Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Marriage | No Comments »
Gary and Barbara Rosberg
America’s Family Coaches
We’re just going to say it plainly because it’s true: Nobody is perfect! You didn’t marry the angel of perfection you thought you were getting – and neither did your spouse. When the honeymoon ended and the glow of your first year together dimmed, you began to see your partner more realistically. You rubbed each other the wrong way occasionally. Probably not because you wanted to, but because your differences and flaws were beginning to show more clearly.
Let’s face it: The only one who could be a perfect spouse is Jesus, Himself. Your mate is going to make mistakes, and so are you. And you’re occasionally going to annoy each other or make each other angry. We’re human. But you don’t have to let those imperfections and differences ruin your relationship! So we want to coach you on how to learn to celebrate your differences – instead of focusing on the negatives.
Many people believe that their spouse looks at life the same way they do, but that’s usually not the case. If you don’t understand your mate’s way of thinking it can lead to assumptions and misunderstandings when they react out of their perspective of life and not your perspective.
When you see your spouse’s personality in a deeper way, you can see your differences as a blessing! You are meant to complement each other. That’s why it’s so important to learn and practice unconditional love in your marriage.
Grace. Affirmation. Safety. Time. Study. All are keys to unconditional love and acceptance. Here’s a checklist to help you begin to measure how you are doing in each of these areas:
- Where do I need to show some grace, real grace, to the person I married? Where do I need to let go and let God do His thing with my spouse?
- Who needs my words of affirmation more than anyone in my life? Is it easier for me to affirm my kids and my friends than it is for me to affirm my spouse?
- What are we doing to build safety into our marriage so we can take the risks to love unconditionally?
- When was the last time we took time to go deeper with each other? Are we making time to connect with each other daily?
- Am I studying my spouse? Do I know his or her strengths as well as his or her weaknesses? Am I helping to build on the former and strengthen the latter so that I can best become one with my mate?
These are tough questions. Building a great marriage is not easy. As we’ve said before: True love doesn’t always take place on a romantic balcony. Sometimes it takes place on a battlefield.
Another thing you have to consider is this: People change. Very few of us have the same figure or physique we had on our wedding day as we walked down the aisle. And even if you can still fit into your tuxedo on your tenth anniversary, you’re not the same person you were when you stood at the altar. You may have a few wrinkles or an extra chin that didn’t show up on your wedding photographs. That jet black hair you had may be well on its way to gray or white. Or maybe it’s disappearing altogether
In whatever ways you and your spouse change with age, one thing about you should never change: your unconditional acceptance of one another. By accepting your spouse completely at every stage of life – wrinkles, gray hair, love handles, and all – you show him or her unconditional love.
But aging is only part of the issue. Other changes occur in ways that are not as natural and are often more difficult to deal with. What happens when the person you married is no longer the person you married? Old age takes its toll, but so do unexpected illnesses and injuries. You may have also discovered that your starry-eyed expectations for your spouse were a tad unrealistic. Or you now see a side of your spouse you were blind to when you were courting. He isn’t the corporate-ladder-climbing entrepreneur you expected him to be. After the kids were born, she never regained her girlish figure as you hoped. The social butterfly you dated has turned into a homebody.
On top of all that, you now realize that your spouse is human, not an angel. He or she makes mistakes, forgets things occasionally, and is sometimes short-tempered with you. How do you handle these disappointing changes and unwelcome surprises, great and small?
When you are trying to accept your spouse, try to remember how God responds to us in our weaknesses and failure. We are painfully aware of our own fumbling and bumbling as his children. But consider these passages from God’s Word describing God’s heart towards saints who are not always saintly:
- Psalm 103:1-3 (NLT), “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.”
- Psalm 103:8-10 (NLT), “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.”
- Psalm 130:3-4 (NLT), “Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you.”
- Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT), “He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.”
- 1 John 1:9 (NLT), “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
How does God respond to us in our imperfection? He doesn’t look down his nose at us. He doesn’t condemn us or ridicule us. He doesn’t distance himself from us. He doesn’t compare us to someone who may be more disciplined or mature. He accepts us, just as we are, warts and all. How can he do it? The apostle Paul wrote, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). God forgives you and accepts you because you are in Christ.
How does it make you feel to know that God loves you unconditionally, even when you may have trouble loving yourself? It’s a great feeling, isn’t it? This is how your spouse feels when you accept him or her despite his or her changes, imperfections and failures. What a privilege to serve our spouses as Christ has served us.
So, here’s the drill today. Think about which areas you need to be less critical and more accepting of your spouse. Maybe it’s your spouse’s appearance, behavior, or weaknesses.
Then, take the ten minute challenge. Set a timer for ten minutes and write down all the positives you can think of about your spouse in that time. Then either carry the list with you or put it up somewhere you can see it – to remind you of all the things you love about your spouse.
Take the risk. Ask God to help you love and accept your spouse unconditionally. Love your mate even if he or she annoys you, even if he or she disappoints you, even if he or she doesn’t deserve your love. Love your spouse with the kind of love that Christ shows you.
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: General | No Comments »
How to Fast
In the thousands of people I have observed during fasting and detox programs, the complications have been negligible, provided that proper procedures have been followed and attention paid to the ongoing body changes. Usually, people feel fine, even euphoric after a few days, although there may be ups and downs or various symptoms; yet, overall, in my experience, changes are positive.
The general plan for fasting works progressively, from a moderate approach for new fasters and unhealthy subjects to a stricter program for the more experienced. It is important to take the proper time with this potentially powerful process and not jump into a water fast from an average American carnivorous diet. Although many people do fine even if they make such extreme changes, it clearly maximizes the risks of fasting.
A sensible daily plan is one where fasting is mixed with eating. Each day can include a 12-14 hour period of fasting in the evening and during sleep before awakening and getting ready for the day. (Breakfast was given that name to denote the time where we break the fast of the night.) Many people eat very lightly or not at all in the early morning to extend their daily fast. This is more important if dinner or snacking tends to be extended into the later evening, though this is not ideal. On the other hand, if we eat a decent, not excessive, meal in the early evening and awaken hungry, a good breakfast can be consumed after water intake and some exercise.
In preparation for our first day of fasting, we may want to take a few days to eliminate some foods or habits from our diet. When many self-indulgent habits exist, longer preparations may be indicated. Eliminating alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and sugar if possible is very helpful, although some people choose to wait until their actual fast days to clear these. Red meats and other animal foods, including milk products and eggs, could be avoided for a day or two before fasting. Intake of most nutritional supplements can also be curtailed the day before fasting; these are usually not recommended during a fast. Many people do well by preparing for their fasts with three or four days of consuming only fruit and vegetable foods. These nourish and slowly detoxify the body so that the actual fasting will be less intense.
The first one-day fast (actually 36 hours, including the nights—from 8 p.m. one night until 8 a.m. the following day) gives us a chance to see what a short fast can be like, to see that it is not so very difficult and does not cause any major distress. Most people will feel a little hungry at times and may experience a few mild symptoms (such as a headache or irritability) by the end of the day, usually around late afternoon or dinnertime, but this depends on the individual and the state of toxicity. In actuality, the first two days are the hardest for most people. Feeling great usually begins around day three, so longer juice fasts are really needed for the grand experience.
One of the problems with fasting is that it can be the most difficult for those who need it the most, such as the regular three-square-meals-plus-snacks consumers who eat whatever and whenever they want. Often such people must start with more subtle diet changes and prepare even more slowly for fasting. A transition plan that can be used before even going on the one-day fast is the one-meal-a-day plan. The one daily meal is usually eaten around 3 p.m. Water, juices, and teas and even some fresh fruit or vegetable snacks can be eaten at other times. The one wholesome meal is not excessive or rich. It can be a protein-vegetable meal, such as fish and salad or steamed vegetables, or a starch-vegetable meal, such as brown rice and mixed steamed greens, carrots, celery, and zucchini. People on this plan start to detox slowly, lose some weight, and after a few days feel pretty sound. The chance of any strong symptoms developing, as might occur with fasting, is minimal with this type of transition, and the actual fast, when begun, will be handled more easily, also.
The goal, then, is to move into a one-day fast and then a few two- and three-day fasts with one or two days between them when light foods and more raw fruits and vegetables are consumed, and also provide fluids, juices, soups, and a generally alkaline cleansing diet. This way, we can build up to a five- to ten-day fast. When the transition is made this slowly, even a water fast can be less intense and more profound for those wishing a powerful personal and spiritual experience. With a water fast, however, I strongly suggest medical monitoring and retreating from usual daily life.
A juice fast, which I usually recommend, can be longer and is much easier for most people. The fresh juices of raw fruits and vegetables are what most fasting clinics and practitioners recommend. They provide calories and nutrients on which to function and build new cells, and also provide the inherent enzymes contained in these vital foods. (Food enzyme theories, discussed throughout this century, have recently been described in books such as Enzyme Nutrition by Dr. Edward Howell.) Raw foods are considered the healing force in our diet because they contain active enzymes, which are broken down when foods are cooked. Many health enthusiasts consider a raw-food diet the most healing and most nutritious diet.
For the inexperienced faster, it is best to go slowly through the various steps and to avoid being excessive or impatient so that we learn about ourselves in the process. To do this, we need to make a plan and put it into effect, observing or “listening” to our body and even keeping notes in a journal. Get to really know yourself. Then, once we have fasted successfully, we could continue to do one-day fasts weekly or a three-day fast every month if we need them. This helps to reconnect us with a better diet and to remotivate us toward our goal of optimum health.
In a more adventurous mode, many people, even some who have never fasted, begin with a seven- to ten-day or even longer fast on fresh juices. I recommend this for most people who have any of the indications and none of the contraindications discussed in this program (also see General Detoxification). People planning these longer fasts, especially inexperienced fasters who have been eating a random diet, should spend a period about equal in length to the planned fast preparing for it. During this preparatory period we can follow some of the previous suggestions, such as eliminating sugar and refined foods, fatty foods, chemicals, and drugs from the diet and reducing consumption of meats and other acid-forming foods, and then moving into several days of consuming primarily fruits and vegetables and more fluids. This will lead into an easier and more energizing fast.
For any cleansing period, it is essential to plan times to meditate, exercise, get fresh air and sunshine, clear our intestines, get massages, take baths, clean our house, brush our skin, and more. Maybe you thought you were going to sit back and relax and have juice delivered to your room? With less shopping, food preparation, and eating time, we have more hours in the day to take care of ourselves in other ways. These supportive aspects of cleansing are discussed further below.
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Finance | No Comments »
By:Chuck Bentley
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Are you frustrated with our nation’s current economic mess? Are you wondering what you can do to make a difference?
Throughout biblical history, God used individuals to change nations. His plan is that we live in His economy, not man’s.
You and I reflect our government and our culture. You can complain about the state of our country or start following God’s plan to make a real difference.
Some people think change will only come through the ballot box. I agree it would be great to have leaders who believe God’s ways are better but we can’t wait for that.
You and I must begin to say no and live differently, according to God’s ways. We must show the way instead of complaining. True change will only come when God’s people begin following His glorious 3-part economic plan.
The industrial revolution was led by people who loved the Lord. They had common moral values and a solid work ethic that allowed commerce to thrive. So the first way to make a difference in America’s economy is to work.
The second way is to manage what God has given us, faithfully and wisely. We must live within our means, eliminate debt, save for the future and be very generous to the poor.
The third way to make a difference is to walk in humble obedience. Acknowledge that God is your Creator and seek to bring glory to Him in all that you do. Fulfill His purposes for your life.
When you and I begin to do those things, it will be radically noticeable. We’ll become the salt and light we’re called to be during this season of economic uncertainty.
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Just Laugh! | No Comments »
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: ExperienceLife | No Comments »
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: General | No Comments »
The Process of Fasting
Although the process of fasting may generate various results, depending on the individual condition of the faster, there are clearly a number of common metabolic changes and experiences. First, fasting is a catalyst for change and an essential part of transformational medicine. It promotes relaxation and energization of the body, mind and emotions, and supports a greater spiritual awareness. Many fasters feel a letting go of past actions and experiences and develop a positive attitude toward the present. Having energy to get things done and clean up old areas, both personal and environmental, without the usual procrastination is also a common experience. Fasting clearly improves motivation and creative energy; it also enhances health and vitality and lets many of the body systems rest.
In other words, fasting is a multidimensional experience. Physiologically, refraining from eating minimizes the work done by the digestive organs, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Most important here is that our liver, our body’s large production and metabolic factory, can spend more time during fasting cleaning up and creating its many new substances for our use. Breakdown of stored or circulating chemicals is the basic process of detoxification. The blood and lymph also have the opportunity to be cleaned of toxins as all the eliminative functions are enhanced with fasting. Each cell has the opportunity to catch up on its work; with fewer new demands, it can repair itself and dump its waste for the garbage pickup. Most fasters also experience a new vibrancy of their skin and clarity of mind and body.
Initially, the reduction of calories allows the liver to convert glycogen stores to glucose and energy. Body fat can be used for energy (ATP) but it cannot generate or reform glucose; although many cells can metabolize fatty acids for energy, the brain and central nervous system need direct glucose. Proteins can be broken down into amino acids; of these, alanine and serine can be used to produce glucose. With fasting, some protein breakdown occurs, less if calories are provided by juices. When there is no stored glycogen left, our body will convert protein to amino acids and to energy. Fatty acids can also be a fair source of energy, usually after being converted to ketones. With total fasting, ketosis occurs as an adaptation by the body to prevent protein loss by burning fats. Still, protein and fats can be used to provide energy for brain cell function. With juice fasting, there is less ketosis, and the simple carbohydrates in the juices are easily used for energy and cellular function. The high-protein diets and fasts do burn fat and generate ketosis and weight loss, but they also add more toxin buildup in the body from the foods or powders used. Also, they do not rest and cleanse the digestive tract and other organs as well.
Fasting increases the process of elimination and the release of toxins from the colon, kidneys and bladder, lungs and sinuses, and skin. This process can generate discharge such as mucus from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, sinuses, or in the urine. This is helpful to clear out the problems that have arisen from overeating and a sedentary lifestyle. Much of aging and disease, I believe, results from “biochemical suffocation,” where our cells do not get enough oxygen and nutrients or cannot adequately eliminate their wastes. Fasting helps us decrease this suffocation by allowing the cells to eliminate and clear the old products.
Posted: February 24th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: ExperienceLife | No Comments »
Many times we find our self going and going but not sure where we might end up. This year do your best to focus on not just the moving but the direction in which you are going. Most of us are accustom to a list of things that we need to accomplsh for the day or week and do our best to get them done. What I am learning daily is that even though it is important to make a list it is also important that this list includes things that will take me in the path of my goals.
Each year that we enter, we convince ourself that we will not make the same mistakes, and that this year we will do things better! In order to do better we must really take the time to find out what the better is and why it is so important that we do what we say. Most of us are goal oriented and driven day to day. This is a good time to stop long enough and ask; “where do I want to be by the end of this week or month?” If we do not ask these questions we will find our self moving in the direction of a circle rather than a straight line forward.
Without vision we find ourself in a perishing place. Our dreams look more faint each day as life fills our list with “to do things.” In case you are experiencing any form of distress or disappointments concerning your dreams; look inward and see if the list you made has the right roads leading to success. We must navigate our life by the leading of the Holy Spirit and not the leading of our ”list of things to do!”
Our daily list should be leading us towards our spiritual and natural goals each day. I am reminded that a list completed does not speak to my true accomplishments. There must be a determination inside all of us that even if we get lost in lifes responsibilities we can find our way out. If we are to get to the next marking place in our life we must move in the right direction that has signs that we are getting closer to our destination.
Posted: January 5th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Inspiration | No Comments »
The phrase a penny for your thoughts seem to be a good saying but now that I am older I can say some thoughts are only worth a penny. Today I would say my thoughts are worth up to millions. One thought can be a start to a journey that leads to great things that we have never seen nor expereince. The inventor of the paperclip had a thought that led to this thought of a paper clip, something so small yet so big as time went on. What thougts have you had that you did not think was worth much?
Now is the time to put worth to those thoughts that you file away in your folders saying that is for some day or that is too crazy. Everyday there is a thought that comes to millions of us that could lead to success but we fail to follow those thougths to see what the end will be. It is time to delete the negative thoughts that take up space and energy and give room for the positive innovative seeds to grow.
Today decide that your thoughts that are only worth a penny also get less of your time and start investing in the thougts that are leading to success or change. Make a decision to follow the next million dollar thought all the way through until you see before you what you saw in your mind. The next time someone says a penny for your thoughts, tell them these thoughts are worth millions!!
Posted: January 5th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Humor Me! | No Comments »
CARTOON SPOTLIGHT
Posted: January 4th, 2010 | Author: Pastor Sybil | Filed under: Finance | No Comments »
There were some boys who wanted to go to the ball park and on their way there one boy said to the other, “Hey, I know a short cut-go down this alley and jump over this fence.” And when they did, they arrived before the other boys. In life we can take the long way around or we can “take the shortcut.” There are many short cuts in life, especially in the Kingdom of God.
There are some simple shortcuts to maintaining financial freedom. One shortcut is to pray that God will place you in the right church under the right pastor and spiritual covering. Another shortcut to maintaining blessings in your life is to continuously tithe. In Deut. 14:22, we learn that “the tithe is the Lord’s” and so when you do not tithe, you are robbing God and this brings curses upon you. Also, you should give offerings to the Lord; in Malachi 3:7-12, it informs that after tithe we should give God an offering and that gives us blessings and financial freedom.
Furthermore, you should bless your man and/or woman of God. Many people are hindered because logically they think that they should not give to their leaders because they are already blessed; however, this principle is effective and proven and you will be blessed. Also, when you do give to God or man, do not seek recognition or praise for your giving because if you get your reward from man, you will not receive your reward in heaven for such deeds.
Lastly, get under the vision of the house. If God told the pastor to have a soup kitchen, purpose in your heart to do whatever God has you to do. If you have the desire to do something for God, but you do not have the resources for it, just believe God because God will increase your income so that you can fulfill what he purposed for you to do.
In all things, obedience is key, and if you follow these six steps, financial freedom will follow, no matter the circumstance. Just remember-God will give seed to the sower.
Written by Janice Hart-Burris
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