he would be doing.
He was much more at peace when we finished talking and praying with him. We intend to go get him very soon, but I wanted to know what his feeling was. I asked him, "B, when would you like to leave there and come here?" I told him to answer as if this were a perfect world and there were no obligations, etc. I wanted to know his heart... He said, "Tomorrow!" Please continue to pray for him to be stong. It just breaks my heart that so many people who "love him" are just using him and manipulating him for their own ends...
Next topic:
I think I mentioned that hubby's hernia has popped through AGAIN! This will be the 3rd time this one has been repaired. He saw a surgeon yesterday and surgery is scheduled for May 11. Guess he's going to have to have a pretty large incision this time...
Also, my eldest goes for her first orthodontics appointment today. Praise God we have the $$ for it! Please pray for our finances, though, as we've used all the rest of our savings on my medical bills and related expenses. I haven't even started PT yet and that is going to be pretty expensive plus D's surgery. Our current expenses exceed our current income by around $1500 a month. Even if I "could" work, I've been forbidden by my doc and also was denied by social security. Trusting the Lord for an answer!
Blessings,
Sharron
I realized it has been several days since I've done an update on my friends's nephew, B. Remember, the essence of his disability is that he's extremely easily swayed by "whomever is in his face!"
Well, he told his dad that he's moving here to get a fresh start, and his dad started "playing the martyr" and got B very upset. He was telling him things like "oh if you leave, I'll just die" and blubbering and crying and getting his cronies to do the same. Then told him more lies about his aunts. Very manipulative :(
B was so upset when he called us last evening. But we reminded him WWJD -- I actually had him write it on his wrist so that he could look at it when he's being verbally accosted!! We prayed with him a couple of times, and had him work this thing through in his own mind with us just using guiding questions. We discussed what it would be like for him if he stays where he is vs. coming to live here. We pointed out that Jesus said that he will reward those who leave friends, home and family for his sake will be rewarded 10 fold. In reality, that is what he would be doing.
He was much more at peace when we finished talking and praying with him. We intend to go get him very soon, but I wanted to know what his feeling was. I asked him, "B, when would you like to leave there and come here?" I told him to answer as if this were a perfect world and there were no obligations, etc. I wanted to know his heart... He said, "Tomorrow!" Please continue to pray for him to be stong. It just breaks my heart that so many people who "love him" are just using him and manipulating him for their own ends...
Next topic:
I think I mentioned that hubby's hernia has popped through AGAIN! This will be the 3rd time this one has been repaired. He saw a surgeon yesterday and surgery is scheduled for May 11. Guess he's going to have to have a pretty large incision this time...
Also, my eldest goes for her first orthodontics appointment today. Praise God we have the $$ for it! Please pray for our finances, though, as we've used all the rest of our savings on my medical bills and related expenses. I haven't even started PT yet and that is going to be pretty expensive plus D's surgery. Our current expenses exceed our current income by around $1500 a month. Even if I "could" work, I've been forbidden by my doc and also was denied by social security. Trusting the Lord for an answer!
Blessings,
Sharron
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Had an opportunity to speak with my friend's nephew...
I was able to speak with B a couple of times yesterday over the phone. The 2nd conversation we had quite a bit of time together (about an hour?) and I was able to share with him about the Armor of God (Eph. 6:9-18) and how important I've found it to be to actively put it on DAILY! We went through the scripture line by line and discussed it thoroughly, then we had a really good prayer time together. He shared with me that he'd been told by a pastor when he was in Bible College (I didn't know he'd been!) that he was called to Youth Ministry. Then he remarked that the calling was probably gone. Then I was able to share with him Romans 11:29. I like how the message puts it:
"God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded."
He said, "but we can walk away from God and negate that call." I then asked him what would happen when we come back to God in light of that scripture. "The call would come back!"
I really feel like, if nothing else, B is going to be more detrermined to live his life for Jesus, not just for a paycheck. I did share with him about my father. He was called into ministry, but never fulfilled that calling. He was a nice guy, had friends and lived paycheck to paycheck his whole life. He didn't ever get serious about Jesus until 2 weeks before he passed on. I told B that I didn't want that for him, to which he agreed.
I, also, shared with him, just before we hung up, that whether or not we are serving Jesus, God is going to use us. At that point he got this "oh maybe I can get out of this!" attitude in his voice because he hadn't properly heard how I'd finished my sentence... I had said, "Yea, he can use you like he did Peter or like he did Judas!" When he caught what I said, he said, "Oh, I want to be used like Peter or John, not like Judas Iscariot!!" And we talked about it just a bit to make sure it went past his short term memory (his primary disability is short-term memory loss.)
Please keep praying. We are going to try to get him to come do a job search here -- I think my friend is going to talk to him about it today.
Blessings,
Sharron
"God's gifts and God's call are under full warranty—never canceled, never rescinded."
He said, "but we can walk away from God and negate that call." I then asked him what would happen when we come back to God in light of that scripture. "The call would come back!"
I really feel like, if nothing else, B is going to be more detrermined to live his life for Jesus, not just for a paycheck. I did share with him about my father. He was called into ministry, but never fulfilled that calling. He was a nice guy, had friends and lived paycheck to paycheck his whole life. He didn't ever get serious about Jesus until 2 weeks before he passed on. I told B that I didn't want that for him, to which he agreed.
I, also, shared with him, just before we hung up, that whether or not we are serving Jesus, God is going to use us. At that point he got this "oh maybe I can get out of this!" attitude in his voice because he hadn't properly heard how I'd finished my sentence... I had said, "Yea, he can use you like he did Peter or like he did Judas!" When he caught what I said, he said, "Oh, I want to be used like Peter or John, not like Judas Iscariot!!" And we talked about it just a bit to make sure it went past his short term memory (his primary disability is short-term memory loss.)
Please keep praying. We are going to try to get him to come do a job search here -- I think my friend is going to talk to him about it today.
Blessings,
Sharron
Monday, April 09, 2007
Having a rough day -- forgot to put on my armor!!
This has been an extremely rough day! Woke up not feeling well, had a snack mid-morning and ended up with an allergic reaction to part of it = MIGRAINE!! Grumpy with the kids, lost a special jewelry-making job I was really excited about completing...
Then I realized -- I hadn't put on my Armor of God this morning! Du-uh!!!
I did that (twice!) and I feel a little better... still very, very beat up. Hoping a nap will help my head and that the person with the jewelry order will re-consider.
Father God, we are in need of a miracle!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Then I realized -- I hadn't put on my Armor of God this morning! Du-uh!!!
I did that (twice!) and I feel a little better... still very, very beat up. Hoping a nap will help my head and that the person with the jewelry order will re-consider.
Father God, we are in need of a miracle!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Saturday, March 31, 2007
God gave us a special blessing this morning
I had to go get some blood work done this morning, so I had to fast. Afterwards, my best friend and I went out to IHOP. While we were waiting for our food, my bloodsugar dropped really low. I was feeling really badly, so she prayed for me. Also, while we were there we were talking about Sunday School, the Lord, etc.
When we finished our meal and the gal was going to give us our tab, the hostess came to us and said, "oh no, these ladies' meal has been taken care of by the gentleman at the next table!" He wasn't there, but came back shortly, so we were able to thank him. He just said not to mention it and gave us an invitation to his church's big Easter celebration at the Portland Rose Garden.
I think it could have been a witnessing tool, but since he was sitting right next to my friend, I'm sure he must have heard us talking about the Lord, etc. I really think the Holy Spirit just spoke to his heart about being a blessing to us!
God is so good, and it is so terrific when His children heed His voice!!!
Blessings,
Sharron
When we finished our meal and the gal was going to give us our tab, the hostess came to us and said, "oh no, these ladies' meal has been taken care of by the gentleman at the next table!" He wasn't there, but came back shortly, so we were able to thank him. He just said not to mention it and gave us an invitation to his church's big Easter celebration at the Portland Rose Garden.
I think it could have been a witnessing tool, but since he was sitting right next to my friend, I'm sure he must have heard us talking about the Lord, etc. I really think the Holy Spirit just spoke to his heart about being a blessing to us!
God is so good, and it is so terrific when His children heed His voice!!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Cute Bunnies Photo!
This is a photograph of Violet (black otter rex) and Precious (we think broken smoke pearl Holland lop) snuggling together... so sweet!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Life goes on and God is still in Control!
I had a discouraging visit with my ND on Monday. After having such an upbeat on with my PA (PCP) last Thursday, it was a bit of a bummer! My PA was all smiles at me because I'm improving with my ankle and my BP had come down. Well, it was back up on Monday -- stress -- and my ND found a very noticible heart murmur. I'm not really sure what it all entails, but she was pretty upset.
I did find this article, which does seem to explain a LOT of what has been going on with me... http://www.consciouschoice.com/1995-98/cc093/hmd093.html
She also said my adrenals are shot (again), and was just generally not very happy with me (the state of my bod.)
Bottom line is I have to get "strict" with my daughter about preparing meals. She wants to go for the carby stuff, and I've just let her fix whatever she was willing to fix because it's already a big deal for her just to have to be cooking. Can't do that any more. We are going to have to do some better meal planning, and I've got to stop eating so much processed stuff (which is mostly what my daughter is willing/able to fix.) It is going to be a challenge. It isn't that she's got a bad attitude or anything, just she's overwhelmed from so much responsibility. Prayer appreciated!
Also, I discovered over the weekend that I'm lactose intollerant! Bah! Explains a lot though...
Oh, and my insurance has denied any more therapy with my ND -- gotta call and fight with them now!
...and life goes on, and God is still in Control!
I did find this article, which does seem to explain a LOT of what has been going on with me... http://www.consciouschoice.com/1995-98/cc093/hmd093.html
She also said my adrenals are shot (again), and was just generally not very happy with me (the state of my bod.)
Bottom line is I have to get "strict" with my daughter about preparing meals. She wants to go for the carby stuff, and I've just let her fix whatever she was willing to fix because it's already a big deal for her just to have to be cooking. Can't do that any more. We are going to have to do some better meal planning, and I've got to stop eating so much processed stuff (which is mostly what my daughter is willing/able to fix.) It is going to be a challenge. It isn't that she's got a bad attitude or anything, just she's overwhelmed from so much responsibility. Prayer appreciated!
Also, I discovered over the weekend that I'm lactose intollerant! Bah! Explains a lot though...
Oh, and my insurance has denied any more therapy with my ND -- gotta call and fight with them now!
...and life goes on, and God is still in Control!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Dental coupons and Blue chairs
WELL WELL WELL...
I have some "interesting" things to report!
Right after I typed an email to my online prayer group about our finances, I went out to tell the kids and Dustie that we are about $500 short of what we need for bills this payday. I don't have to pay it out right now, but I have to set aside part of the house payment and water bills because I can't pay them out of one check. I did leave us with a bit of grocery money... about $100.
I went into the living room, and while I was getting settled, Dustie asked for the phone book. Aaron started messing around with it after she had used it, and he started getting excited. He bounced over to me and said, "Mommy, will this help?!?"
He handed me a $500 coupon off Jessica's braces that we've been saving money to get...!
I called them this morning and we do qualify for the coupon, PLUS the Melaleuca Health Care card I have (one of those discount plans) is applicable to their office as well, and could save us anywhere from $350 to $1800!!! They'll let me know in the next couple of days what they exact discount is.
It doesn't meet the bills need directly, but certainly will help in the long run!
God does Cool Stuff, eh??
Also, we went shopping and I got everything we should need, except for a few odds and ends for my $100. The odds and ends should be covered by the survey and EBay $$ that trickles in.
PLUS......
I've been needing some new living room chairs. I have one that someone gave us that is sitting in the garage, but it is orange and I'm not too sure would look good in our living room. I was planning on just covering it...
When we first got married I fell in love with this rocker/recliner set, either in pink or blue, liking each color equally well. I had hoped to be able to get them with this tax return, but with the braces, etc., it just isn't going to happen.
WELL...
Yesterday after Aaron discovered the coupon, we got a call from some friends. She said they'd gotten a new couch and had ...
Can you guess???
...a matching pair of blue rocker recliners that she wanted to give to us. They are probably about a little over a year old. She gave Dustie the set that she purchased to replace these a little over a year ago.
"My God is so Great, so Strong and so Mighty, there's Nothing my God Cannot do!!"
Now, I'm just waiting on the scroll saw we are praying for, if it is His will ;)
I have some "interesting" things to report!
Right after I typed an email to my online prayer group about our finances, I went out to tell the kids and Dustie that we are about $500 short of what we need for bills this payday. I don't have to pay it out right now, but I have to set aside part of the house payment and water bills because I can't pay them out of one check. I did leave us with a bit of grocery money... about $100.
I went into the living room, and while I was getting settled, Dustie asked for the phone book. Aaron started messing around with it after she had used it, and he started getting excited. He bounced over to me and said, "Mommy, will this help?!?"
He handed me a $500 coupon off Jessica's braces that we've been saving money to get...!
I called them this morning and we do qualify for the coupon, PLUS the Melaleuca Health Care card I have (one of those discount plans) is applicable to their office as well, and could save us anywhere from $350 to $1800!!! They'll let me know in the next couple of days what they exact discount is.
It doesn't meet the bills need directly, but certainly will help in the long run!
God does Cool Stuff, eh??
Also, we went shopping and I got everything we should need, except for a few odds and ends for my $100. The odds and ends should be covered by the survey and EBay $$ that trickles in.
PLUS......
I've been needing some new living room chairs. I have one that someone gave us that is sitting in the garage, but it is orange and I'm not too sure would look good in our living room. I was planning on just covering it...
When we first got married I fell in love with this rocker/recliner set, either in pink or blue, liking each color equally well. I had hoped to be able to get them with this tax return, but with the braces, etc., it just isn't going to happen.
WELL...
Yesterday after Aaron discovered the coupon, we got a call from some friends. She said they'd gotten a new couch and had ...
Can you guess???
...a matching pair of blue rocker recliners that she wanted to give to us. They are probably about a little over a year old. She gave Dustie the set that she purchased to replace these a little over a year ago.
"My God is so Great, so Strong and so Mighty, there's Nothing my God Cannot do!!"
Now, I'm just waiting on the scroll saw we are praying for, if it is His will ;)
Monday, March 05, 2007
What About Apple Cider Vinegar? Some health benefits I’ve found.
Apple Cider Vinegar is one of those often misunderstood foods. It has been hailed as everything from a wonder-drug cure-all to a complete farce.
First of all, I want to clear up any misconceptions about what product I am talking about. I’m not referring to your run-of-the-mill basic store-bought clear amber colored apple cider vinegar. Rather, I’m speaking of golden-colored, cloudy, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Some claim to have the “mother of vinegar” in the bottle.
My experience suggests that as long as it is organic and unfiltered, it does not need to actually have the mother in the bottle.Originally, my doctor (ND) suggest I take apple cider vinegar as a digestive aid. As I started that program, I discovered some immediate health benefits:
1. Increased energy level.
2. Decreased appetite.
3. Better sleep quality.
That last one is a biggie! For someone with Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia, sleep is about the biggest issue there is!
As I’ve continued taking apple cider vinegar as a supplement, I’ve also noticed some other health benefits:
4. I’ve not caught a cold or any other viral illness during the time I’ve taken it. For me, though, this isn’t that big of a deal -- I rarely get “sick” that way! It has been a boon to my children, though! They are definitely healthier than the normal child because of their diet anyway, but they do get colds and flus on occasion. When they’ve been exposed, or appear to be coming down with something, I fix them apple cider vinegar as a hot drink. It really seems to make their symptoms lessen considerably!
5. If you’ve read much of my site at all, you will know that I’m a “candida survivor” -- I have had a bad case of candida in the past, but it is currently in remission. How I monitor my condition is by the spittle test method. My test has shown clear for the past year and a half, with one exception after I had to go off the low carb way of life briefly for a medical issue. Since starting the apple cider vinegar, my tests are so clear that within two minutes of doing it, there is not even any evidence in the cup that I’ve spat!
There are so many other health benefits from taking apple cider vinegar that I haven’t personally experienced. You can do a Google search for more great info!
First of all, I want to clear up any misconceptions about what product I am talking about. I’m not referring to your run-of-the-mill basic store-bought clear amber colored apple cider vinegar. Rather, I’m speaking of golden-colored, cloudy, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Some claim to have the “mother of vinegar” in the bottle.
My experience suggests that as long as it is organic and unfiltered, it does not need to actually have the mother in the bottle.Originally, my doctor (ND) suggest I take apple cider vinegar as a digestive aid. As I started that program, I discovered some immediate health benefits:
1. Increased energy level.
2. Decreased appetite.
3. Better sleep quality.
That last one is a biggie! For someone with Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia, sleep is about the biggest issue there is!
As I’ve continued taking apple cider vinegar as a supplement, I’ve also noticed some other health benefits:
4. I’ve not caught a cold or any other viral illness during the time I’ve taken it. For me, though, this isn’t that big of a deal -- I rarely get “sick” that way! It has been a boon to my children, though! They are definitely healthier than the normal child because of their diet anyway, but they do get colds and flus on occasion. When they’ve been exposed, or appear to be coming down with something, I fix them apple cider vinegar as a hot drink. It really seems to make their symptoms lessen considerably!
5. If you’ve read much of my site at all, you will know that I’m a “candida survivor” -- I have had a bad case of candida in the past, but it is currently in remission. How I monitor my condition is by the spittle test method. My test has shown clear for the past year and a half, with one exception after I had to go off the low carb way of life briefly for a medical issue. Since starting the apple cider vinegar, my tests are so clear that within two minutes of doing it, there is not even any evidence in the cup that I’ve spat!
There are so many other health benefits from taking apple cider vinegar that I haven’t personally experienced. You can do a Google search for more great info!
Tips for Successful Low Carb Eating
These are some of the things I’ve learned along the way:
1. Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you weigh 200 pounds then you should be drinking about 100 ounces of water daily.
2. Avoid the “low carb junk food!” Once, very recently, I had an “attack of the bloat monster” as a friend so aptly put it and gained 20 pounds literally overnight after eating some of this low carb “food.” I’m talking about the chips, candies, cookies, meal replacement bars, etc. Personally, I don’t have any problem with low carb bread, tortillas and flavored pork rinds, but see tip #3 for further explanation.
3. Limit low carb foods that are “starch replacements.” Low carb breads, pastas and tortillas make this way of life a lot easier, but don’t fall back into old habits of eating them daily! I find I can have each of these foods approximately once a week and still lose weight and feel great.
4. Eat lots of real, fresh food! Eat until you are satisfied and don’t go hungry. Try to buy the best quality, freshest food available. I am very fortunate that I have a friend who is an organic egg farmer. I find I feel best when I buy bacon and sausage without nitrates and other preservatives.
5. Be aware of “carb creep.” It is really easy to start eating a bit of this and a bite of that and end up going way over your critical carb limit and sparking cravings without even being aware that it has happened! I think this is one of the biggest trouble spots, next to not eating real food, for many low carbers!
6. Don’t skimp on your leafy green veggies! I find that raw salad greens are practically free food for me. The are great sources of nutrition, fiber, as well being just plain yummy! Always choose the “darkest” salad greens, like Romaine and spinach over iceberg lettuce! Iceberg is barely more than water with fiber in it as far as nutrients (and taste!) are concerned.
7. I find I feel best if I have a snack of mostly protein before bed. A piece of chicken or a couple of scrambled eggs keeps my blood sugar stable through the night and I sleep more restfully.
8. Count your carbs, but not calories! (See tips #4 and 5.)
9. Drink your water!
10. Did I say, Drink your water?!
1. Drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you weigh 200 pounds then you should be drinking about 100 ounces of water daily.
2. Avoid the “low carb junk food!” Once, very recently, I had an “attack of the bloat monster” as a friend so aptly put it and gained 20 pounds literally overnight after eating some of this low carb “food.” I’m talking about the chips, candies, cookies, meal replacement bars, etc. Personally, I don’t have any problem with low carb bread, tortillas and flavored pork rinds, but see tip #3 for further explanation.
3. Limit low carb foods that are “starch replacements.” Low carb breads, pastas and tortillas make this way of life a lot easier, but don’t fall back into old habits of eating them daily! I find I can have each of these foods approximately once a week and still lose weight and feel great.
4. Eat lots of real, fresh food! Eat until you are satisfied and don’t go hungry. Try to buy the best quality, freshest food available. I am very fortunate that I have a friend who is an organic egg farmer. I find I feel best when I buy bacon and sausage without nitrates and other preservatives.
5. Be aware of “carb creep.” It is really easy to start eating a bit of this and a bite of that and end up going way over your critical carb limit and sparking cravings without even being aware that it has happened! I think this is one of the biggest trouble spots, next to not eating real food, for many low carbers!
6. Don’t skimp on your leafy green veggies! I find that raw salad greens are practically free food for me. The are great sources of nutrition, fiber, as well being just plain yummy! Always choose the “darkest” salad greens, like Romaine and spinach over iceberg lettuce! Iceberg is barely more than water with fiber in it as far as nutrients (and taste!) are concerned.
7. I find I feel best if I have a snack of mostly protein before bed. A piece of chicken or a couple of scrambled eggs keeps my blood sugar stable through the night and I sleep more restfully.
8. Count your carbs, but not calories! (See tips #4 and 5.)
9. Drink your water!
10. Did I say, Drink your water?!
Substitutions for Unusual Ingredients
These are substitutions for unusual ingredients that might be found in Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine or Extreme Lo-Carb Meals on the Go!
Arrowroot powder - You may substitute xanthan gum for arrowroot in sauces or gravies.
Bragg Liquid Aminos - You may use soy sauce in place of Braggs Liquid Aminos. If you are allergic to soy, I’ve found a combination of lemon juice and seasoning salt will make an equitable substitution for soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos.
Coconut milk - If you cannot locate coconut milk, you may substitute buttermilk or kefir in most recipes calling for coconut milk, however the taste will be quite different.
Coconut oil - You may substitute olive oil or lard in most recipes calling for coconut oil.
Kefir - Buttermilk may be used for kefir in most recipes. In some recipes yogurt may be used equally for kefir.
Lard - Nothing fries food quite like lard does, but as a substitute you may use coconut oil or olive oil. Just be aware that the taste and finished product will be different when using these oils rather than lard.
Lemon pepper - If you can’t find a lemon pepper without sugar, you can use black pepper and a small amount of lemon zest.
Milk and egg protein - This one is harder to substitute, and will require experimentation in the specific recipe, but generally soy protein or vital wheat gluten may be substituted for milk and egg protein.
Olive oil - Depending upon the recipe, melted butter if it is in a baked good. If it is a fried food, you may use lard or coconut oil.
Pork rinds, ground - Again, changing this ingredient in a recipe will yeild vastly different results than the original, but in most cases ground almonds or possibly soy protein (depending upon the recipe) will work in place of ground pork rinds.
Seasoning salt - What if you can’t find any seasoning salt without sugar or MSG? You can use garlic salt in its place with very little effect upon the recipe. You can also make my home made seasoning salt, linked in my previous blog post.
Soy protein isolate - You may use vital wheat gluten in place of soy protein in baked goods. In protein shakes, you may milk and egg protein instead of soy protein isolate.
Soy sauce - You may use Braggs Liquid Aminos in place of soy sauce. If you are allergic to soy, see Braggs Liquid Aminos.
SteviaPlus® - You may substitute other stevia products for SteviaPlus, but the results will vary from brand to brand. If you use other sweeteners, you can refer to the chart provided for assistance in sweetness equivalencies.
Sucralose - You may substitute SteviaPlus® or Sweet & Slender® for sucralose, or you may choose another favorite sweetener. Just beware of aspartame, as it isn’t heat stable and is not suitable for cooking.
Sugar free specialty syrups - I can’t give you an exact conversion ratio, but you can substitute flavored extracts plus sweetener and some more liquid in recipes calling for these.
Sweet & Slender® - Since it isn’t intensely sweet like sucralose or SteviaPlus®, converting Sweet & Slender® recipes will require a bit of finesse. Generally, about 1/2 of the amount of sucralose will be required.
Vital wheat gluten - You may use soy protein in place of vital wheat gluten for baking applications.
Xanthan gum - guar gum can be used in place of this or special blends of the gums can be purchased at specialty stores. In gravies and sauces arrowroot powder may be used instead of xanthan gum. In baked goods, substitutions are more difficult. In many cases it may simply be omitted, but this will greatly affect the end product.
Arrowroot powder - You may substitute xanthan gum for arrowroot in sauces or gravies.
Bragg Liquid Aminos - You may use soy sauce in place of Braggs Liquid Aminos. If you are allergic to soy, I’ve found a combination of lemon juice and seasoning salt will make an equitable substitution for soy sauce or Braggs Liquid Aminos.
Coconut milk - If you cannot locate coconut milk, you may substitute buttermilk or kefir in most recipes calling for coconut milk, however the taste will be quite different.
Coconut oil - You may substitute olive oil or lard in most recipes calling for coconut oil.
Kefir - Buttermilk may be used for kefir in most recipes. In some recipes yogurt may be used equally for kefir.
Lard - Nothing fries food quite like lard does, but as a substitute you may use coconut oil or olive oil. Just be aware that the taste and finished product will be different when using these oils rather than lard.
Lemon pepper - If you can’t find a lemon pepper without sugar, you can use black pepper and a small amount of lemon zest.
Milk and egg protein - This one is harder to substitute, and will require experimentation in the specific recipe, but generally soy protein or vital wheat gluten may be substituted for milk and egg protein.
Olive oil - Depending upon the recipe, melted butter if it is in a baked good. If it is a fried food, you may use lard or coconut oil.
Pork rinds, ground - Again, changing this ingredient in a recipe will yeild vastly different results than the original, but in most cases ground almonds or possibly soy protein (depending upon the recipe) will work in place of ground pork rinds.
Seasoning salt - What if you can’t find any seasoning salt without sugar or MSG? You can use garlic salt in its place with very little effect upon the recipe. You can also make my home made seasoning salt, linked in my previous blog post.
Soy protein isolate - You may use vital wheat gluten in place of soy protein in baked goods. In protein shakes, you may milk and egg protein instead of soy protein isolate.
Soy sauce - You may use Braggs Liquid Aminos in place of soy sauce. If you are allergic to soy, see Braggs Liquid Aminos.
SteviaPlus® - You may substitute other stevia products for SteviaPlus, but the results will vary from brand to brand. If you use other sweeteners, you can refer to the chart provided for assistance in sweetness equivalencies.
Sucralose - You may substitute SteviaPlus® or Sweet & Slender® for sucralose, or you may choose another favorite sweetener. Just beware of aspartame, as it isn’t heat stable and is not suitable for cooking.
Sugar free specialty syrups - I can’t give you an exact conversion ratio, but you can substitute flavored extracts plus sweetener and some more liquid in recipes calling for these.
Sweet & Slender® - Since it isn’t intensely sweet like sucralose or SteviaPlus®, converting Sweet & Slender® recipes will require a bit of finesse. Generally, about 1/2 of the amount of sucralose will be required.
Vital wheat gluten - You may use soy protein in place of vital wheat gluten for baking applications.
Xanthan gum - guar gum can be used in place of this or special blends of the gums can be purchased at specialty stores. In gravies and sauces arrowroot powder may be used instead of xanthan gum. In baked goods, substitutions are more difficult. In many cases it may simply be omitted, but this will greatly affect the end product.
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