The Reason

Yesterday, we talked about some women that get a bad rap in the bible. They are usually called prostitutes by men who have always held them under their thumb, by labeling them as such. The laws that are held over their heads were made by men, yet as my friend pointed out recently, men can have their way, yet they are not labeled in the same manner. Sex is something that we are born with, male or female.

God in His wisdom created the female because the male had a need. She provided for that need and if it were not good God would not have created them in that way. I get tired of the put down by some men.

Being humbled in such a manner has won us females a great advantage with the God that made us. He chose a woman to be his mother, in complete trust. A vulnerable young child herself.

So while some men pride themselves in positions of authority over women, let us remember the truth and that is we are really the stronger sex. They need and want us more than they'll ever admit, because like Adam, without women, their life is lonely and unfulfilled. That is why Adam gave in to Eve which was I believe, expected and part of the overall plan.
I believe that our Creator knew that Adam would have a weakness for her.

A smart woman knows where her place is, under the protection and care of her man, not out of dominance but out of his need. All things work according to His plan and purpose.

It is a great plan called Love. A love that is shown in the relationship between the man and women. In the end, what the women in the bible know is the only opinion that really matters, is our Creators. We are right where He wants us.

Love is a Mystery

Yesterday, I took something home with me. It was a small part of the homily that father gave. I have played it over and over each time it pops into my head. It was a scene from the movie "The Passion of Christ," where Jesus beholds His mother and as their eyes meet there is an understanding. It dawned on me how powerful a statement that was.

When there is love present, no words are necessary. We still like to hear someone tell us that they love us, but, we know through the eyes. The eyes have wings to the heart.

Today as I was reading the words to the CD jacket, Thy PASSION, Byzantine Chant of Holy Week, I came across the following words that I thought I'd share with you.


The Hymn of Kassiani talks about a women who has fallen into many sins. These are some of the words, "Woe is me, for the love of adultery and sin hath given me a dark and moonless night." She goes to Jesus having perceived Thy divinity. She is the ointment bearer. (She knows).

The first stasis of Lamentations gives us this verse.
"Who will give me water for the tears I must weep?
So the Maiden wed to God cried with loud lament,
"that for my sweet Jesus I may rightly mourn."

In the second stasis we note that even the earth responds when we read: "Earth with trembling shook and the sun concealed his face in darkness, for the light unwaning that shines from Thee with Thy Body sank to darkness and the grave."

As His mother looked up at Him nailed on the cross:
These words from the second stasis: "Thou was pierced, and thus Thy Mother saw Thee and was smitten with the nails of most bitter grief; and her soul itself was pierced as with a sword. Wailing bitter tears, Word of God, Thy spotless Mother mourned Thee."

Finally from the 2nd Stasis Lamentations:
"That I may renew Man's lost nature now from beauty fallen--Gladly in my flesh, I take death on Me.
Wherefore, Mother, slay me not with
bitter tears." (clearly Jesus reveals his feelings for his mother).

Coming from the 1st. stasis:
How unspeakable the mystery of Thy love.

The 2nd. stasis ends with this message.
"Now do we behold a most great and awful sight, O Savior; Thou who are the cause of life dost submit to death, wishing to grant life to all mankind, O God."

Classic Soup Favorite

Today, I went shopping for items that I will be using to make many wonderful vegetable soup and dishes such as: Cabbage soup, stuffed peppers, spinach pita, and more to go along with my homemade breads such as dill and Italian varieties.

People who know me, know of my passion for working in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals especially during the lenten season, for those I love.

As I prepare these wonderful dishes, I will try to share the recipe's with you.

One of the greatest Classics of French homemade soups is the "Soupe Au Poireaux Et Pommes de Terre," Or commonly known as Leek and Potato Soup. In Canada, they use bacon, which is not permitted during the fast, nor any other time for us due to a food allergy, so I will use the recipe which will be found at the end of this post.

The potatoes that I will use come from Canada, and are Gold. I buy the small organic potatoes, which I will cook some with the peel on so as to retain the valuable vitamins from the skin. I will use my food processor to puree the end product, and then add to that mix very fine pieces of the red and gold potato, which I have set aside, along with very thinly sliced leeks for color just before serving. It is my favorite soup and I know I probably say that about all of them. Go here to learn why eating the skin of the potato is needed in your diet. My mom used to throw them away, unfortunately.

I'm also fond of clam chowder with lots of potato in a thick creamy base. One other change that I noticed from my original French version is the chicken broth. I substitute Smart Balance spread instead of the butter in my house in all recipe's. Coconut milk can be used instead of milk for lenten recipes.

I'll let you know how it comes out. Of course, you know I'd like to be able to share some with you. Here's the next best thing, the recipe.

The Sky is Falling

If you didn't wake up with a smile on your face, that's a sin. If you didn't hear the birds singing outside, that's too bad. If you didn't get a glimpse of the early morning light coming in through your bedroom window and think about the wonderful day you will create today, now that is unfortunate. Because living life to the fullest is a decision, (yours).

No, the sky is not falling. Turn on TV and you would guess it was. If turning on the TV makes you feel gloomy, don't turn it on. Tune inside instead. Say the prayer that I posted a while back, O Lord, grant me to meet the coming day in Peace. Help me in all things to rely on Your holy will.

It's as simple as that, now go and have breakfast. The truth is that you can create your own illness, knowingly or unknowingly. The root of all sickness, causing a spillover of imbalances which leads to disease is STRESS. Stress will kill you, if you let it. How do you prevent it from taking over your body, soul and mind? Let go and let God. God will lead you, if you humble yourself and let Him.

Relax, nothing is going to happen to you today that He doesn't know about.

Someone called me yesterday, he is suffering from depression. It is completely debilitating and requires quick action, and rest, before the entire body will suffer. Learn the warning signs of becoming stressed out and change your life style. Diet is not the problem. (A stressed body, from not eating correctly and eliminating the toxins, can leach into your blood, creating a host of diseases, which will have an effect on your mind). The problem he has is worry. Worry plays on your mind and does not allow you to sleep deeply enough to rest your body for the physical work that needs to be done. Lack of sleep short changes you in serotonin and dopamine, which calm and control your body. Having the stress of the job, and travel is enough, but compounded with monetary losses and illness in the family causes an overload of major proportion.

It was interesting how Dr. Vincent Fortanasce hit on the same four factors that defines when the body, mind or soul is out of kilt. Sleeplessness, obesity, hopelessness, and sedentary.
It's like climbing up a mountain with too much on your back in the hot sun. Your too tired to go back down, and too tired to keep climbing. You feel like you can't anymore.

Your mind plays a huge role in your health. You can't afford to ignore the symptoms, eventually you may reach a point where you cannot handle it.

It begins with "This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Getting unplugged means your arteries as well. (It's all about plumbing). Some people are not taking statins because they understand the danger (risk), in known side effects and have chosen to get the problem under control, naturally. I came across a story of a man that impressed me. I have placed a link below in order that you can read it for yourself. Just about everyone knows that bad cholesterol is both caused by diet, and can be raised by eating trans-fat, then there is your family history.
What lowers LDL cholesterol is soluble fibers like, steel cut oats, eggplant, soybeans, Brussels sprouts. They are called Complex Carbohydrates, found in the structural components of plants. Learn to associate the word eliminate with soluble fiber. Then remember the rule an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don't forget the cranberry, is great for eliminating toxins by filtering them from the blood. Other sources are: beets, dried beans, barley, carrots, peaches, peas, plums and rye.

We eat apples, and peas because they are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. (Insoluble and soluble fiber helps with weight control which helps to manage diabetes).

So bulk up, keep yourself regular. Most disease has a relationship with your colon. Keeping it healthy, will keep you healthy, wealthy and wise. Just as important, is the eight glasses of water a day rule.

Go here to read a fabulous story. Do something relaxing today.

Anti-Alzheimer's Prescription

Father Peter on his radio program, Father Peter Live, featured on Thursday afternoon, 12-1 is making a reputation by having interesting, and informative guests. Today was by far the best, maybe because this subject was of interest to so many, and particularly me.

People who know me understand how Prevention of disease is pertinent to and has been the subject of my research for more than ten years.

Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, guest speaker today, acknowledged what we have all known for many years, and that is we are responsible for our body, mind and spirit. The three work together and to achieve wellness we must be in balance with all three.

I will not attempt to quote but summarize some of the things he said over radio 970AM today.

There is a relationship between our spirit and body. Being humble strengthens our spirit and mind. He focused on two important areas.

1. sleep
2. prayer and meditation

Breathing techniques light up your brain, turns on the hormone serotonin (calming) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter, anti-addictive, which stops cravings and keeps us in control. Lack of sleep depletes it. We must be sleeping deeply to create these essential substances.

He says we must pray, take care of stress, and exercise. Prayer gives us the ability to forgive. Having regrets and worrying kills you and ages you. Giving it to God is a decision. Concentrate on what you do have control of.

Adrenalin and cortisone are aging hormones, caused by stress.

Causes and risk Factors: sleeplessness, sedentary lifestyle, hopelessness, obesity.

Your risk factor of Alzheimer's can be reduced as much as 2600% by doing the right things.

Some of those things are to lose weight if you are a woman with a waist of 35 or greater, a man 40. Staying away from refined carbohydrates, white bleached flour, bread, pastry. Eating bread first makes you eat more and increases food cravings. Watching your weight is a must. Insulin resistant, pre-diabetics over 50 years old have a greater chance of developing dementia.

Some suggestions are to: eat Boca Berger's, dark chocolate, red wine, turmeric (lowers rate of Alzheimer's Disease causing Amyloid). Use supplements like 1,000 mg. fish oil, folic acid 400 mcg. If using statins, take coenzyme Q, 81 mgs. aspirin, and correct foods, (leaves, roots and fish), a harmonic diet.

Avoid vitamins with Copper. Drink green tea having antioxidants, (adding no milk). Exercise and pray.

People 60 and 70 wear out joints walking, and develop back problems, so it is suggested that they do strengthening exercises to release stress and to create new cells.

This neurologist has been in practice for 32 years and was calling from his California practice to share his thoughts with us. We also appreciate his book and web address. Please find it here.

So what is Beta-Amyloid that some people produce too much of? It is a protein, a sticky plaque, which accumulates in the brain, and this plaque triggers an inflammatory reaction from the brains immune system, which kills off innocent nerve cells. It's progression may be stopped.

Prevention:

• The importance of mental activity helps the brain to ward off Alzheimer's. This was the result of a 21-year study by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY, made public in June 2003.
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins reduced the risk of developing Alzheimer's by 79%, confirmed by tests at St. George's School of Medicine in London.

In 2002 residents of Utah found that aspirin and the drugs known as non steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers, seemed to help protect the brain against Alzheimer's.

In short, use your brain or lost it.

For more information go to here.

Vitamin D

The only good source of Vitamin D is the natural one. Go here to learn how mushrooms make vitamin D in sunlight. Because we in the Northeastern part of the United States do not get "direct sun" during winter months, we must rely on what is stored in our body fat during the months of March through October. That is why, some doctors recommended that mothers give their children cod liver oil, as my aunt did years ago. It is the best source of Vitamin D. The IU day is 340. The amount should be 1 teaspoon and that equals one serving. Children need 200 IU's per day.

Other months you can take in the sun five to fifteen minutes a day, and then use sunscreen. Too much vitamin D is toxic. Another great source is Sockeye salmon. If you like cheese try Kerrygold Imported. Other good sources are mackerel, tuna fish, sardines, eggs, and beef liver.

Just think about the Eskimos, they didn't have any other source but the natural. Eat fish, and in the case of Sockeye Salmon eat the small and soft bones for a healthful source of calcium, too.

What compromises vitamin D? Air polution blocks some of the ultraviolet rays of the sun, compromising vitamin D.

Human Assertiveness

Human assertiveness is still the name of the game for little Nathan. Now a toddler, the pattern of growth mimics that of his father at three in some ways, and follows the textbook as far as what children do at that age. It's always trying to learn to do something new each day. He lives to achieve goals he sets for himself.

It pleased him today that he was able to make what we used to call, "mud pies." Here I was making mud pies with him. Something I spent hours doing as a child. (I see where they get the expression, "second childhood.") He wore me out watching him fill up his backhoe with dirt and dump it. A typical boy getting his knees dirty and enjoying every minute of being outdoors. Through the generations the knees of pants have been wearing out. I remember my mother putting patches on jeans before my brothers wore their pants outside, and I did the same with my sons.

As I raked the leaves, he did also with the little rake. He wanted to throw the leaves back on the ground like he did in the fall. I knew somehow that was what he had in mind. Funny how we can anticipate their every move.

Unlike most days when I lift him onto the swing, today, he was brave enough to try and get on by himself. Another first. Being proud of being able to do it, I found him practicing several times.

I find that he does not hesitate to try to do feats that are quite challenging without fear, but see a small bug, and it's grandma. Somehow I've been through this before. I begin to sing shoo-fly don't bother me. And I ask him always who's bigger?

Lunch was appreciated by him today after being outdoors, no one had to coax him into eating. Then, after getting off the dirty clothes, it was time for bed. I could hear him talking to his little toys, then out like a light.

I didn't know where to begin, with all the muddy toys, and mud in the sink from soaking his hands, dirty dishes and crap all over the rugs.

I remember that my mother used to use a broom to sweep us off. We used to throw dried cow dropping at each other out in the field.

When grampy came home, he rinsed the larger trucks with the garden hose, and then he and Nate went to play basketball at the hoop located on the end of the street.

I still have raking to do. Yet, I have accomplished so much already. Today was an adventure for both of us. Nathan found beautiful purple crocus growing around the mailbox. It made such an impression on him that I noticed he excitedly told everyone he saw about it. I remember Billy doing the same thing in the spring. He'd pick the violets, flower only and bring them to me, "saying for you ma". I'd place them in an ash tray with water and we'd watch them float around. As he got older he'd pick them with the stems and I'd place them in a toothpick holder.

I finally got to see Madagascar today. A fantastic movie about animals in a NY zoo, ending up taking an adventure to the wild life. Now I know where the song I like comes from. "I Like To Move It, Move It."

I can hardly move tonight though, so after a few dishes and a little reading this grandma is going to bed.