Monday, April 25, 2011

You MUST Try This!

I have written several blogs in the past regarding the Biblical Essential Oils from Young Living that my family uses on a daily basis. What actually started my interest in the company is a drink called Ningxia Red. This drink is amazing to say the least. My good friend just started a Facebook Group called Garden of Eden that is chocked full of an immense amount of information regarding the oils and the Red drink. I have learned quite a bit in just the last few days and I've been with the company for two years now! The group is private but can anyone can join by invitation only. If you are on Facebook and would like to be a part of the group, just email me or leave a note here and I will send an invite to you. This is one of the posts uploaded just yesterday. It was just too good not to put here on my blog! I drink 1-3 ounces a day and can't imagine being without it!

Read for yourself how incredible it is....

21 REASONS To Drink Ningxia Red Juice

1. The Ningxia Wolfberry provides ample antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. Antioxidants permeate cell walls and attack free radicals before they damage the DNA of the cell nucleus.

2. Antioxidants of this berry fight arteriosclerosis and artherosclerosis – aiding the circulatory system – including the heart.

3. The Ningxia Wolfberry is powerful in helping the liver function properly. The liver is one of the most vital organs in the body – it’s our cleansing machine.

4. Helps the eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, and visual acuity. This berry contains a complete array of antioxidant carotenoids including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. In fact, the Ningxia Wolfberry has the highest source of carotenoids in all known foods. Beta-carotene is best known as a nutrient for the retina.

5. Cancer Help. The main constituent of the wolfberry is Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide (LBP), and according to studies in China, LBP helps cancer patients rebuild their white blood cell count, enhancing phagocytes and the activity of natural killer cells, which bind to cancerous cells, as well as improving major classes of T-cells. “increase the antibody reaction to the T-cell antigen”.

6. More Cancer Help. Acetone extract from the Ningxia Wolfberry inhibits gene mutation. Some scientists say the fruit is a good supplement to prevent liver cancer. Also, studies show objective regression of cancer in patients with malignant melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and others. Results also indicated LBP may be used as an adjuvant in the biotherapy of cancer.

7. Minerals & vitamins act as enzymes and co-factors in the digestion process.

8. Studies on seniors in China produced amazing results (many people liver beyond 100 years of age in wolfberry growing areas). Increases in Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) and hemoglobin were found in serum in all participants. In other words wolfberry “may help slow the aging process”.

9. Protects against the free radical attack on the mitochondrial DNA – our energy furnaces inside each cell. Antioxidants fight against mitochondrial destabilation.


10. Helps lower blood sugar and in many tests at least stabilizes blood sugar.

11. It is important that cell walls maintain their malle-ability for nutrients to cross this membrane. The free radical scavengers found in the Ningxia Wolfberry strengthen the cell wall and support efficient transport of flavonoid nutrients into the cell and waste products out of the cell.

12. Strengthens the brains neuro-transmitters against pervasive free radical activity, thus fighting against dementia and other forms of memory loss.

13. Promotes a sense of well-being, and has had noticeable results in tests, which reduces stress and anxiety. The tissues of the body (including the brain) are assisted in avoiding oxidative stress.

14. Has a B-vitamin complex essential to the body. In addition, these vitamins are vital for converting food to energy.

15. Cells need to communicate, esp. those in the brain and nervous system. The synaptic responses are protected & fortified by the same polyphenols (flavonoids) that this berry uses to protect itself.

16. Provides powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial action because it contains solvetivone (an amino acid). Properties in the food fight viruses – it’s anti-viral.

17. Reduces pain caused by inflammation because the berry contains Beta-Sitosteral, a remarkable anti-inflammatory.

18. The Ningxia Wolfberry is high in protein (more than whole wheat), an essential cellular building block.

19. The Ningxia Wolfberry, unlike most berries, contains natural Vitamin E – a restorative antioxidant with too many health benefits to list here.

20. A healthier, romantic life. The wolfberry increases overall health performance, including sexual responses. One herbalist wrote, “Wolfberry can make a young wolf out of an old man.”

21. This berry, dubbed “A complete body health motivator” has many unique polysaccharides, not found in any other plant on the planet.


So, what are you waiting for? I can order this for you at my cost - I'm not part of Young Living to make a profit but rather to spread the news about their wonderful products and how they have changed our lives. I order the 8th of every month, so email me if you would like to order this drink or any of the oils. (2plus3wonders@sbcglobal.net)

My friend who started the Facebook Group posted a wonderful reminder from Revelations 22:2.... And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Wouldn't you rather treat the ailments of your family members naturally rather than with prescription medication? It's time to think outside the box and see what the Lord has waiting for you!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Well Worth the Wait!

I am just so excited for my little princess - after two full years of tedious flossing, painful teeth-moving, rubber bands, cancer sores and monthly appointments....the end was finally in sight! For those of you that have had braces, you know the exhilarating feeling when they finally say, "Let's pop these babies off!"

Not only do her teeth look incredible (they should after all that money, right?) but she received a special kudos from the Orthodontist. They stated that 28 months is the nationwide average time span for kids to wear braces. Victoria only had hers on for 2 years and 6 days! I guess all that harping of "wear your bands" really did pay off!

Here is a picture just one day before she began donning the metal teeth!And here we are two years later...Wow...she sure has changed! I liked that cute, little bob hairstyle. Where, oh, where did my little girl go....

We love you, Victoria - you are a very beautiful and special lady! Enjoy your pearly whites :)

Monday, April 4, 2011

I'm a Proud Momma!

Breathtaking.

That is the best word I can use to describe what it is like to see God working in your children's lives. To see the pages of their book unfold...to witness their score being written...to become speechless as you observe their journey from the confinements of a cocoon to the liberated fullness of life as they spread their wings!

I have seen this take place in Victoria over the past two years since we have been involved in a home school co-op. Victoria's deafness and home schooled environment presents a double-whammy when it comes to her social skills and getting her to participate in things outside of her "box".

Even though I am constantly pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone, this co-op was not one of my intended avenues. We only joined this co-op for the Chemistry class and to learn ASL. That was MY purpose and goal. However, a week later, we discovered what God really had in store for us! When I first chatted with Mrs. Shannon about our family and enrollment, she shared with me the various dance classes that she teaches. Regretfully, I let her know that Victoria was deaf and wouldn't be able to be a part of her ballet, jazz or tap classes. We were just needing science...

Shannon greatly encouraged me while gently nudging me to let Victoria try some classes. She has worked with children with disabilities for over 20 years and she was just sure that Victoria would excel.

I hope you are sitting down because you are about to witness proof that our God-given teacher was right - not even two years later I sit in amazement of my daughter and her ability to dance in all three classes! She dances all day on Friday (about 4 hours) in ballet, jazz and tap. This is a video of Victoria and her friend, Anna's, tap duet. You must keep in mind that both girls are profoundly deaf!



Mrs. Shannon is an inspiring miracle worker, in my opinion. She works with students that have various kinds of disabilities - mental and physical - and teaches about 30 classes a week. She has been a "dream come true" for my little girl and yet she is completely unaware of the transformation that has taken place in Victoria since she did not know Victoria before co-op.

Thank you, Mrs. Shannon. For your dedication, perseverance, patience and witty humor. My daughter and I both love you to pieces and am so thankful that you are following God's calling AND that He led me to you at just the right time!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I Want Another Week Like This One!

After a wonderful three week sabbatical from blogging, I am finally back! Thanks for the emails and facebook pm's wondering where I was! My to-do list was growing by leaps and bounds and I was determined to get caught up on the many projects calling my name and the unfinished ones that have left me in turmoil! I purposely set blogging aside and tried to focus on my wifely/motherly duties (and playing Words with Friends on my phone!) So much has happened the past few weeks that I can't wait to write about. Right now I am trying to get out the door for our home school co-op, but just wanted to share our relaxing spring break with you. I didn't take any pictures of what I accomplished since it would have been rather boring, but I did succeed in completing FIVE projects that finally gave me room to breathe!

Since the weather felt like July, we loaded up the bikes with a picnic dinner and headed to the park for our two mile trek. We decided that we need to do this weekly once school is out! We have a pet sitting business, so this week we had THREE dogs to watch. Adam is holding the two month old untrained puppy - that sure was interesting! I have taught Victoria a little bit about sewing since my mom gave me her old machine, but this was the first sewing class that I had her attend. They made a small drawstring bag and she loved it!Victoria is the crafty one of the bunch, so she decided to "chop" up one of her t-shirts and make it more stylish!We believe the best way to learn is hands-on. So, I hit garage sales looking for broken (most of the time free) things like tv's, phones, camcorders, etc. Then the boys bring them home and tear them apart! They eventually learn how the item actually works and then daddy helps them name all those crazy parts! (This was Adam's camcorder we got for free!)Of course, we had to end the week with pizza and home made brownies made by Kyle and his girlfriend, Megan! (This is proof that all I did was watch!)

I hope you all had a wonderful Spring Break and made lasting memories!

This weekend I plan to catch up on reading all the inspirational blogs written by my other friends - way behind on that too!

Have a blessed weekend and remember to laugh often - life is too short!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Porcupine Meatballs

My good friend, Denice, gave me this recipe last week and we all love them - very easy and healthy! For those of you that know me well, I always change a recipe! In this one, I used honey instead of sugar and for the meat, I used 1/2 pound of Venison and 1/2 pound of ground turkey.

1/2 cup uncooked rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup chopped onions
1 lb uncooked meat
Salt, pepper and garlic to taste

Sauce:
15 oz tomato sauce
2 T brown sugar (I used honey)
2 T Worcestershire sauce

Roll together to form small balls. Brown in skillet with olive oil. Pour sauce over meatballs, cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes or they make an awesome meatball sub on hoagie rolls!

Hope you enjoy ;)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Your Focus Needs Focus

About three months ago, I started really paying attention to some words that I seem to say a lot - mainly to my kids and especially during the teaching hours. One word consistently makes it way through my teeth and off my lips...FOCUS!

One day I recorded that I said the word 'focus' 11 times within a six-hour span! Well, that demanded a time slot for a family meeting :)

After chatting with my husband about this incredibly strong and over-used word, we decided to make it our family "word of the year!" I started researching what God's Word had to say about it. Judges cautions us to keep our focus on God and not ourselves while Paul warns us in Corinthians how easy it can be to lose our focus. Since we are humans, our need to be realigned with our moral and Biblical warehouse is constant.

This is not just for our children in regards to their school work. It's for me and you as well. We need focus when we sit down to study God's Word and quit thinking about our massive to-do list. Focus is necessary for your college-bound children as they embark on a whole new life completely unknown to them. We need focus and diligence in our jobs as we strive for excellence.

As ironic as it is, when our friends came to pray with us and our home in January, they kept using the word focus. I was amazed! I stopped them to tell them that we have deemed this our family word and how it can apply to so many areas of our lives. They spoke of the need for focus not only in our home but in America. We've lost our way and our priorities. We need to get back to the basics - God's Word - and fix (focus) our eyes on Him.

I'll never forget a picture I saw once of Daniel in the lions den. He was completely at peace while several lions rotated around him. His arms were lifted towards the sky as his head was. He eyes were fixed on Heaven. He wasn't concerned or worried about the seemingly impossible situation around him - he was focused on the only thing that mattered. God.

As another confirmation, we watched the remake of the new movie The Karate Kid. Although I didn't care much for the movie, guess what the main crux was? Focus! It was perfect and completely poignant to our family. The boy is basically wanting to learn karate to get even with several kids who are harassing him at school. He's tired of all the mundane training and is ready to just kick some tail! The patient teacher is consistent and diligent in his training repertoire. At one point, the teacher tells the boy that he needs to focus. The boy blurts out that he is focused. Now here comes my favorite line...the teacher says: "Then your focus needs focus!"

I love that! Your focus needs focus.

Of course, now the kids hear this weekly - and for great reason. But when it leaves my lips and hits their ears, I hear it too. I need focus in my life as much as they do.

Apparently some christian radio stations and pastors knew what I was onto and were trying to catch the wave. Before I knew it, I was hearing the "word of the day" and "word of the year" everywhere I went! Let me just set the record straight and inform you all that it started right here - in the Flint Home (haha!)

If you haven't adopted a word for your family yet, begin thinking about this. What are your priorities - for you and your family? What is the one thing you either need to work on or be constantly reminded of. I have a dear friend that I think should adopt the words 'thankful beyond measure'. They have been through so much the last five years and yet God constantly sustains them no matter how much the Devil has tried to knock them off course.

Just food for thought...besides that, my thoughts don't even cost you a penny - how's that for free? :)

Monday, February 21, 2011

Spicy White Chicken Chili

This is probably one of my favorite soup recipes. Serve this with some wonderful french bread and you have a hearty meal!

White Chicken Chili

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
4 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans (4 oz each) chopped green chilies
3 cans great northern beans, rinses and drained
2 cups (8 ozs) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Saute onions in oil until tender. Stir in garlic, chilies, cumin, oregano, cayenne and cloves. Stir 2-3 more minutes. Add broth, chicken, and beans. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with sour cream if desired.

I do not care for cumin, so I leave that spice out. If you do not wish to have that wonderful "kick" then lessen or leave out the cayenne pepper. Also, I have tried it with and without the MJ cheese. Most of the time, I leave that out as well.

I love bowl with the garnished sour cream, but the kids do not.

Hope you enjoy this wonderful rainy day recipe!