Studying Scripture, asking Questions, Discovering virtues

I am intent on following the wisdom and advice of my Bishop. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am currently re-reading the Book of Mormon as Bishop Stone has encouraged ward members to do. I am enjoying it. When I am reading, a question will often enter my mind and I am not satisfied until I decipher an answer. Today, as I read 1 Nephi Chapter 9, I wondered at what age did Nephi inscribe the plates of Nephi? As i read closely, I realized he had to be mature in age since he writes not only in past tense, but mentions making a full account of the history of his people. To make a full account, one must have seen and witnessed all, so he must have been in his later years of life. It would have taken a great deal of time to engrave the history of his people (wars, contentions, reigns of kings) and also to write in the smaller plates about the ministry of his people (written "for a wise purpose" in the Lord). I learned from this brief chapter that no only was Nephi patient in listening to the Lord, but also obedient and patient in writing. He demonstrated determination, strength and faith, not knowing beforehand the full purpose of intent of the Lord.

"The Pot calling the Kettle Black"

I am called upon to teach classes and lead groups in discussions. The students have been ordered to take my classes by the court system. Nevertheless, they chose to be compliant and attend. Often times, there is someone who will want to talk about other people’s short comings, rather than focus on what caused the trouble that brought them to my class.
One time, when beginning a Prime For Life Class (a DUI course about drugs, alcohol and the path to addiction), a student asked in a voice of defiance, “Well, what about texting? That causes accidents!” “True, it does”, I responded and then asked, “And your point is?” The class was silent for a moment, and then another student in the back said loud enough for all to hear, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Another blamed “the system” for young people repeatedly getting into trouble with the law. He said adamantly, “It’s the system!”. This student talked about young men who had worked for him, who could not pay court fines, and subsequently went to jail, learned more ways to commit crimes, and then had more court cases and more fines. I asked, “Who chose to break the law in the first place? Are the young men not to be held accountable for their actions?”

In another setting, a student talked about neighbors who profess to be Christians, yet indulge in sexual promiscuity. This student’s rhetoric put the focus on others’ misdeeds.
It is easier to point the finger at others than direct it towards ourselves.
(When I teach in a secular setting, I teach only that which is allowed, keeping Church & State separate, but for this blog, I am expressing my own personal belief system in a God)

The following is from the Bible (King James Version)
Matthew 7:3-5
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

The ancient teachings of Jesus lead us to understand human nature, that we tend to look at other’s faults rather than our own. We also may blame circumstances, or the “system”.
How is it that some people know how to be successful and happy within the guidelines of the law and others do not? Or is it that some are taught true principles, but choose to do something else, listen to another voice that is not in their highest and best. Perhaps they choose to listen to promptings of greed, envy, gluttony, lust and fear. Soon, the whisperings of the “Still Small Voice” of goodness and virtue are no longer heard, drowned out by the “Get yours first” voice that prompts evil intentions and selfish behavior. When my thoughts lead to selfish actions or even addiction, I endanger my relationships and other responsibilities.
What is missing? Is there some internal mechanism, like the spring to a clock that keeps it working? That internal dialogue that says, “no, I am not going to do that” or “This is the direction my life needs to go”.
The wonderful thing about life is that we all have free-agency. We only lose that right to choose when we break the laws of the land and endanger self or others.
It is exciting that I get to choose who I will BE. I need to learn what it is I want to be and what consequences or rewards there are for certain ways of thinking and behaving. I need to know how to be and what that feels like and looks like to be able to incorporate it into my life. As a Christian, my goal is to be Christ-like in my behavior. If I am truly Christ-like, I will be humble, penitent and look to my own shortcomings and pray for strength to overcome them. Prayer is a gateway to learn from my Heavenly Father.
I learn from the Bible about what Christ was like and how to follow him. I also learn from the words of a Prophet of the Lord, Thomas S. Monson
“Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness.” 1
1. From the General Conference Address entitled, the-perfect-path-to-happiness?lang=eng">“The perfect Plan to Happiness” October 2016

Making Myself Visible

At the Sacred Energy Empowerment Center Bo talked about his spiritual journey. At one point, he said he ended up in a reclusive life style in Mexico. He studied the Mayas. He researched the ruins and their history. One day, an archaeologist said to him, “you will have dealings with Mormons”. To Bo, it was a prophetic. Bo told us how tourists had to get lost in Old Mexico in order to find him to get the information they were seeking about the pyramids and the Mayans. People would “get lost” trying to find the pyramids and find him instead, way off the “beaten path”, playing his guitar. They heard him playing and singing and found him and asked if he could guide them. He then took them and showed them the sites and explained stone carvings and records of the Mayans about the “White God” who came to the native Mayans. The records said he was a white bearded man, which was of note, since the Mayans had no beards. Bo said these tourists needed to hear this, because they were Mormons and this information validated their beliefs and the writings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Even Bo, who is not LDS, said, that there is no way that Joseph Smith could have known about Christ visiting the Mayas (or Lamanites, as they are called in the book of Mormon) without divine guidance. Bo decided, after a few groups had to get lost to find him, that he would just sit by the ruins and wait for the tourists. One of the locals, who saw Bo there frequently asked why he was there, “Are you meditating?” I woke up this morning thinking about how people have had a “round about” way of finding me recently to receive healing. Quite a few have found themselves in difficult situations and were court ordered to take a class. These special people who want healing end up in a one-on-one class with me and they are stunned at the results when I offer to do some ThetaHealing. Often times there are tears, as we work together with Creator and I witness change occurring through the power of God. That is what Theta Healing is about, healing! So, now, I wonder how I can make myself available to these people so they can find me without getting into trouble first and having court costs, etc., so they don’t have to “get Lost” or go off the “beaten track” to find me. I will use Bo’s example and make myself available to those seeking knowledge, information and healing.

Life Long Learning

Am I too old to go back to school? Why should I stop living and striving to be just because of age or infirmity? Look at Stephen Hawking and what he accomplished even with his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I do have my limitations, but I know with God’s help, I can learn, and then use my knowledge and talents to bless the lives of others. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phillipians 4:13) I am a Latter Day Saint of the Church of Jesus Christ. “how can you call yourself a Saint?” you might ask. A saint in this context is a disciple of Jesus Christ. A true Disciple is one who is not “lukewarm” but “on fire” with a testimony of Christ as the Son of God. Apostle Neal A Maxwell gave an address in the April 1987 General Conference about the qualifications for a Saint or Disciple of Christ. He said we have to be committed and 'not just hearers of the word, but doers'. “Our task, therefore, is to “reconcile [ourselves] to the will of God, and not to the will of … the flesh” (2 Ne. 10:24). I am a child of God, which gives me great capabilities. “Where much is given, much is required.” Is the title of Chapter 17 in the manual, The Life and Teachings of Jesus and his Apostles. See link below https://www.lds.org/manual/the-life-and-teachings-of-jesus-and-his-apostles/section-4-the-third-year-of-jesus-public-ministry/chapter-17-where-much-is-given-much-is-required?lang=eng

Our seed

I am talking about children and in my case, also my grandchildren and so on and so on. After I am gone, there may be many generations to come after me. it is an astounding thought. I am hoping that all of my "seed" will come to Christ and know him. Nephi is explaining to his older brothers what Lehi was telling by way of parable, saying that branches of of the olive tree shall be grafted in. 1 Nephi 15:14 "And at that day shall the remnant of our seed know that they are of the house of Israel, and that they are the covenant people of the Lord; and then shall they know and come to the knowledge of their forefathers, and also to the knowledge of the gospel of their Redeemer, which was ministered unto their fathers by him; wherefore, they shall come to the knowledge of their Redeemer and the very points of his doctrine, that they may know how to come unto him and be saved." I pray for my loved ones who do not yet know Christ as their redeemer. The quote above is found in the Book of Mormon, which I am studying now in an institute class and loving it (https://pathway.lds.org/). The spirit fills my heart and soul as I read, testifying to me of the truth of Nephi's words. I pray that you may read and also be touched as you search, ponder and pray to know if these things are true. Moroni gives us a promise in Moroni 10:3 "Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. 6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. 7 And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever. I add my "Amen".

Book of Mormon quote

I Nephi 15:11 "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you." This is Nephi speaking to his rebellious brothers. He is giving us the formula for personal revelation!

How could you not be happy when you see....

I was shopping the other day and the young woman at the checkout admired my fire opal ring and said, "That is a beautiful ring! It makes me happy just to look at it. How could a person look at that and not be happy?" I thought that was an interesting comment. I reflected on a visit I had with a good friend, Gary Whitley. He reminded me that all I needed to maintain my centered-ness, was to think on Christ. I thought how fitting that was for the Christmas Season and every "season" of life, really. You know, as I focus on Jesus Christ, a smile comes to my face. It is natural - I can't help it! How can someone look at Christ and not feel Happy! How can someone think of Jesus Christ, our elder brother who saved us, and not smile and be happy! For a moment, I wished it was an continual automatic response with me to be always be happy and not be annoyed with others or the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season; but as I prayed about it and asked God if he could wipe away any of resistance or struggle (Just change me!), God said, "No, You get to CHOOSE". "I get to choose" is a powerful statement. It means I take an active part in my creation, as I grow into my most magnificent self! It means I am free to choose darkness or light, deceptiveness or truth, sadness or happiness. Jesus said, The truth shall set you free. I want to be free of the trappings, misconceptions, and unhappiness that Satan promulgates. My body is my temple and a gift from God, our Father. My body is my "house" and as for me and "my house", will serve the Lord. Actually, "We will serve the Lord", as I am strengthened and not alone in my choice. God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are supporting me daily as I CHOOSE the right. I am happy when I recall and meditate on a line from a simple song I learned in church as a child: "I know my Savior Lives and Loves me too, the Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true, and tells me it is true, and tells me it is true". To know I have a "big brother" looking out for me is very comforting.

What a great idea to bring people together in a useful and productive way! I know of one Judge in the area that orders defendants to provide 460 pounds of food to a local food bank as a way to fulfill their community service. He does not tell them how to do it. They have to figure it out. He is causing them to think and plan and organize an effort that is on a scale they may not have thought about before. This will put the defendants in contact with people who care about the community and others. This judge has a vision for teaching and not just incarceration as an answer to crime. While I am impressed and appreciate this just and noble cause, and plan to congratulate the judge on his ingenuity, most of what is collected is non-perishables. People need fresh produce to be healthy. Creating and managing a city garden that defendants are ordered to work in would not only provide fresh vegetables to the food bank but also give the defendants an opportunity to learn how to produce food for themselves and others. In addition, their supervisor could teach life skills and values while the defendants are working. Those who are ADD, ADHD, or Kinesthetic learners, learn best while moving. I am not saying all defendants have learning challenges, but I bet a percentage does and what better way to provide a learning environment best suited to their learning style? Adding a productive activity such as gardening provides an opportunity to teach in such a way that the information will stick. This is going to be one of my goals this year, to write a letter to a local judge and city planner and see what happens. To borrow a phrase from a song, “this could be the start of something big”!

Essence Immersion Tribe - My Importance

My new found friend and Artist Mentor is Lauri Cox who put together this "tribe" of women to celebrate who we are. She chose enlightened and talented women to share their stories with us through eight inspiring sessions. I enjoyed it whether I was there in person or listening to the recorded calls after. She is planning a retreat for this fall. One assignment was to journal "Why I am Important" Here is what I came up with: I get that what I do affect the world. I recently heard someone say we are breathing the same air that Christ breathed. We are connected! I am constantly sending out vibrations that will either uplift and inspire, or drag down. I need to move to a higher plane in all areas of my life for my sake and others. I am like a warrior, standing ready to move forward into battle as necessary to provide freedom for myself and others who choose to follow. Perhaps this metaphor comes to me from genetic influence. One of my ancestors was Boudicca (pronounced Boo-Dicca_, Queen of the Icenes. She led a revolt against the Romans who were invading Briton, her homeland. She was successful in destroying three of the settlements and then lost the final confrontation with Roman Soldiers. Like Boudicca, I battle. The battle I face is one of wits and spirit. Claiming the power of the almighty, I stand with God as one of his chosen daughters, to conquer darker forces as I move into the light. I see that as I conquer my own demons, I shatter old beliefs that no longer serve me. This consciousness spreads to others, like the "butterfly wing" effect, and creates movement. I have noticed recently, that as I teach the same material over and over in my classes, the ones I teach now are grasping the concepts very quickly. That information is already out there, in our larger social consciousness, and is available for those wanting to wake up and hear. Some come to my classes already knowing, trusting, practicing. Those who listen to that still small voice, find themselves absorbing information and transforming the way they think. I recently watched a documentary called "Wake Up", about a man who suddenly could see into the spirit world and his quest to understand his purpose and to know God. It was great! I also liked the film "I Am", which reminds us we are all connected. It only takes one person to make a difference, and to lead others to do the same. Courageous people in the history of our country have stood up for their rights, like Rosa Parks, who on Dec 1, 1955, refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man. Perhaps lesser known, is Claudette Colvin, a 15 year-old African American student who did the same thing nine months earlier. Several movies are coming out this year about the Civil Rights movement. I especially enjoyed seeing "42" about Jackie Robinson. It was a moving testimonial of how one man (Branch Rickey, owner of the team) and another (Jackie Robinson) made a difference! Many people are driven to promote brotherhood and Peace. I choose to be a part of that consciousness, to spread and promote it. I feel the love moving through me. I connect with people around the world I have not yet met in person. "Kindred Spirits" As I continue to raise my vibrational frequency, I not only influence others to do the same, but I am drawn to the light of others who support me in my journey to wholeness. We recognize each other , or at least the qualities in each other we aspire to. That is true greatness to let one' light shine to inspire and uplift. That is why I am important!

Change is Inevitable

Whether we invite change into our lives or not, it will happen. Life is not static, but sometimes we like it that way. We get comfortable with the way things are. As creatures of habit, we get into routines. Maybe our routines are helpful and direct us the way we want to go, helping us develop into who we want to be. Other times, we may get into habits that take us away from our true potential or are even destructive to ourselves or others we love and care for. Why do we do the things we do? Why do we say the things we do? How do we change for the better? If I get to choose the change, will it be a subtle and healthy change or must it be rapid and disconcerting to my system? Sometimes our bodies say, "enough is enough" and through dis-ease, get our attention on what is needed to make necessary changes in life style, and thought patterns. Other times it may be another force outside of ourselves, like an intervention, or a court of law. Why not start with a subtle but powerful way to get to the root of your behaviors and thought patterns? A session with me gets to the deep internal issues that run our inner programs. Do you want to be happier and lead a fulfilling life that allows you to develop into who you were meant to be - your most magnificent self? Do you want that? If not, don't call or text me at 801.918.9437. Expect subtle but profound change from the inside out. One modality that I both practice and teach is Thetahealing. Learn how to do Thetahealing for yourself or others by taking my classes. Click on featured products on my website to learn more. Become. Change. Chose Change or it will choose you.

Perception & Perspective

It depends on where you stand. Wikipedia explains the Rashomon effect:

The Rashomon effect is the effect of the subjectivity of perception on recollection, by which observers of an event are able to produce substantially different but equally plausible accounts of it. A useful demonstration of this principle in scientific understanding can be found in the article "The Rashomon Effect: When Ethnographers Disagree," by Karl G. Heider (American Anthropologist, March 1988, Vol. 90 No. 1, pp. 73-81).

It is named for Akira Kurosawa's film Rashomon, in which a crime witnessed by four individuals is described in four mutually contradictory ways.

I emphasize that remembered events of the past are from a singular perspective, that is, "his-story", and by re-viewing an event of the past from varying angles and perspectives, a person can learn to look at a situation with a more positive feeling, keep the positive learning's and let go of the negative feeling(s) associated with the event. I assist clients using anchoring. I call it Memory Cleanse. Why is this so important and of value? Because our stuff from the past can come back to haunt us when we least expect it. Triggers in our environment and from other people set us off. Why not create new neural pathways that work for you rather than against you. See me for consultation. Text or call 801.918.9437. In Person, Phone, or Skype sessions available.

Humor is good medicine! When I was a young girl I loved to watch The Carol Burnett show. Last week I meantioned the song ABC from the Jackson five. For some reason that song was stuck in my mind. Then I found this video on you tube which combined the song with Carol Burnette! Fun and Funny! Watch! Enjoy!

NLP

Valentines Day is approaching and you may have some things that weigh heavy on your heart or you may be feeling great and secure in your relationship(s). Relationships take a lot of work. No two people think and feel in the same way. The way you feel loved and appreciated may be way different. Let's say you are more visual in your processing, then you may want to SEE how someone cares, like a bouquet of flowers, or a note of appreciation, or a big smile. If you are kinesthetic, then a hug would be in order. For auditory people, the words are what counts. They want to hear, "I love you". For more information on the different processing forms click HERE. I googled VAK processing to find it.

Organic or Conventional?

Wondering whether to get the great deal on conventional oranges or shop organic? Some sites I googled said that pesticides on oranges are on the skin. If so, no worries, right? www.whatsonmyfood.org is a great site that lists potential pesticides for various foods.

They compare imported to domestic (U.S. grown). The trouble is, How do I know where Kroger or Western Family or Quaker gets there oats from originally? Who are the growers? How Do I find that out? I am using my new Norwalk Juicer (new to me, I bought it use) to make green, carrot, orange and grapefruit juices so far. I am doing a modified version of the Gerson Therapy to help me heal from a mild form of ulcerative colitis. I don't know if there is a cure (Gerson claims cures of those who follow their protocol). I do believe in miracles. I have been relatively free of symptoms for years, but October of 2012 I started having problems with bleeding, mucus and pain, again. IT IS NOT FUN for anyone who has this condition. Just when you think you have figured out how to stay symptom free, it creeps back! The Gerson Diet should do the trick if I can just stay on it! I have not started the enema protocol yet. Got to order or buy locally some organic coffee grinds! I don't drink coffee, but this is supposed to help the liver detoxify. At this point, I am ready to try anything. The doctor ordered me some suppositories and my husband went up to the counter at Walgreen's Drug store to pay and the lady said, "$30". "Is that my portion", Kevin asked. "Yes, your insurance covered the rest. It is normally $700." $700!!! I about gagged! For a box of 30 suppositories! The pharmaceutical companies certainly have a racket. It should be illegal to charge such an exorbitant fee! I call it extortion! (using that term loosely * see below) Angry? Yes! So, I used the Dr. ordered suppositories for a week, with no results. Then I read another site that said it takes about a month to see results, so i will give them another try. I just have to remember to insert at night - maybe put an alarm on my phone. It could say, "UP YOURS!" Right? * from wikipedia: "The term extortion is often used metaphorically to refer to usury or to price-gouging, though neither is legally considered extortion. It is also often used loosely to refer to everyday situations where one person feels indebted against their will, to another, in order to receive an essential service or avoid legal consequences."

Healing the Gerson Way pdf

Found at ebookbrowse.com

I watched the documentary film, "The Gerson Miracle" and was impressed with the professionalism and the truths presented. These kind of truths have to be experienced to be fully understood. I am going to read this book and start applying the principles more in my life.

Consider the Lilies of the Field - Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Band of the...

I was touched when I heard this song and the blog that follows explains why. This song is 38:14 minutes into the Birthday Celebration program for Thomas S. Monson.

Spiritual Moment & Prophetic Dream

I found the pic above. It is a beautiful orchid that just happens to bear my name. My prayer is that I bring beauty and joy to others much like the beauty of this flower brings joy to me. Music also inspires me, as you see from my the blog prior to this one. The song that prompted my memory and this blog was sung recently by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in their "Celebration of Life", a birthday tribute to President Monson, President and Prophet of the LDS Church. The choir was accompanied by the band of the Air Force Reserve, which is also significant to my miracle story. My first husband and father of my five children was in the Air Force for the first four years of our marriage. Another flower in my life that brings joy to me is my beautiful daughter, Audrey Hall. Every one of my children are on my mind and in my heart always. I love them all. This beautiful selection, "Consider the Lilies of the Field", reminded me of the inspiration that lead me to the decision to trust God and have another child. It was 1979. I had three boys under five and thought my hands were full. On top of that, my husband Bill said he was planning to get out of the Air Force. He had no job prospects lined up nor did we know where we would live! One morning he told me about a dream he had. He said this beautiful little blonde blue-eyed girl appeared before him and begged, "Please let me come", "Please let me come", "Please let me come"! Three times! I was surprised. God had given me no such notification. I said, "It must have been something you ate." He was adamant that his dream held great and deep meaning. I practically said if I got pregnant now we would have no insurance for the birth of the baby. It was bad timing to have another child. Then Bill had the same dream two more times! In his dreams there were two other little girls that were to come. After those three witnesses I could no longer hold out in my disbelief. But, oh boy! This was just too much! Would God send a request like this now? I often turned to Karen, my sister twelve years older than me. Back then we had "snail mail" so I wrote a letter to Karen about my dilemma and she wrote back, encouraging me to read in Matthew 6:28-33. As I did I was moved to tears. I qoute the verses from the King James Version of the Bible: "28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." I prayerfully considered my options, putting all in the Lord's hands. I had had difficult pregnancies, even requiring drugs and surgery to prevent early births. One birth was in the thousands, but the insurance through the Air Force had covered most of it. With faith, I stopped using birth control. Yet, still thinking I could help out God a little and maybe still being of little faith, I grabbed a book off the shelf of the library, entitled, "How to choose the Sex of Your Baby". I guess I thought we could use a little scientific help! I took my temperature faithfully as recommended by the Doctors who wrote the book and planned our intimate moments accordingly to ensure I would have a girl. Well, according to my chart and temperature recordings, we messed up! I was sure we had created a boy! I thought that God was having us wait for that little girl, sneaking in another boy in the meantime. I even went so far to tell the doctor at one of my visits that "HE" was kicking a lot. The Doctor said, "You said "HE"." "Oh, yeah, its another boy", I replied with conviction. I guess I thought I was only a "boy-making" machine! Ha! Just in case, Bill and I tossed around some girl's names. I chose Abigail. He did not like it. So we settled on Audrey Ann. The middle name belonged to my sister Dorothy. In those days, we had sonograms, but no way to tell the sex of the unborn. We had to wait for the birth. I was delightfully surprised when a beautiful girl was born. There were other elements surrounding the delivery that were miraculous. During my pregnancy, I saw specialists and a nutritionist in a city about a 30 minute drive away and paid for each visit, but planned to have our baby in a small country hospital where they had a nice birthing room, about an hour's drive up a mountain! I chose that location because it would only be $300 a night if all went well, (with no complications). I prayed hard and felt an assurance that all would go well. How I hoped for that, I don't know, because each of my three boys had been born breech and my husband had not been able to be present. Well, Audrey showed the boys how it is to be done by coming the normal way, head first, and we had her in the birthing room with my husband present. In fact, he got to hold her for a moment before he had to rush off to take a test for truck driving school. The birth was au-natural and I required no medication or stitches. Then, as I rested in my hospital room contemplating just staying one day to cut our expenses, a staff member of the hospital gave me some paperwork to fill out. She said there was a grant that might pay for some or all of my stay. I filled it out and low and behold, she came back and said it had been approved. Our entire hospital bill was covered! I think back and am amazed at how it all worked out. As Audrey grew into a toddler, Bill said that Audrey looked just like the little girl in his dream. You can imagine she was the apple of his eye. The second little girl from Bill's dream came a few years later. I never had a third girl or another child, (Bill said there should have been one more in between the two girls) but I sometimes wonder if my granddaughter Ana is that little girl. She just had to wait awhile and came to Audrey. People often tell me how she looks like me. She is special to me too as are all of my grandchildren. Listening to this song in August 2012 brings me to tears and prompts memories of how the Lord blesses us abundantly with daily miracles! It got me to thinking about my own celebration of life and the recurring miracles I enjoy. I think we just need to be aware that we are not alone. We are being watched over and cared for, so if we just step out in faith....the Lord helps us along the way.

"I want to pick your brain". Where did that expression come from? Certain foods are look like human organs. Walnut meat looks like a human brain, with nutrients to nourish that particular organ. I use picks when cracking walnuts, so maybe that is where the saying came from? I don't know, but it is something to think about. I am not saying you or I are nuts, but the subject of being able to "pick your brain" is food for thought! When I say it, I mean I want to get to know you, learn more about you! When in session with a client, I gather information to help my client make desired changes, to use her brain in the most effective way to become her most magnificent self.

You can read more about other foods that look like body parts here in a Woman's Day article about Food Nutrition Facts.

Cuisinart SmartPower Deluxe Blender (Google Affiliate Ad) I recommend using a good blender to make your green juice. You need a strong blender to get the juice to a smoothie state, not chunky, unless you want to chew it instead of drink it.

PICK YOUR BRAIN? - AW NUTS!

Carrots are good for your eyes and a sliced piece of carrot resembles the human eye, slightly. Walnuts look like and nourish the human brain. I was using a pick to get the meat out of a walnut shell. Does the saying "I want to pick your brain" originate from picking out walnut meat?