New Module

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:32:09 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 568 12-2-2020

LET GO AND LET GOD

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

[Living Bible translation]

Ephesians 4:31-32 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen….Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another…. [New International translation]

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make straight your path. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

The Bible is full of the promises of GOD. It is about the lives of individual people and it is about how a nation of people, the Israelites, rose from nothing, to greatness. The Bible is full of stories of people who, in faith, allowed GOD to have HIS WAY. Ordinary people had faith and lived extraordinary lives because they “LET GO and LET GOD.”

In Jeremiah 29:11 the writer says that GOD “ knows” the plans he has for “you.” Think about it. It does make sense. After all, GOD is all knowing (i.e., Omniscient). In other words, GOD “sees” all aspects of time---the past, the present and the future. Planning is about taking action, engaging in a process or designing steps so that some future outcome can be achieved. But not only can GOD “see” the future, GOD has unique ability to “design” futures. HOW? Well, GOD after all, is all powerful (i.e., Omnipotent). GOD has the ability to “breathe” life into “dead situations.” Just think of the creation of humanity, when GOD “breathed the breath of life” into the first human. See, Genesis 2:7.

We can also rely on GOD's plans for each of us individually, because GOD, unlike a City Planning division, or any other “human” organization, which has limited resources, limited staff and that may find itself, bogged down in paperwork with hundreds of other competing plans, GOD can plan for “each of us at the same time.” There is no wait time, no waiting line, no borders, no boundaries, no concern for “being overlooked,” because GOD can be with each of us, no matter where we are located in the world, at the same time. GOD is everywhere (i.e., Omnipresent). And GOD LOVES us all (i.e., Omnibenevolent), caring about each and every one of us.

So, GOD is uniquely qualified and capable of being a MASTER DESIGNER and PLANNER.

HE deserves our faith. We, therefore, should, LET GO and LET GOD.

But, so often, we don't. Ephesians 4 provides some understanding, why we don't just “LET GO.” According to Ephesians 4:31, we all have a tendency to let unwholesome talk come out of our mouths or take root in our minds. For example:

When was the last time you mentioned you were “growing old” instead of “growing in the LORD”?
When was the last time you “worried,” or thought about what you “can't do” instead of thinking of the thousands of things GOD is capable of doing, or of all the things GOD has already done for you?
When was the last time you completely turned some “impossible” situation in your life, or some “impossible person” in your life, totally over to GOD, refusing to think about it or even talk about it ?
How many times have you tried to make plans, based on “what you wanted,” “how you felt,” “or based on your financial situation,” without consulting GOD?
How many times have you “thrown in the towel,” on homework, determined that “you can't do it,” felt like a failure, decided not to work or play or try because you couldn't “see” what difference it would make?

In other words, it is our own tendencies to “rely on our own understanding” or to talk ourselves out of “moving in a direction” GOD wants us to go, or our negative thinking that often causes us to lose faith (in ourselves or GOD) and not LET GO and not LET GOD.

We must believe in our minds, our hearts and with the very words that come out of our mouth, GOD IS WHO GOD IS!

BECOMING GOD's CHAMPIONS

Watching prior Olympics or watching the skills displayed by professional athletes playing football, basketball, baseball, running track, skiing, ice-skating, playing soccer or engaging in other professional sports, most people think “I could never do that, in a million years!”

And, it is often that kind of “limited” thinking that separates those who become champions and those who don't. According to many coaches, trainers, sports psychologists and others who train, study and work with champions, there is a certain “mindset” associated with champions. Many people have athletic abilities, but what often distinguished the champions from even very gifted athletes is a certain mindset. These are a few things that are mentioned:

Champions are dreamers. They expect to win. That is, they see themselves winning even before it happens. They are optimistic. They are confident. Some might say they have faith. Or, as one writer put it, their faith is far greater than their fears. They often think their best days are ahead of them, not behind.

Champions don't focus on the faults of others or even their own faults or weaknesses. Instead, they focus on what they can do better than others. They work at improving themselves day after day, after day, so they can get stronger and better and wiser at doing what they are doing. Some say they are lifelong learners. They have a passion to excel.

Champions tend to be coachable, they take responsibility, they “show up,” they focus on their “gifts” they have been given. They often see their training and work as fulfilling a higher purpose, not for just a short-lived goal or gain.

See or read some of the following references: “Begin Your Day the Olympian Way, The Fastrack to Leadership Gold,” by Olympian Marilyn Kind & Emmett Miller, MD; “5 Ways to Think Like An Olympian,” by Jon Gordon. http://www.jongordon.com/positive-tip-think-like-a-champion.html; See also, www.JonGordon.com.

HAVE FAITH AND BE GOD's CHAMPION

GOD is still a champion maker. GOD is still looking for “just ordinary people,” willing to follow HIM and allow HIM to let them do extraordinary things, to HIS GLORY, even in the midst of COVID 19.

So today, let go and let GOD. LET GO and LET GOD. LET GOD and LET GO! Make this your affirmation this week.

Exercise and have faith. Eat right. Speak right. Think right.

Trust GOD to give you a future filled with hope! [Jeremiah 29:11]

Be GOD's champion and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:43:42 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 567 11-25-2020

O GIVE THANKS

Psalms 107:1-2 O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for HE is good: for HIS mercy endureth forever. [King James translation]

Luke 17:11-19 Now on HIS way to Jerusalem, JESUS traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As HE was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met HIM. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “JESUS, MASTER, have pity on us!” When HE saw them, HE said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising GOD in a loud voice. He threw himself at JESUS' feet and thanked HIM—and he was a Samaritan. JESUS asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to GOD except this foreigner?” Then HE said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well. [New International Translation] [The King James translation of Luke 17:19 states “…thy faith hath made thee whole.]

Thanksgiving

On November 26 ^th people across the nation will be celebrating “Thanksgiving,” a day that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national holiday by proclamation in 1863. Prior to Lincoln's proclamation, each colony or state scheduled and celebrated its own individual day of Thanksgiving. In an attempt to bring a nation together that was torn by the civil war, Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving. It was an attempt to create a custom or tradition that would be honored by Northern states and Southern states.

Once the national holiday of Thanksgiving was established, many American families created their own Thanksgiving customs and traditions. Some of those traditions included family and friend gatherings of multiple generations, makings special dishes, beautiful arranged table settings, starting with a big breakfast, watching football or a parade, visiting friends, sleepovers or travel, going to a place of worship, shopping the day after Thanksgiving, going to a movie or other engaging in other social activities. Because of COVID 19, many families will not be able to engage in many of these customs and traditions. However, that does not mean that COVID 19 need deprive us of “Giving Thanks” or our Thanksgiving.

According to these scriptures, “Giving Thanks” is about GOD.

Psalms 107:1-2, simply states that we should praise GOD and be thankful simply because GOD IS GOOD, and GOD IS MERCIFUL. We are to thank GOD for GOD's unfailing love, for being a GOD we can come to in times of trouble and for delivering us in times of distress. According to Psalms 107, if anyone is feeling troubled, distressed, poor, (or experiencing other problems because of COVID 19), this is a great time to simply “Thank GOD” for who GOD IS. Psalms 107 reminds us that GOD IS---our HELP, DELIVERER, HEALER, REDEEMER! (See Verses 2, 19, 20, 28)

In Luke 17:11-19, we are given an additional lesson on being thankful. According to Luke by giving thanks to GOD and praising HIM, we enter into right relationship with GOD and are blessed even more. The nine leapers were just physically healed. But, the Samaritan was made whole. Only the Samaritan was spiritually in right relationship with GOD, a relationship of gratitude, when the Samaritan praised GOD with heartfelt thanks—threw himself at the feet of JESUS.

I believe the elders in the church understood what it meant to be grateful and give heartfelt thanks for every single thing when they prayed and thanked GOD:

For waking us up this morning and not into eternity;
For articulation of speech and blood that still runs warm in our veins;
For our last night laying down;
That our bed was not our cooling board and that our covers were not our winding sheets;
That we can come before GOD as wayward children and confess our sins and that HE gives us one more chance;
For life and breath;
That we can see and that we are not being seen;
For everything---because YOU are just a MIGHTY GOOD GOD—and YOU are GOD all by YOURSELF!

Our elders were simply giving thanks to GOD for who GOD IS.

GIVE GOD THANKS

So, today, on this day before Thanksgiving, take time to remember who GOD IS. Take time to pray. Remember the elders who prayed for you. Take time to think about your many blessings.

On Wednesday, Thanksgiving Thursday, Friday and every day---give thanks.

Let's come together as a nation in giving GOD thanks.

Be well, be whole and BE BLESSED.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:21:50 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 566 11-18-2020

LOVE IS PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind…. [King James translation]

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. [New International translation]

Summary

1 Corinthians 13 is part of the epistles (i.e. a letters) to the church in Corinth. The Apostle Paul went to Corinth on one of his missionary journeys. It was one of his “stops.” Acts 18:1 notes that Paul left Athens and went to Corinth, where he met a number of people (a Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla) and where Paul spoke at the synagogue regularly.

As a guide to the early Christian churches, Paul engages in a number of discourses on topics. Many refer to 1Corinthians 13 as Paul's discourse on “love.” However, if you were to ask many born prior to 1960, they probably remember 1 Corinthian as a discourse on “charity,” because the King James translation uses the word “charity” while many modern translations of this scripture use the word “love.” When one thinks of “charity” one usually thinks of “giving.” or “helping.”

Whether you think of 1 Corinthians as the scripture on “love” or “charity,” it is probably no mistake that the writers, who Paul identifies in 1 Corinthians 1:1 as himself and Sosthenese, ¹ began the discourse with “Charity [or Love] is patient.”

If you think about CHRIST “giving” HIS life for humanity, despite all of humanity's continued imperfections, and that HE did this out of love for me and you, it is perhaps easier, to see the connection between “giving” (charity), love and patience. Despite humanity's failure to “do the right thing” over and over again, right up to the present, CHRIST still gave HIS life. GOD showed an extraordinary amount of patience on the cross for us, while we were yet sinners, in suffering and dying for us on the cross. HIS was a long suffering.

CHRIST's love was love “in action.” HE gave. HE healed. HE interacted with people. Often when the disciples or others were trying to rush HIM--- keep HIM from taking time to talk with a woman no one else would have talked with, ² or keep HIM from spending time with children, ³ or dealing with people outside his borders, ⁴ or spending time with someone everyone else rejected, JESUS stopped and interacted with them anyway. ⁵ CHRIST took time to be with people, minister to them, acknowledge them and love them. HE gave of himself, HE was patient, kind, not easily angered, not self-seeking.

JESUS' love was action, time, giving, caring and sacrifice. HIS giving of HIMSELF was love.

LOVING, GIVING and BEING PATIENT WITH YOURSELF

It is important to be patient with yourself and to love yourself even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Some of the ways WebMD suggest we can stay mentally and physically active and engage in self-care, include the following health activities:

GET OUTSIDE – Going outside and walking in green spaces, but still maintaining social distancing—staying at least 6ft away from anyone you don't live with, can often boost a person's mood, help with depression and keep high blood pressure at bay.
GET MORE THAN 5,000 Steps a Day –Move around your home, pace while on the phone, march in place while watching TV or listening to the radio can be helpful in avoiding an inactive lifestyle.
BE ACTIVE THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY—Try to avoid just sitting, if possible, all day. If you are at a computer all day, set an alarm to get up and move every hour. Try to replace some of your sitting with standing. Plan short breaks during the day (e.g. go for a walk, play with your child or pet or do an exercise video).
TEXT or CALL SOMEONE – It is still important to stay connected to friends, family and neighbors, while you socially distance. You don't want to be socially isolated. Call a loved one, mail an encouraging note or set up a group chat. Social connection helps with self-esteem, lowers your anxiety and helps keep your emotions even.
LIMIT NEWS or SOCIAL MEDIA—If you feel more anxious after listing to news stories or scrolling through social media, set limits for yourself. Check the news only once a day or choose certain days to check social media.
TAKE TIME to RELAX—Take a long bath or shower, sip tea in the afternoon, start an evening wind down where you listen to music or engage in another relaxing activity.
GIVE and RECEIVE HELP – Don't be afraid to ask for help (whether groceries or someone to talk to). If you don't know where to go, reach out to your church, your community or your physician or a friend. Give financially, donate to food drives, send a care package to a friend, ask an older neighbor if they need anything if you are heading to the store. Helping others helps you feel better.
TRY SOMETHING NEW – Try a new hobby---there a number of on-line videos and websites to learn anything from art, to gardening, to astronomy to coding. Research has shown that hobbies can be good for your health.
SET GOALS – To help you stay focused and give you a clearer purpose during these uncertain times. Don't make them too hard and don't beat yourself up if you have to put some of them on hold. Set goals within reach so you do something each week or every day.
GO EASY on YOURSELF—This may not seem like the productive season of your like, and that's OK. Give yourself grace and focus on what's important, keeping you and your family healthy.
WATCH FOR UNHEALTHY PATTERNS- Look for changes (e.g. are you drinking [alcohol] more, smoking, or engaging in other harmful patterns). If you're in recovery, reach out to your support group, contact a therapist or others who can help you get back on a healthy course.
THINK OF THE BIG PICTURE- Remember you are not alone. We truly are all in this together.

See, “Coronavirus: Healthy Actions That Help You Feel Better,” https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-healthy-actions-feel-better/

WHAT's LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Today, slow down. Take time to really think about love and what you and I can do to love like CHRIST. If you are feeling anxious or down, engage in some healthy activities that will help you feel better.

Pray---for yourself and others. In terms of the “ BIGGER PICTURE,” remember GOD is still in control!

Pray, love, be patient and BE BLESSED!

_____________________________________

¹ Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue in Corinth. He was seized and beaten by a Jewish mob in front of Gallio, the governor, when Sosthenes refused to turn against Paul (Acts 18:12-17).

² See, John 4: 27, which notes that even the disciples were surprised when they found JESUS talking with a woman.

³ See Matthew 19:13-14, which notes that when the little children were brought to JESUS to be blessed, the disciples rebuked them and tried to shoo them away, but JESUS welcomed the children to HIM. HE took the time to touch each of them.

⁴ See Luke 8:43-48. When the woman with the issue of blood touched the “border of his garment,” JESUS, didn't put up any walls, HE immediately stopped to seek the woman out and despite the incredulity of the disciples that HE would extend HIMSELF so broadly, since there was a multitude of people around HIM, JESUS stopped and found the woman.

⁵ See Luke 19:1-10. Despite being the chief Roman tax collector,” and despised and low (especially in the social hierarchy of the synagogue) so that he had to climb a tree to see JESUS (and perhaps stay a safe distance away from the crowd), JESUS saw Zacchaeus' need. JESUS reached out to Zacchaeus and went to his house to fellowship with Zacchaeus.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:18:31 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 565 11-11-2020

DEALING WITH STRESS

Psalms 120:1 In my troubles, I pled with GOD to help me and HE did! [Living Bible]

Psalms 55:22 Give your burdens to the LORD. HE will carry them. [Living Bible]

Psalms 18:28 My GOD turns my darkness into light. [New International translation

Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in YOU. [New International translation]

1 Peter 5:7 Let HIM have all your worries and cares, for HE is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. [Living Bible translation]

Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell GOD your needs and don't forget to thank HIM for HIS answers. [Living Bible]

Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with GOD. [New International translation.]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

If we are not careful, stressful events can seem “bigger than life.” This is especially so, when we are caught in the grip of anxiety, fear, insecurity, doubt, depression worry---often caused by stress events.

Constantly hearing talk about how stressful the world seems to be because of (COVID 19, the election, hatred, prejudice, crime, the economy, homelessness, injustices in numerous settings around the world and unease in so many people's minds “about the future”) it is easy to lose “prospective.”

Reading the WORD OF GOD and meditating on scriptures like those listed above help us put things back in their proper “spiritual order” because stress and stressful events are not and never will be bigger than GOD.

Reading and studying how others like Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Esther, Ruth, Daniel, Elijah, JESUS dealt with adversity and stressful events, each of us can come to realize that what HE has done for others, HE can do for me too. We too can come to the realization that NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD.

THE WORD OF GOD, is a transformative, portable, living, dynamic, healing, SPIRIT filled WORD, in all times, but especially in times of stress.

EXERCISE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Sometimes stressful events can flood the body with hormones causing a person's heart to pound, their breathing to increase or their muscles to tense. This reaction is called “the stress response.” It is one of the reasons why stress feels so uncomfortable.

Julia Corliss, Executive Editor of the Harvard Health Letter, suggests six relaxation techniques to try to induce a “relaxation response.” With practice, Corliss suggests that using some of these techniques will help a person create a way to return to their inner calm:

Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). As you breathe, you gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensation. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be appropriate for those with breathing, respiratory or heart failure problems.]
Body scan. This technique blends breath focus with progressive muscle relaxation. After a few minutes of deep breathing, you focus on one part of the body or group of muscles at a time and mentally releasing any physical tension you feel there. A body scan can help boost your awareness of the mind-body connection. [Corliss notes that this technique may not be helpful or appropriate for those who have had a recent surgery that affects your body image or who have difficulties with body image.]
Guided imagery. For this technique, you conjure up soothing scenes, places, or experiences in your mind to help you relax and focus. You can find free apps and online recordings of calming scenes—just make sure to choose imagery you find soothing and that has personal significance. [Corliss notes that this technique is helpful in reinforcing a positive vision of yourself, but it can be difficult for those who have intrusive thoughts or find it hard to conjure up mental images.]
Mindfulness meditation. This practice involves sitting comfortably, focusing on your breathing, and bringing your mind's attention to the present moment without drifting into concerns about the past or the future. This form of meditation has enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. Research suggests it may be helpful for people with anxiety, depression, hypertension, and pain.
Yoga, tai chi, and qigong. These three ancient arts combine rhythmic breathing with a series of postures or flowing movements. The physical aspects of these practices offer a mental focus that can help distract you from racing thoughts. They can also enhance your flexibility and balance. [Corliss notes that if you are not normally active, have health problems, or a painful or disabling condition, these relaxation techniques might be too challenging. She suggests checking with your doctor before starting them].
Repetitive prayer. For this technique, you silently repeat a short prayer or phrase from a prayer while practicing breath focus.

See, Six Relaxation Techniques To Reduce Stress, by Julie Corliss, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress/

If you have a medical condition, speak with your personal physician to determine what exercises are right for you. It may also be useful to speak a psychologist or psychiatrist.

BELIEVE GOD's WORD

JESUS said:

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in GOD, believe also in ME.

(John 14:1)

The WORD of GOD assures us that in troubling or uncertain times, we can ALWAYS believe in GOD. GOD is our anchor when the world is unstable. GOD anchors our soul. (Hebrews 6:19)

So, have faith in GOD and believe! Continue to study and meditate on scripture, breathe deeply and move.

And, remember, NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD!

Believe and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:15:15 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 564 11-4-2020

RE-BUILDING OUR NATION

Nehemiah 1:1-4 The Autobiography of Nehemiah, the son of Hecaliah: In December of the Twentieth year of the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, when I was at the palace of Shushan, one of my fellow Jews named Hanani came to visit me with some men who had arrived from Judah. I took the opportunity to inquire about how things were going in Jerusalem. “How are they getting along?” I asked. “—the Jews who returned to Jerusalem from their exile here?” “Well,” they replied, “things are not good; the wall of Jerusalem is still torn down, and the gates are burned.” When I heard this, I sat down and cried. In fact, I refused to eat for several days, for I spent the time in prayer to the GOD of heaven. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

Throughout the Bible, there are a number of examples of GOD dealing with cities (like Sodom, Gomorrah and Jericho), with nations (such as the nation of Israel, Ancient Egypt, the Babylonian Empire) and with individuals (for example, Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and Paul). Sometimes GOD uses a single individual to make a difference in the history of a great nation, such as when GOD used Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt or when David became king of Israel. The book of Nehemiah is an autobiographical account of how one person, a simple cupbearer, prayed that GOD would allow him to rebuild the walls of a broken nation and how GOD answered that prayer. One person was willing to leave a comfortable palace in order to lay a few bricks in order to rebuild and restore the spiritual health of a nation.

ACTS OF RE-BUILDING

Like Nehemiah, each one of us can make a difference. Each one of us can set an example. Each one of us can provide some of the sweat and “mortar” necessary to restore and re-build the spiritual health of our nation.

Like Nehemiah we need to protect children and families in crisis. For example, Nehemiah stopped family separation and the selling of children into slavery because families were unable to pay their debt to the rich. Nehemiah convinced the rich to restore the property they had taken to the poor and assist the poor, instead of profiteering on them. (See, Nehemiah, Ch.5)

Like Nehemiah, we can try to be an example by feeding others. For example, instead of acting like the former governors and their aides before him, Nehemiah did not demand a lavish food and wine daily allowance or ask for an additional $100 a day in cash, but instead Nehemiah fed 150 officials and visitors from other countries at his own table. Nehemiah's was a frugal diet because he did not want to insist on a food allotment for himself from the people when the people were already heavily burdened. (See, Nehemiah, Ch.5, Living Bible Translation)

Like Nehemiah, we can try to protect one another from harm. Nehemiah, assembled all the people, so they would be of one mind when they entered into covenant with each other and GOD. He wanted every single person to, in essence, “be on the same page” so there would be no excuses for anyone not doing his/her part.

The CDC (the Center for Disease Control and Prevention), for example, is trying to get everyone “on the same page” with regard to COVID 19. The CDC has stated:

As of October 25, 2020, COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the country. Average daily cases in the last 7 days increased 26% from the previous 7 days. This 7-day average is 4% higher than the previous peak 7-day average that the United States reached in July. COVID-19 cases continue to vary across age groups. People ages 18-24 remain the age group with the highest incidence of COVID-19.

See, https://www.cdc.gov/.

The CDC encourages everyone to do their part in slowing the spread of the disease and to protect one another. Specifically, the CDC wants everyone to practice these healthy habits:

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Stay 6 feet from others.

See, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.htm

The Bible exhorts us to:

Study to show thyself approved unto GOD, a workman [workerwoman/worker] that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15.

This too is a national priority. GOD will one day examine all our work. We are all in this together!

IT's NEVER TOO LATE

Tomorrow and over the weeks and months ahead, pray about how you can help re-build our nation. Ask GOD. Pray for direction. Pray GOD restore the physical and spiritual health of the nation and that we all do our part.

Remember, it is never too late to pray and rebuild! All we need do is lay one brick---day after day, week after week.

Pray, Re-build and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:12:24 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 563 10-28-2020

SWEAT

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. [King James translation]

Summary

It is interesting to compare mankind's quality of life before the fall (before Adam disobeyed GOD) and afterwards. Before the fall, Adam lived in GOD's garden. Eden was a GODly place, a beautiful space, uniquely created and designed by GOD. GOD planted trees, with the choicest of fruit. Eden was a place of peace and comfort. Most importantly, it was a place where humanity could be with THE CREATOR. In Eden, Adam could commune with THE CREATOR. Adam could talk with THE CREATOR, walk with THE CREATOR and do the work THE CREATOR designed specifically for him. It was ideal.

But as a result of Adams disobedience, and the disobedience of generations of male and female “Adams” thereafter, humanity was denied Eden. Humanity would still have to eat, but no longer would humans eat from GOD's special garden. Adam would have to plant his own garden. Adam would have to sweat. Adam would have to face obstacles. Instead of beautiful trees and easy, accessible fruit dangling from branches, Adam would encounter “thorns and thistles.” (See, Genesis 3:18.) Adam would have to deal with “the dust” and “the ground”--his very own nature, trying to live---trying to eat. Living outside of Eden would be hard and it would be frustrating.

Yet, one of the greatest lessons of the Bible, is that the story did not end with “the fall.” GOD continued to provided. For example:

When the Israelites were sweating in the wilderness, complaining and unhappy about all of the obstacles in their lives, GOD rained down bread from heaven. (See Exodus 16:4)
Job's “thorns and thistles” seemed to be never ending. They attacked his flesh and his spirit. He could find no comfort---not even from his friends or his wife. It seemed like everything he had worked and sweated for just disappeared overnight. Job's sweat was also the sweat of illness, discouragement and mental suffering. But, in the midst of his despair, GOD found Job and reminded Job who GOD IS.

There are many other examples and Biblical witnesses to GOD's AMAZING GRACE. The greatest act of GRACE was GOD sending HIS SON, JESUS, THE CHRIST to redeem humanity from the penalty of death. JESUS took the thorns and thistles of life, which HE wore in HIS suffering and then turned them into a crown of glory and victory, when HE then arose, victorious, with all authority from the grave.

JESUS sweated too. In a “prayer garden” called Gethsemane, in HIS agony, HIS sweat was like great drops of blood falling to the ground. (See, Luke 22:39-44) Yet, HE continued to commune with GOD. HE continued to pray. And GOD, in HIS GRACE, heard HIM. GOD always hears JESUS. (See, John 11:41)

Yes, the Bible has a lot to say about sweat, the thorns and thistles of life and GOD's GRACE.

EXERCISE SWEAT

One of the more famous quotes attributed to Edgar Allen Poe is “The best things in life make you sweaty.” When it comes to exercise, the subject of sweat or what make you sweaty can be complicated and sometimes misleading.

It turns out that some people just sweat more than other people. So, just because a person sweats does not mean they are losing weight or that a person is getting a better workout. Generally, sweat is the normal reaction of the body when your body is working harder. It is the body's cooling mechanism to reduce body heat. However, sometimes sweating can be the result of medical conditions. Excessing sweating can be caused by a thyroid condition, diabetes or infection. If you are experiencing excessive sweating or have concerns, consult your personal physician.

If you sweat during exercise, you may need to consume more liquids to offset the loss of fluid from your body. Some of the tips for maintaining proper hydration include:

Drinking water before and after exercise.
Drinking water during exercise, especially if you exercise for long periods of time.
Drinking water in hot and cold weather.
Before and after exercise avoiding beverages that contain alcohol.

Although people often associate sweating with cardio exercises, sometimes holding a single pose can make you sweat. For example, consider the following:

Static Lunge - Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart. Then take a big step forward and lower your back knee, without touching the ground and keeping your back straight and hips pointed straight ahead. Place your hands at your waist and hold, balancing yourself for 30 seconds or more. Then switch sides.
Glute Bridge – Lie on your back with your hands along each side. Then bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the ground, pointing forward. Squeeze your glutes and slowly lift your hips. Be sure to keep your shoulders down and draw in your abs. Hold for 30-45 seconds, then lower to the ground and repeat.
Superman/Superwoman – Lie face down and extend your arms straight ahead and your feet straight behind. Simultaneously lift your head, chest, arms, legs and feet, so you look like Superman/Superwoman flying. Look straight ahead. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat.

If you have balance problems, an injury, a medical condition or concerns about performing these exercises consult your personal physician for an exercise program appropriate for you. Remember it never hurts to ask a medical expert or to seek the advice of someone who knows your condition.

SWEAT, LIFE & THE BIBLE

Life still has its thorns and thistles. And, life can still make us sweat. Like the story of Job, the year 2020 has been a year of bad news reports. One pandemic (COVID 19), has been followed for another pandemic (global injustice), and another pandemic (environmental flooding, wild fires and other climate changes) and another.

The good news is that GOD still IS. GOD still hears our prayers. JESUS is still our DEVINE INTERCESSOR. GOD still has AMAZING GRACE!

The Bible is still a source of spiritual and physical health and can quench our spiritual thirst.

So, continue to pray. Continue to persevere. Continue to wait on THE LORD.

Stay Biblically hydrated, and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:09:39 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 562 10-21-2020

DETERMINED TO LIVE

2 Kings 20:1-6 In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order: for you shall die, you shall not recover.'” Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord, saying, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I walked before thee in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in thy sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the prince of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. And I will add, fifteen years to your life....”

[ Revised Standard translation]

Summary King Hezekiah was born in 739 BC. He was considered one of the great and good kings that reigned over Judah. During his reign he introduced religious reform, he tried to abolish idolatry and he faithfully “ walked” with God. Like Solomon before him, King Hezekiah was one of the few kings who went to the temple to pray. (2Kings 19:1). However, one day King Hezekiah became ill---sick to the point of death. Even the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that he should “put his house in order.” But Hezekiah decided to live. In fact, Hezekiah was determined to live. The scripture states that Hezekiah “ turned his face toward the wall” and prayed. Instead of allowing himself to get distracted by “bad news” and instead of focusing on the situation around him, Hezekiah turned against the situation in front of him and turned to GOD. Hezekiah turned from death and instead turned to life.

In his prayer Hezekiah reminded GOD how he had walked before GOD in faithfulness---in essence how throughout his life, Hezekiah had “exercised” his faith and how he had given GOD his “whole heart.”

GOD heard Hezekiah's fervent prayer and GOD gave Hezekiah 15 more years of life!

Food and Longevity

There are numerous articles on the effects of food on longevity. In “The 10 Best Foods for Longevity,” by Joel Furhman, MD, the following natural plant foods are promoted as foods that help fuel the body with nutrients, help to increase energy, help to reduce a person's risk of disease and help a person maintain a healthy weight. Instead of feeding an addiction to processed foods, which increase a person's risk for such illnesses as obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, Furhman recommends these making these ten foods part of a healthy diet:

Raw or Cooked Cruciferous Vegetables: For example, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, kale and cabbage.
Salad Greens: For example, spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, kale, collard greens.
Nuts: For example, sliced almonds, raw cashews, walnuts.
Seeds: For example, flax, chia seeds, pumpkins seeds, sesame seeds;
Berries: For example, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, blackberries, raspberries.
Pomegranate
Beans and Other Legumes: For example, black beans, red beans, chickpeas, split peas.
Mushrooms: For example, white mushrooms, shiitake, oyster, reishi.
Onions and Garlic: For example, yellow onions, scallions, shallots, chives.
Tomatoes

See, “The 10 Best Foods for Longevity,” by Joel Furhman, MD, updated June 6, 2020, https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-foods-for-longevity-4005852.

Exercise and Longevity

There are also numerous articles and studies regarding the effect of exercise on longevity. Even light physical activity was enough to increase the lifespan in older men. Researcher looked at about 1,180 men, who had an average age of 78, who wore a device that measured their movements over a seven-day period. The men were followed for five years.

Although government guidelines recommend at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of “moderate-intensity exercise” every week, it was noted that overall only about half of American adults actually meet the recommended guidelines.

But researchers found that it was overall volume of exercise and not how hard or how long a person exercised that mattered most regarding longevity. For example, the researchers found that sporadic bouts of exercise, even if under 10 minutes a day had a positive effect on lifespan. In other words, getting a few minutes of exercise, even if it was light exercise, mattered. “Every 30 minutes of light intensity activity per day---like going for a walk or gardening---was linked to a 17% lower risk of early death in the study.” See, “Even Light Exercise Can Help You Live Longer,” by Alexandra Sifferlin, February 20, 2018, https://time.com/5166564/physical-exercise-can-increase-lifespan/.

Be Determined! If someone were handing out winning ticket for “additional years of life,” most of us would think that we had won the “ultimate” prize. After all, who wouldn't want to live longer? Who wouldn't want “life?” Yet, that is exactly what GOD offers us---the “Gift of Life.” Like Hezekiah, whose name means, “GOD gives strength” or “My strength is THE LORD,” we too must exercise our faith, turn to life and pray--asking for GOD's help and strength.

Be Determined:

to be healthy!
not to give in or to give up!
to keep yourself and others in prayer!
to strengthen your physical and spiritual walk before GOD; and, most importantly,
to THANK GOD for HIS walk with us!

And, BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:06:23 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 561 10-14-2020

FRUIT

AMOS 8:1-2 Thus THE LORD GOD showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit. And HE said, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A basket of summer fruit.”

[Revised Standard translation]

Then THE LORD said, “This fruit represents my people Israel…”

[Living Bible Translation]

Summary

The book of Amos is a book about prophetic justice and judgment. Amos was a prophet---a spokesperson for GOD, predicting and foretelling GOD's plan for the people, including GOD's plan to judge and punish Israel for their sin. GOD was going to punish Israel because the people had disobeyed GOD. They had broken covenant with GOD by repeatedly worshipping idols. The wealthy elite were becoming rich at the expense of the poor, stealing even their “smallest crumbs” with taxes, fines and unjust interest rates. There was rampant corruption and social injustice everywhere, even in the courts. Individual pride, the lust for power and self-interest were more important to the people than GOD or righteousness.

In chapters 7 and 8 of the book of Amos, (i.e., The Book of Visions), Amos describes a series of visions from GOD. In the first two vision narratives (in the 7 ^th chapter), Amos seems to persuade GOD not to carry out the punishment on Israel that GOD described to Amos in these two visions. However, in the 8 ^th chapter, GOD gives Amos a third vision. GOD shows Amos a basket of summer, ripe fruit. The kind of ripe fruit Amos saw may have included strawberries, peaches, blueberries or cherries. In the hot Middle East sun, this type of ripe summer fruit would not have lasted long. The fruit would turn brown. It would become soft. It would have decayed, spawn mold, began to rot and then smell. Eventually it would have to be “dealt with.” Through this vision, GOD lets Amos know that, like ripe rotting fruit, Israel's sin and social injustices had gone unchecked too long. Like molding, ripe summer fruit—the stench of Israel's sin had become too great. It had to be “dealt with.” GOD would not defer punishment any longer. The people and the nation of Israel were accountable to God and now it was judgment time.

Fruit

There are a number of reasons why fresh fruit is a part of healthy eating. Fruits are a good source of essential vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin C and people who incorporate fruits as part of a healthy diet tend to reduce their risk of chronic diseases. Some of the benefits include the following:

Potassium – Potassium helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure. It also helps to guard against bone loss and reduces the risk of kidney stones. Fruit Sources: Include: bananas, prunes, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, orange juice, avocados, figs
Fiber – Fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. It also is important to proper bowel function, reducing constipation and diverticulosis. Fruit Sources: Include: raspberries, apples (most of the fiber is in the peel); bananas, oranges, strawberries, mangos. Remember, fruit juice contains little or no fiber.
Vitamin C - Important for the growth and repair of body tissues, wound and cut healing care, healthy gums and teeth. Fruit Sources: Include: citrus sources (e.g. oranges, grapefruit), cantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon, kiwi, mango
Antioxidants – These are substances that fight off free radicals, unstable atoms, that may increase aging, damage healthy cells and cause cancer. There is also some research that berries high in antioxidants may benefit the brain. Fruit Sources: Include: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and other berry fruits.

See: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307145825.htm; https://www.creativehealthyfamily.com/top-10-reasons-why-you-need-to-eat-fruit/; https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/fruits/fruits-nutrients-health.

If you are diabetic or have other health or digestive concerns, speak with your personal physician about your fruit and fruit juice consumption.

Fruit juice and other sweetened beverage consumption should be particularly monitored in infants and children. In, “Sweetened Drinks Still Top Sellers to Kids,” by Dennis Thompson it was noted that:

Drinks marketed to children often contain unhealthy sugars and sweeteners and are delivered in packages containing too-large servings;
According to researchers at the University of Connecticut, none of the 34 sweetened drinks aimed at the youth market met nutritional recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP;
Two-Thirds of the sweetened fruit drinks and flavored waters contained no fruit juice at all and those that did have fruit juice contained less than 5% fruit juice;
Many of the single-serving 100% fruit juices and pouches contained more than 4 ounces, thus exceeding the recommended daily amount for a toddler, making them size unhealthy for them, since the serving sizes were bigger than a toddler should be drinking;
You can't trust the packaging because 85% of the sweetened drinks contained images of fruit, but only 35% of the drinks had any fruit juice at all;
Children between the ages of 2 to 11 see more than twice as many ads for sweetened drinks than healthy alternatives.

Researchers found that sweetened drinks are marketed heavily to parents and children and parents need to read the label of the products they buy for their children and monitor their children's intake carefully. See, “Sweetened Drinks Still Top Sellers to Kids,” by Dennis Thompson, https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20191016/none-of-top-selling-kids-drinks-meet-experts-health-recommendations#1.

Spiritual Fruitful
Not only must we be mindful of the fruit we eat and what we give children, we must also be mindful of whether we are “spiritually fruitful.”

Galatians 5:22 states:

But the fruit of THE [HOLY] SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Today, let us pray for wisdom. Let us pray for justice. Let us pray for mercy and humility.

Let us pray for the fruit of THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Pray we be spiritually fruitful and BE BLESSED.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:00:24 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 560 10-6-2020

REMEMBERING OTHERS

2 Samuel 9:1-10: One day David began wondering if any of Saul's family was still living, for he wanted to be kind to them, as he had promised Prince Jonathan. He heard about a man named Ziba who had been one of Saul's servants, and summoned him.

“Are you Ziba?” the king asked.

“Yes, sir, I am,” he replied.

The king then asked him, “Is anyone left from Saul's family? If so, I want to fulfill a sacred vow by being kind to him.” “Yes,” Ziba replied, “Jonathan's lame son is still alive.” …So King David sent for Mephibosheth---Jonathan's son and Saul's grandson. Mephibosheth arrived in great fear and greeted the king in deep humility, bowing low before him. But David said, “Don't be afraid! I've asked you to come so that I can be kind to you because of my vow to your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you shall live here at the palace! Mephibosheth fell to the ground before the king. “Should the king show kindness to a dead dog like me? He exclaimed…And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly with King David, as though he were one of his own sons. [Living Bible translation.]

Summary:

David was the youngest son of Jesse. David grew up a shepherd, keeping the sheep. He was essentially “a nobody,” living on a sheep farm. Jonathan, on the other hand, was “royalty,” a prince, the son of King Saul. Although they lived in “different worlds” the two men became loyal friends, despite the fact that Jonathan's father, Saul, hated David with an insane passion and repeatedly tried to kill him. Nevertheless, Jonathan stood by David, protected him and acted as peacemaker. When David lived in the wilderness caves to escape Saul's wrath, Jonathan went to David and reassured him (telling him not to be afraid) Jonathan encouraged David and told him that GOD had a plan for his (David's) life. Jonathan literally told David that it would be David who would become King of all Israel. The two men made a covenant before the LORD, renewing their pact of friendship, so that David would not be discouraged. See, 1Samuel 23:13-18.

When Jonathan died in battle with the Philistines, David deeply mourned the loss of his friend. But, soon afterward a lot of things suddenly started happening to David. David was anointed king over Judah. David was involved in a number of military campaigns. There were numerous victories. And then, one day, David remembered.

David suddenly thought about his old friend Jonathan and asks if there was anyone from Saul's family still living. One of Saul's servant's Ziba appeared before David and told David about Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth who had a disability. He was described as “lame in both feet.” See, 2 Sam. 9:3. By this time, all of Saul's land was lost. There was this grandson Mephibosheth, but he had a disability. He couldn't walk, so he couldn't work the land.

The sick, the disabled, and, in general, anyone having a disease in ancient Jerusalem was a social outcast. The sick often lived outside the city gates, where they begged for food. Even Mephibosheth, the son of a prince, referred to himself as a “dead dog.”

But David remembered his friend Jonathan. He remembered his covenant and his promise to show kindness to his friend's family. So, David “found” Mephibosheth. He “restored” his land to him. He “took him in,” like family and sat him at his own table, so he could be with David forever. David remembered.

REMEMBER OTHERS

Food Insecurity – In the United Stated

In “Food Insecurity By The Numbers,” September 27, 2020, Christiana Silva, reported on some of the data regarding food insecurity in the United States.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, even before the pandemic, some 13.7 million U.S. households, experienced food insecurity at some point during 2019. This means that in 2019 approximately 35 million Americans (or about 10.5% of all U.S. households) were not able to acquire enough food to meet their food needs or were uncertain where they would get their next meal. Since the pandemic, based on one estimate by researchers at Northwestern University, food insecurity more than doubled as a result of the economic crisis brought on by the pandemic, resulting in as many as 23% of all U. S. households experiencing food insecurity. See, “Food Insecurity By The Numbers,” September 27, 2020, by Christiana Silva, https://www.npr.org/2020/09/27/912486921/food-insecurity-in-the-u-s-by-the-numbers.

Children have been especially affected. According to USDA data, in 2019 13.6% of households with children experienced food insecurity. Analysis from the Brookings Institution found that in late June, 2020, 27.5% of households with children were food insecure. Researchers at Northwestern University found that there were about 29.5% of households with children are experiencing food insecurity in 2020, about triple the number in 2019. Id.

Part of the problem is that the school lunch programs were a main source of food for many households. So, with many children not being able to return to school, they are now food insecure. Id.

Silva also noted that the data showed that Black and Hispanic Americans were disproportionately affected in terms of food insecurity. In 2019, 19.1% of Black households, 15.6% of Hispanic households and 7.9% of White households (below the national average) experienced food insecurity. Education was another factor. For example, college graduates experienced food insecurity at 5% in 2019, while food insecurity for those without a high school diploma was about 27%! People with disabilities, especially if they are not in the workforce, also experience a higher rate of food insecurity. Id.

Food Insecurity- Globally

Silva also reports that according to the United Nations World Food Program, the global pandemic may double the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity from 135 million in 2019 to 265 million in 2020. Id.

Remembering Others

Many of us "grew up poor.” Like David, our parent just worked. Many of them “just made a living.” They were not princes or princesses. However, now that many are “doing a little better,” some may have “forgotten” those who are still living in deep poverty or need food.

We may all need to take a moment and remember and then pray about what we might do to help.

REMEMBERING GOD's GRACE

Some have likened David “kindness” to Mephibosheth to GOD's GRACE to us. Like Mephibosheth, we too were weak, hobbled by sin and lost. GOD's kindness and GRACE to all humanity put us in “right relationship” with GOD, allowing us to become HIS sons and daughters so that we could have access to GOD and be with GOD forever.

David's kindness to Mephibosheth provides an example for us to show kindness to others. But first, we have to remember.

So, today remember. Remember GOD's GRACE to you. Pray about what you or your worship community can do or what you can do to help your worship community and organizations that help families and children. Then, do something.

Like David, remember others, be kind and BE BLESSED.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:57:03 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 559 9-30-2020

EVEN THE DOGS

Matthew 15:22-28 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to HIM, crying out, “LORD, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.” JESUS did not answer a word. So HIS disciples came to HIM and urged HIM, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” HE answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before HIM, “LORD, help me!” she said. HE replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.” “Yes LORD,” she said, “but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Then JESUS answered, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

[New International Translation]

Summary

During Biblical times the Jewish people considered themselves separate from gentiles* of their times. One group of gentile “outsiders” living around the Jewish people during the time of CHRIST were the Canaanites. To many Jewish people, the Canaanites were no better than “dogs.” So, one day when a Canaanite woman came to JESUS crying for mercy on behalf of sick child, even some of JESUS' own Jewish disciples were annoyed and urged JESUS to send her away. From their prospective, she was just a gentile, unclean and woman. But, the woman was desperate. She was a mother, and her daughter needed help. Moreover, the woman knew JESUS could help her daughter. She believed in JESUS. She acknowledged HIS authority---she called HIM “LORD.” So, she literally begged JESUS for help.

Initially, JESUS said nothing. When the woman persisted, JESUS pointed out that HIS [immediate] mission was to save the “lost sheep of Israel,” meaning the Jews. But the woman would not be dissuaded; she came and knelt before HIM, in humble submission. She worshipped HIM. She pleaded.

Testing her “faith” JESUS spoke to the woman and said: “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.”

Still, the woman did not give up. She replied: “Yes LORD,” basically acknowledging the common attitude of the Jew. And in essences, she was admitting that “YES, I know that Jews consider us Canaanites to be “dogs.” But with fierce determination, the woman quickly retorts: “But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” In other words, “ even the dogs” deserved to be blessed by the MASTER too!

Seeing how great the woman's faith was, even with the testing of her faith, JESUS grants the woman's request. JESUS heals her daughter immediately! All because of the faith of a determined woman!

_________

*A gentile is anyone who is not of the Jewish race or religion.

DOGS TODAY

Although not everyone likes dogs or even want a pet or dog; nevertheless, it turns out that there may be some benefits to owning one.

In “This Is How Much More Exercise Dog Owners Get Compared To People Who Don't Have Dogs,” it was reported that based on a study which surveyed adult dog-owners, adult non-dog owners and children, it was found that dog owners were “four times more likely to get the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise, compared to those who did not own a dog.” It was noted that in England, where the study occurred, only 66% of men and only 58% of women are able to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise and that in American less that 50% of Americans do. However, the study found that on average, the dog owners spent close to 300 minutes per week walking with dogs while those without dogs spent less than 100 minutes per week walking. See, “This Is How Much More Exercise Dog Owners Get Compared To People Who Don't Have Dogs,” by Kate Streit, May, 30, 2019, https://www.simplemost.com/dog-owners-get-more-exercise-study/.

It was also noted that dog owners spent more time performing other types of exercise, such as jogging and cycling compared to non-dog owners.

It is interesting that we may live a society, where many may recognize the importance of exercising a dog on a regular basis but where a person may not recognize the importance of regular exercise for him or herself. In other words, people who may not be exercising regularly may not be treating themselves “better than a dog.”

ARE DOGS TREATED BETTER THAN THE HOMELESS?

On July 31, 2012, the Northeast Ohio Coalition for The Homeless published an editorial titled “Dogs Get Better Treatment Than Homeless People.” See, https://www.neoch.org/issue-54-articles/2012/7/31/dogs-get-better-treatment-than-homeless-people.html. In that editorial they compared the treatment of dogs to the homeless. They pointed out that:

The Cuyahoga County kennel is a clean facility staffed by trained professionals with a deep concern for animals. Whereas, the overflow shelters for homeless men and women are inadequate facilities staffed by untrained, overworked staff, some of whom are just punching the clock and have no concern for the people that they serve.
San Francisco is constructing an apartment building for their homeless dogs and cats. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has a large advertising budget with a huge network of volunteers, some of whom are willing to go to the extreme for animal rights whereas San Francisco has an extremely large homeless population approaching 10,000 people per night with a severe shortage of housing.
Why are we as a society spending money doing fundraising campaigns and spending valuable resources to house homeless animals while millions of our taxpaying citizens sleep on the streets or on mats in a shelter? Why not prioritize solving human homelessness before we work on the needs of homeless puppies?
Every jurisdiction has a dog warden, but very few municipal or county governments have a homeless liaison.
We need a re-evaluation of our priorities and work on ending the suffering that exists on the streets. We need to rebuild people so they have the confidence to live free of chemicals in a home…[W]e have a fundamental responsibility to justice for our citizens.

Id. This editorial was written pre-COVID 19.

In 2019 it was estimated that there are about 150 million homeless people worldwide. Habitat for Humanity estimates that 1.6 billion people in the world live without adequate shelter. In the United States, the 2019 estimates were that there were about 567,715 homeless; approximately 17 out of every 10,000. See, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness_in_the_United_States and https://endhomelessness.org/homelessness-in-america/homelessness-statistics/. And, these data are pre-COVID 19.

We all have to be concerned about how others are treated! We all have to help to end suffering and to strive for greater physical and spiritual health for ourselves and for others.

Pray about what you should do! Then do something. Check with organization in your church, in your neighborhood, in your city, or national organizations that help feed or shelter the homeless.

Be determined and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:51:04 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 558 9-23-2020

TRANSFORMATIVE WALKS

Genesis 3:8 That evening they [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of THE LORD GOD walking in the garden; and they hid themselves among the trees. [Living Bible translation]

Summary

There are numerous verses in the Bible about walks or walking with GOD. It seems that even from the very beginning of humanity, GOD wanted to walk with us! There is strong evidence in Genesis that before “the fall,” Adam and Eve “walked” with GOD. They walked in a garden. In fact, they must have walked together so many times, in that Adam and Eve heard and recognized “HIS WALK.” It appears that the walks may have been regular and consistent---that is before “the fall.” After “the fall” things changed. Instead of Adam and Eve going on their usual evening walk with GOD, after “the fall” Adam and Eve were a “no show.” GOD was there; but Adam and Eve were not.

Genesis 3:8 notes “that evening,” they [Adam and Eve] “heard the sound of THE LORD GOD “walking in the garden” but they did not join in walking. Perhaps it was because of their fears or their focus on themselves because their focus was on themselves (e.g. they were naked—verse 11); because they were too busy blaming others for their disobedience to GOD or failing to repent to GOD and accept personal responsibility for what they had done (verse 12 and 13). They were spiritually naked---trying to hid their shame, their guilt of disobedience and felt exposed. They were simply out of sync with GOD. Their sinful behavior had ruined “the walk.”

Throughout Biblical history, GOD has invited others to “walk.” GOD invited ninety-nine year old Abram to “walk before ME and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1 Revised Standard). When Abram accepted GOD's “invitation,” his name was immediately changed from Abram to Abraham. GOD was starting the transformation.

Enoch also accepted GOD's invitation to walk. GOD and Enoch's walk was so close some state that Enoch transformed “from mortality” into “immorality,” or did not experience death. The BIBLE says that Enoch “was not.” Maybe Enoch was “ not afraid,” “ not concerned about what others thought, but more concerned about GOD.” Perhaps Enoch was “ not the kind of person who blames others but instead, became the kind of person who asks GOD to examine his own mistakes first” or “ not the kind of person to let anything (e.g., no thoughts or anxieties about pandemics or earthly matters) ever separate him from GOD.” Perhaps GOD just “took” the “old Enoch” and transformed him into something so different that people thought there was “a new man,” because of all the changes in Enoch's mind, heart and spirit because of his close spiritual walk with GOD.

Perhaps Enoch looked at his hands and his hands looked new; he looked at his feet and they did too because in routinely walking and talking with GOD, the “old” Enoch was being transformed.

There are others who could also testify about the transformative powers of “a walk.” Ask the two men who walked with JESUS on the road to Emmaus (Luke24:13-35); ask Peter about his walk with JESUS on the water (Luke 24:13-35); ask the man who had been complaining about his physical problems and his situation for 38 years who was simply told by JESUS to “Rise, take up his sleeping mat and walk.” (John 4:8) or Paul who left this instruction to a church: “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).

Learning to walk with GOD can be transformative.

Walking Can Change the Brain and Our Mental Health

Research suggests that the simple act of walking can change our mental health. In a controlled study, the researchers at Stanford University wanted to know if taking a 90-minute walk through a natural environment would basically improve mental health.

The scientists looked at “brooding.” Brooding is a “morbid rumination” or a kind of mental state where a person “can't seem to stop chewing” over the ways in which things are wrong with themselves or their lives. This “broken-record” fretting is not healthy or helpful and has been connected with depression and is more common among city dwellers than people living outside urban areas.

The scientist asked a group of subjects to complete a questionnaire to determine their level of morbid rumination. They then randomly asked ½ the subjects to take a walk through a leafy, quiet, park-like portion of the Stanford campus or alternatively take a walk next to a loud, hectic, multi-lane highway in Palo Alto, a busy city. After the walk the subjects came back to the lab to complete a questionnaire and a brain scan. Those who walked near the highway still had high blood flow to their subgenual prefrontal cortex of the brain and their broodiness score was unchanged. Those who strolled along the quiet, tree-lined paths showed “slight but meaningful improvements” in their mental health, based on their questionnaire scores and their scans. They had less blood flow to the subgenual prefrontal cortex of the brain (which meant that portion of the brain “was quieter”) and they did not dwell on the negative aspects of their lives as much as before their nature walk.

These kinds of studies highlight the importance of visiting parks, natural environments, walking or being able to enjoy nature. See, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, “Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activity,” by Bratman, Hamilton, Hahn, Daily and Gross, https://www.pnas.org/content/112/28/8567.

If you are tired of “things” in your life, with your body, with your mental health or your situation, then, why not “take a walk” or spend some time in nature.

The Family Walk With Children or Others

The family walk can be an excellent way to enjoy quality family time with children outside the home. For those with children (especially school age children) who may need more exercise in these pandemic times, it can also be an excellent teaching tool and transformative learning experience. Here are just a few activities for you and your child:

Introduce your child to books on trees, birds, vegetation and flowers;
Give your child a paper or phone map and teach them how to map read or you and your child can create a map of the places you visit;
Use your walk time to explore activities that occurred at school (e.g. social interactions, classwork, their learning environment) or during the day;
Use your walk time to talk about values, beliefs, your child's talents, goals, desires;
Use the walk time to get to really know one another and learn to listen to each other;
Give your child a sports watch or walking app so they can track distance, create goals, create a graph or other ways to measure progress;
Use your walk time to discuss your upcoming Sunday School lessons, to review the verses above, or to study other people's lives or to discuss what it means for you, your child, your family or others to commit to walk with GOD.

Embrace GOD's Transformation

GOD wants to walk with us. HE wants to transform our lives. HE wants to make us “new creatures.” 2 Cor. 5:17. The invitation to be transformed is still “open” to all.

GOD wants all us to be part of the family of GOD.

Embrace GOD's transformative power and BE BLESSED.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:51:37 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 55716 9-16-2020

YOUR ARM'S TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD

Numbers 11:23 The LORD answered Moses, “Is the LORD's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.” [New International translation.]

Summary:

Learning to trust GOD after the great exodus from Egypt wasn't easy for the Israelites. Despite seeing GOD perform great miracles---- the escape from Pharaoh's army, the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14); the guidance by the pillar of cloud during the day and the pillar of fire at night (Exodus 13); the numerous plagues that occurred in Egypt when Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go (Exodus 7-12)--- the Israelites still found it hard to totally put their trust in GOD. The Israelites complained about their food (Numbers 11); they were often defiant (See Exodus 32 when the people tried to make their own GOD); they were difficult, argumentative, and often “tried to box with GOD.”

Even, Moses, who spoke directly with GOD, sometimes “couldn't see” how GOD was going to work things out when GOD promised to give the complainers the meat they craved , for a whole month, until it came out of their nostrils and became loathsome (Numbers 11:20). Moses could not “see” how GOD was going to fulfill this meat every day for a month promise. Moses could “see” that there were over 600,000 men alone present, not even counting the women and children (Numbers 11:21). Moses counted all the animals in the flocks and herds and the math simply did not add up.

But just because Moses couldn't “figure it out” didn't mean GOD could not do it. GOD asked Moses, “Do you think my arm is short” or in other words “Do you think me weak and not up to the challenge?” Without explaining how, GOD just told Moses “ You shall see.”

So, just on the WORD of GOD, Moses reported GOD's promise to the people. And, GOD did exactly what GOD said HE would do.

ARM EXERCISES

While the LORD does not have weak arms (i.e. short arms), often people who fail to exercise do. Some might even ask, why do you need strong arms? Here are a few reasons why such arm exercises are important:

Research has shown that strength training and other arm exercises that involve bicep curls and weight lifting can improve benefit heart health;
Working out your arms can help improve your speed and endurance;
Lifting something may help to improve your range of motion, allow you to perform daily tasks and help improve your quality of life.
We need to combat the “pitfalls of our culture,” which often has us hunched over a computer, bending over phone screen, sitting slumped over a chair or couch watching a TV, or behind the steering wheel of a car, or behind a desk. Many of our activities of “daily living” result in our continuously decreasing our range of motions.

See: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/the-best-arm-exercises#2;

Here are just a few upper body and arm exercises that can be performed while sitting:

SHOULDER RETRACTIONS

Find a straight back chair and sit with your back straight and abs engaged.
Hold your arms straight out in front of you making fists without locking your elbows.
Bend the elbows straight back, pulling your shoulder blades (in the back together) as your elbows bend back toward your torso.
As your elbows come back, push your chest forward. Continue this chest pushing forward, elbows pushing backward 10 times.

BICEP CURLS AND OVERHEAD PRESSES

Find a straight back chair and sit with your back straight and abs engaged.
You can use a weight appropriate for your strength or household object, such as a plastic water bottle (e.g. 8 fl. oz or 16.9 fl. oz) or any other object you can safely and easily hold in your hands and lift.
Hold your weight or household object with your palms facing forward and your arms extended long your sides.
With your elbows close to your side, curl your biceps, lifting the object to about shoulder height. The object will be facing you.
Now turn your hand outward so your palms and wrist point toward the ceiling and the object facing away from you as you slowly press the object upward above your head toward the ceiling.
Slowly bring object the back to the shoulder position and then reverse your wrist so the object is facing toward you again.
Then uncurl your biceps downward until your hands are back along your side in your start position.
Repeat a number of reps together depending on the size of your weights and your strength. Add a rep. each day until you achieve a set goal. Take breaks when needed. Stay hydrated.

SEAT PUNCHES

Find a straight back chair and sit with your back straight and abs engaged.
Get in a fighting position with your hands up and your fists clenched guarding your face.
Extend your right hand toward the left in a punch and bring it back quickly;
Extend the left toward the right in a punch and bring it back quickly;
Repeat 10 times.
Reset the hands and now extend the right hand upward punching toward the ceiling and bring it back quickly
Alternate the hands punching toward the ceiling 10 times.
Now punch toward the floor alternating the hands 10 times.
If you increase your speed, remember to maintain your form and keep your abs engaged.

See, https://www.verywellfit.com/seated-upper-body-workout-1231439 and https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/arm-exercises-no-weights for additional upper body exercises and visuals.

Always be mindful, if you have a medical condition or you are taking medication, please speak to your personal physician about arm exercises appropriate for you.

YOUR ARM'S TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH GOD¹

Life can be frustrating. And, sometimes it is difficult to see a way through. When, like Moses, we just can't see how GOD is going to fix things or keep HIS promises, it pays to remember, “our arm's too short” and “our sight much too limited.”

Sometime we have to remember our spiritual exercises, prayer and trust, and just “wait” and “see” what GOD will do.

So, continue to exercise your whole body---including your faith.

Trust in GOD and BE BLESSED!

____________________________________

¹ The phrase “Young man, yo' arm's too short to box wid GOD!” appeared in James Weldon Johnson's novel, “Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. The statement, “Your arm's too short to box with God” first appeared in James Weldon Johnson's poem “The Prodigal Son,” which was published in Johnson's 1927 collection of poems God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:14:53 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 556 9-9-2020

DEALING WITH HEAT

Ezekiel 37:1-3 The Power of the LORD was upon me and I was carried away by the SPIRIT OF THE LORD to a valley full of old, dry bones that were scattered everywhere across the ground. He led me around among them, and then he said to me: “Son of dust, can these bones become people again?” [Living Bible Translation]

I said, “O Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Then He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones….” [New International translation]

Summary

Ezekiel was an Old Testament priest. His calling/job was to speak the WORD of GOD to a people that were in rebellion against GOD, a most difficult task indeed. But since he was “called” by GOD, GOD prepared Ezekiel for his task. Ezekiel's preparation involved experiencing the SPIRIT OF GOD through a number of visions. In verse 37, Ezekiel has a vision of a valley of dead bones. These bones were very dry bones (New Testament translation) and very scattered. In other words, the fact that these bones were dry was compounded by the additional problem of these bones being disjointed, confused, fragmented, and mixed up. The fact that these bones were dead and that the whole valley was full of these bones, must have caused Ezekiel to question whether that particular valley was even a safe place to be. Ezekiel saw “Death Valley,” a massive graveyard and confusion.

The first thing that GOD did for Ezekiel was to cause him to open his mind up to the possibility of “seeing beyond the visible.” Ezekiel saw scattered bones in a valley. Through a series of questions, and instructions, GOD caused Ezekiel to realize that these bones were in fact people---his congregation---in fact, the whole Nation of Israel. Israel had been beat, led into captivity, humiliated and were so beaten down and disconnected from their roots so that even they (the bones themselves) thought they had no hope. But, GOD promised Ezekiel, if he followed HIS instructions, and prophesied to the bones, telling them about GOD's plan for raising them up as a nation, and about GOD's plan to provide them with ONE SHEPHERD (Verse 37:34), (i.e. JESUS CHRIST), the dry bones would live again.

So, Ezekiel prophesied and GOD did just what HE said HE would do. GOD breathed life into the bones, just as HE did before, when HE breathed life into man. (See Genesis 2:7.) GOD transformed a valley of death and dry bones into spiritual life.

EATING AND DRINKING IN A HEATWAVE

Heatwaves can often be difficult to manage. During heatwaves some people experience poor sleep, lack of energy, poor appetite, sluggishness or other heat related problems. Sometimes people wonder what to eat or drink.

How Much water?

According to WebMD, about 60% of our body weight is made of water. Water serves a number of bodily functions. It carries nutrients to our cell, it helps us digest food, it cushions our joints, organs and tissue, it flushes out toxins from vital organs and it helps to regulate bodily temperature. There is moist tissue, for example, around the mouth, nose, eyes. For example, water is the main component of saliva. Water also plays a role in preventing constipation by making sure there is water in your bowel movements. Water can also boost your metabolism and level of energy. In general, water is vital for human function. Nearly all of the body's major systems depend on water. See, “How Much Water Should I Drink Daily,” https://www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink#1.

It turns out that how much water a person should drink generally (whether or not there is a heatwave) varies. Water consumption may depend on your size, age, sex, whether you are exercising, as well as environmental factors, such as the temperature outside, the humidity and how much water your body is losing. People lose water by sweating (i.e., evaporation of water through the skin), breathing, urinating and through feces. According to nutritionist, Kerry Torrens, in “How to Eat In a Heatwave,” and WebMD, there is no one size fits all when it comes to water intake.

The color of your urine may provide some information about your water intake. According to WebMD, normal urine is usually clear to yellow, depending on diet and hydration. When you are dehydrated, urine tends to more concentrated and a darker yellow, a sign you may need to drink more water. See, “What The Color of Your Pee Could Be Telling You Something,” by Sheldon Marks, MD, October 10, 2017, https://blogs.webmd.com/mens-health/20171010/what-the-color-of-your-pee-could-be-telling-you .

Higher temperatures or higher humidity, such as what can happen in a heat wave, may mean that you sweat more so you may need to replenish the water in your body more frequently. Again, how much may depend on whether you are outdoors, how active you are or other variables.

Medical conditions can also affect hydration or why a person might retain more or less fluid. If you have a heart condition, kidney condition, on medications or have a health condition, you may want to consult your physician about what water intake amount is right for you.

What Foods to Eat?

Some foods are more hydrating than others. According to the nutritionist, Kerry Torrens, 20-30% of our fluid intake comes from foods we eat. Id. Some of the foods that Torrens lists as being high in water include:

Strawberries
Cucumbers
Celery
Lettuce
Melon
Squash

Other water rich foods include: oranges, apples, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and Brussel Sprouts.

Torrens also mentions that food consumption leads to digestion, which is a heat-generating bodily process. So, eating leads to an increase in body temperature. According to Torrens, this may explain why appetites may be reduced, especially when it is hot, because the body wants to cut down on heat-generating activities, like digestion.

Torrens suggest that foods that require more digestion, such as those foods that are high in protein and fiber or processed sugar, require “more effort to digest” and therefore generate “more heat.” For this reason, Torrens suggest that we may want to reconsider eating slushes and ice cream, which may have a “short-lived” cooling effect but because they require more processed sugar digestion, are more “heat-generating.” Making these kind of [sugar] food choices on a hot day, may result in a person “ending up hotter than they did to start with.” Id.

MOVING BEYOND DRY BONES TO LIFE

Just as there will be peaks and valleys in life, there will also be deserts. And if there is desert, there will be dry bones. What is important is to move beyond the deserts and the dry bones to life. GOD's instructed the Prophet Ezekiel how to make this transition. GOD told Ezekiel to prophesy—speak to the bones.

Like Ezekiel, we too have to “speak in faith” and “act in faith,” even when “things” around us are not what they should be. Like Ezekiel, we must believe GOD can bring people “back to life,” “turn situations around,” and believe that “HE will do just what HE said HE would do.”

So, today, prophesy. Prophesy to your bones. Read GOD's WORD. Absorb the WORD! Don't be discouraged. Instead, speak hope to yourself and to others around you. Promote physical and spiritual health within.

Let GOD's “LIVING WATER ¹ ” and GOD's “LIVING WORD ² ” restore spiritual life to you.

L'Chaim ³ and BE BLESSED!

_______________________

¹ In John 7:38-39, JESUS refers to the HOLY SPIRIT as “LIVING WATER.” JESUS invites anyone to come to HIM who thirsts.

² In John, chapter 1, JESUS is described as “THE WORD” that was made flesh, and dwelt among us. John 1:1-14.

³ “L'Chaim” is a Hebrew toast of celebration that means “To Life!”

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:08:09 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 555 9-2-2020

EVERYWHERE

Psalms 139:7-10 Where can I go from YOUR SPIRIT? Where can I flee from YOUR presence? If I go up to the heavens, YOU are there; if I make my bed in the depths, YOU are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there YOUR hand will guide me, YOUR hand will hold me fast. [New International translation]

Matthew 28:20 [A]nd, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. [King James]

Jeremiah 23: 23-24 Am I a GOD who is only in one place and cannot see what they are doing? Can anyone hide from me? Am I not everywhere in all heaven and earth? [Living Bible]

Definition: Omnipresence: The prefix “omni” comes from the Latin word “all.” So, to say GOD is omnipresent is to say GOD is in all places or everywhere and at the same time.

Summary

Sometimes we forget about the Omnipresence of GOD---that GOD is everywhere. GOD's Omnipresence can be a source of comfort and concern. In Matthew 28:20, JESUS comforts the disciple. After giving them their “marching orders,” their “mission,” or what is often called “The Great Commission,” HE then reassures them that they need not be afraid because HE would be with them ALWAYS. HE was promising to be their EMANUEL (which means “GOD is with us”) wherever they went---“even to the end of the world.”

David, who spent a period of his life fleeing from King Saul, knew what it was like to try to hide. When David was hiding from Saul and GOD protected David, GOD's presence was a comfort.

David also knew what it was like to try to hide something from GOD. When David tried to hide his sin of sleeping with another man's wife (Bathsheba) and causing the death of Uriah (Bathsheba's husband), David's “cover up” never worked with GOD. GOD saw it all. When David was convicted of his sin with Bathsheba by the Prophet Nathan, David knew then that nothing was hidden from GOD. While others may be fooled by outward actions and appearances, we can hide nothing from GOD. The only way that David could “get right” with GOD after taking Bathsheba was to confess his sins and repent from the depths of his heart.

As Jeremiah reminds us there is no hiding place anywhere. GOD is everywhere.

Anywhere Exercises

Sometimes we make things more complicated that they need to be. While gyms may be closed, and people are sheltering and social distancing is recommended, it is still possible to exercise, because you can exercise almost anywhere.

Exercises That Can Be Done Almost Anywhere:

Wall Squats: Find a wall. Slowly slide down the side of the wall until your thighs are parallel with the floor. You will look like you are sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight. Hold that position for the count of ten, slowly breathing in and out so that your stomach expands in and out. If you are concerned about sliding down too far, put a pillow behind your feet so you will land on a pillow; otherwise, don't slide down too far until you have built up strength in your core. Do at least 5 or these per day, slowly building your core until you can hold the sitting position for at least 1 minute. Invite others to join you in doing this exercise!
Side Leg Lifts: Find a straight back sturdy chair. With your back against a wall, hold the back of the chair arm's length in front of you. Now shift your weight into your right leg and slowly raise your left leg as high as you can, holding on the back of the chair with both hands. Breathe in as you raise your leg up and breathe out when you slowly lower your leg. Alternate between lifting your right leg and your left leg. Remember, to shift your weight first before raising your leg. Do this at least ten times.
Calf Raises: Using a straight back sturdy chair and with your back against a wall, slowly raise both heals as high as you can (hold for a second or two), then lower your heels to the floor. Again, only when you raise up, breathe in. When you lower your heels, breathe out. Do at least 10-15 of these calf raises.
Wall Push-ups. Start with 1-3 push-ups. Then add a push up every day until you can do 10. a. Start with wall push-ups first- Find a wall and stand about 3 ft with your hands outstretched, facing the wall. Hands should be shoulder width apart. b. Lean your body forward keeping your hands on the wall. c. Then push your body back with your hands until you are in a standing position again. Repeat this action 3-5 times.

If you have a medical condition or problem, you have balance problems or you are concerned about the safety of any of these exercises, please be sure to first consult your physician before attempting any of the above exercises. Let your physician determine an appropriate exercises program for you. Remember, it never hurts to ask.

Prayer- Anywhere and Everywhere

Prayer is another exercise that can be done also anywhere, everywhere and often. Before a Zoom meeting, during media reports about COVID-19, wildfires, eviction concerns, financial concerns, about school safety. Prayers can be sent on behalf of out-of-state friends, or relatives or to those suffering in hospitals, prisons, or on behalf of those dealing with hardships in other states or foreign countries.

Although we cannot be everywhere, GOD can. We can ask GOD to send HIS HOLY SPIRIT wherever there is need or prayer concern. GOD can comfort us all.

So, continue to pray for one another, everywhere and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:37:46 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 554 8-26-2020

NOTHING IS GREATER THAN GOD

Habakkuk 3: 17-18 Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossoms left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and fields lie barren even if the flocks die in the fields and cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will be happy in the GOD of my salvation. THE LORD GOD is my STRENGTH.

[The Living Bible Translation]

Summary

Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who prophesized about 612 B.C. Many scholars trace his name to the Hebrew word habaq, which means “to fold one's hands or to embrace.” But scholars question whether the name means that Habakkah was an active embracer (e.g. embracing the people's suffering and in endeavoring to understand what seems like chaos and calamities that plague humanity) or if Habakkah was being passively embraced (e.g., one who is embraced by GOD, as a child of GOD and GOD's messenger). The book of Habakkak suggest both.

Like Job, Habakkuk questions GOD about the chaos of living, especially when bad times come and then one bad event seems to follow another, and yet another, and still another. For Job, it was a series of personal tragedies and suffering. And, in the Book of Job, Job asks, “Why GOD!?”

Habakkuk lived during the cruelty and violence of the Neo Babylonian Chaldean reign. The Chaldean King Nebuchadnezzar uprooting the lives of the Jewish people. This Chaldean nation captured Jerusalem, prevented worship in the temple, created agricultural and financial disruption, and eventually caused the Jewish trek into Babylonian captivity. Habakkuk questioned the sadness and destruction all around him and questioned GOD's wisdom in using the Chaldeans as a method of punishing the Jews. So, in the Book of Habakkuk, Habakkuk asks, “Why GOD!?”

However, both Job and Habakkuk in their attempts to question GOD, reached the same conclusion! Both concluded that they must rely on GOD's wisdom and understanding, not their own. Both concluded that GOD has the strength to control all things and to save them, despite their circumstances. And, both Job and Habakkuk renewed their faith and trust in GOD, because of WHO GOD is and GOD's love for them.

NOTHING is greater than GOD or GOD's LOVE!

KEEP MOVING

Because gyms are closed, the need for social distancing, the need to wear masks in public, climate change producing poor air quality (like smoke), lack of transportation or other reasons, many people are exercising at home. Some are using on-line classes for yoga, Zumba, strength training or other workouts. Just put “Free Exercises Online Classes” in a Goggle search engine or search on “You Tube.” Or create your own home workout routine, or workout with friends online. Here are a few exercises you may want to consider:

Chair Squats – Stand in front of a straight-back chair, your back to the chair, your feet about shoulder-width apart and your feet straight ahead. Putting your weight in your heels, and your arms straight ahead, hinge at your hips and slowly bend your knees, straight ahead and start to lower your bottom into the chair until you touch the chair. Don't sit. Taking a deep breath, and your hands still extended in front of you, tuck in your glut, and put your weight in your heels and very slowly rise to a standing position. Repeat 5-10 times

Straight Leg Donkey Kicks – On a mat, get on all fours in a table top position. Your hands should be aligned with your shoulders and your knees aligned with your hips. Keeping your back straight raise your right leg and extend it backwards in a straight leg kick. As you kick, keep the foot flexed and the toes pointed downward. The opposite foot should remain flexed with the toes pointed into the mat. Keep your hips square and bring the right foot back in until the knee touches the mat. Then repeat the kicking movement on the right side 5 more times. Return to your start position and then perform 5 straight leg donkey kicks on the left side. Perform 1 or 2 sets on each side.

CREATE A MOTIVATIONAL EXPRESSION

In 1939, the British government created motivational expressions to help people prepare for the war. The expressions were put on posters everywhere. It was meant to help people when there were the massive air attacks, explosions and gas attacks in major cities and, in general, to boost the morale and spirit of the British people. One of the most popular expressions was: “ Keep Calm and Carry On.”

Today, many people are feeling discouraged about the constant onslaught of negative news about COVID-19 deaths, the economy, the weather, the state of justice in the world, crime, man-made and other disasters. If you are in need of encouragement, consider creating an “resilience expression” for yourself or your family. Something you can say to yourself or others to boost their morale. Here are a few suggestions, but feel free to be creative and develop one or your own. Search the Bible or borrow one from a hymn or song that has meaning for you. Make it a family project to come up with something that fits you or your family. Ask family members to come up with suggestions and then decide. Here are a few suggestions:

NOTHING IS GREATER THAN GOD
KEEP PRAYING AND CARRY ON
GOD IS MY/OUR FAMILY'S STRENGTH
GOD'S LOVE NEVER FAILS
REJOICE IN THE LORD, ALWAYS
TRUST IN GOD, ALWAYS, IN ALL WAYS
REMEMBER GOD's LOVE
STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

Remember all of the above. And, be encouraged!

Be resilient, have faith and BE BLESSED.

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:30:33 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 553 8-19-2020

OVERCOMING FEARS AND DOUBTS

Matthew 14:14-18, 20 So when JESUS came out of the wilderness, a vast crowd was waiting for HIM and HE pitied them and healed their sick. That evening the disciples came to HIM and said, “It is already past time for supper, and there is nothing to eat here in the desert; send the crowds away so they can go the villages and buy some food.” But JESUS replied, “That isn't necessary---you feed them!”

“What!” they exclaimed. “We have exactly five small loaves of bread and two fish!”

“Bring them here,” HE said. Then HE told the people to sit down on the grass; and HE took the five loaves and two fish, looked up into the sky and asked GOD's blessing on the meal, then broke the loaves apart and gave them to the disciples to place before the people. And everyone ate until full! [Living Bible translation]

BIBLICAL COMMENTS

A great deal of JESUS' interactions with the disciples had to do with JESUS teaching them how to overcome their fears and doubts. This is an example.

“Immediately” before these events, JESUS and the disciples had all been at a mountainside gathering with over 5,000 people. ¹ JESUS was performing miracles, healing the sick. But, when it became late in the evening, past supper time, the disciples approached JESUS and suggested HE tell all the people to leave and go buy food, fearing a hungry crowd would become too unmanageable. But instead, JESUS calmly turned to the disciples and said: “That won't be necessary, you feed them!”

Astonished, and probably looking at JESUS as if HE had “lost HIS mind,” the disciples proceeded to give JESUS what they thought was a simple lesson in mathematics. You could almost hear them saying in their minds: “Listen JESUS, there are 12 of us; at least 5,000 of them, 5 loaves and 2 fish.” Some of the disciples may have even been thinking “We don't even have enough to feed our small group let alone this massive crowd!” But they just said: “We have exactly five small loaves of bread and two fish.” [Living Bible translation.]

JESUS response was just as straightforward. “Bring what you have to me.”

Then JESUS performed a miracle, after the disciples and the people were obedient and followed HIS directions.”

Asking GOD's blessings over what they had (5 loaves and two fish), JESUS fed everyone, with food to spare.

FEARS & DOUBTS

If you allow it to happen fear or doubt can be palpable (i.e., so intense it is almost tangible so that you can almost touch it). If one were to compile a list, many of these fears and doubts have been “on the list” a long time and are “common,” while other fears and doubts may be unique to our times. Such a list might include the following:

Many students starting kindergarten and students going to a “new school” often have fears and doubts about the first day of school;
Many students starting college may have fears and doubts about starting a new life in a different city, a new or more competitive academic program or feel anxious about being away from home, perhaps for the first time;
Many parents, teachers and educators are struggling with how to meet the challenges of teaching others the information, skills, values they need to live productive lives in their communities;
Many adults are fearful about the Coronavirus, its huge death toll or have financial fears, or other doubts related to the virus or its end or its lifetime effects;
Many people around the world are being affected by climate change. They are suffering from increased heat, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, desert conditions, and other environmental problems that have sparked fears and doubts in people about their safety.
Many people are concerned about their governments. Protests and uprisings at home and abroad have sparked fears and doubt about justice, equality, fairness;
Many people are concerned about their own survival or the survival of their love ones.

If JESUS' disciples were present today (and they still are) you could almost hear them say: “Listen JESUS, there about 7.8 billion people in the world and about 195 countries. Every day we are inundated with news about fears and doubts around the world. Each country, each state, each city, each village, and innumerable households around the world are dealing with problems. And, the list of fears and doubts is even longer for those who are homeless, incarcerated, suffering from mental illness, or institutionalized for other reasons. They are all hungry for something---peace, security, justice, love! It's overwhelming!!!”

If you or others close to you have expressed these concerns, we can all take comfort in JESUS's response to the disciples “fears and doubts” in Matthew 14. Here are some of the reminders from this chapter:

Have Compassion – Know that JESUS has compassion for all of our needs (whether it is a physical problem that needs healing or a problem like doubt and fear). Have a heart like JESUS for others, including for yourself. Be sensitive to the needs of children, adults, people you may not know or other situations that are unfair or unjust. Don't just ignore the problem because it seems “too much to deal with by yourself.” (Matthew 14:14)
Examine Your Resources or What You Can do – Consider what you have or can do. What are your resources? Ask others to consider their resources and think about GOD's resources too! (Matthew 14:17)
Organize and Follow an Action Plan- And, make it clear to others, including those who need help as well as those who can help about your concern for others and put an action plan together. (JESUS organized everyone together around the problem HE was addressing. (Matthew 14:19)
Pray Affirmatively – JESUS asked GOD's blessings on the situation and “acted” as if GOD had already answered their prayer (i.e., Everyone was already in a position to eat a good meal!) And, they did indeed eat and were filled. Cast away doubt by expecting GOD to succeed! (Matthew 14:19-20)
Don't Be Afraid – Just as JESUS reassured Peter, JESUS reassures us! Have faith! (Matthew 14:27)

EXERCISE – TO REDUCE STRESS

There are a number of medical articles regarding the benefits of exercise to reduce stress. When we exercise, our bodies release chemicals call endorphins, which help to trigger a positive feeling in the body. Endorphins can even diminish the perception of pain. Exercise is almost like a sedative. Studies have shown that regular exercise may:

Reduce Stress
Ward off anxiety and feelings of depression
Boost self-esteem
Improve sleep
Strengthen your heart
Increase energy levels
Lower blood pressure
Improve muscle tone and strength
Strengthen and builds bones
Help reduce body fat
Make you look fit and healthy

See, “Exercise and Depression,” https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression#:~:text=Regular%20exercise%20has%20been%20proven,Boost%20self%2Desteem.

If you are concerned about your mental health, it may be useful to speak with your physician, a school counselor (if you are a student) about your concerns and even about what exercise program would be appropriate work for you given your age and physical condition.

Yoga and Tai Chi are low impact exercise programs that may be able to give a person a workout at any age and can be modified to suit many health conditions. There are many free exercises classes and You Tube exercise video on line.

REMEMBER- GOD CAN OVERCOME OUR FEARS and DOUBTS

GOD still understand our needs.

GOD still wants us to come to HIM with EVERYTHING.

GOD can overcome our fears and doubts.

GOD is still performing miracles.

Don't be afraid to have compassion for others or yourself!

Trust GOD, have faith and BE BLESSED!

____________________________

¹ Matthew 14:21 notes that there were about 5,000 men in the crowd that day, in addition to all the women and children!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:32:28 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 552 8-12-2020

TEACH THE CHILDREN

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our GOD is one LORD: And thou shall love the LORD thy GOD with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. [King James translation]

Scripture Discussed

Before the pandemic, many people believed that the secular education of children was the sole responsibility of the nation's school system. Likewise, some Christians believed that the religious education of their children was the responsibility of their church or their child's Sunday School teacher. However, the book of Deuteronomy makes it clear that the education of children must also occur in the home.

Deuteronomy 6:4 is called the “Shema,” a Hebrew word which translated means “Hear,” the word that begins the verse. It is as if the speaker emphatically tells its audience to “LISTEN UP!” because what is about to follow is really important. What follows is what some consider the “heart” of Judaism and the basic principles of the religious faith.

One of the important tenets in Deuteronomy 6:7 is to teach the children. Teach them when you are just sitting around talking with the children at home, when the children wake up, when the children lie down, and generally, when you are just out and about walking with them every day. Deuteronomy states that education of the nation of Israel's children should not to be delegated to a school or to a church, but that the education of children should include “home schooling.” Teaching a child about GOD is as vital as eating and sleeping. It is simply fundamental. It is necessary for healthy living. It is necessary for survival---the survival of one generation to the next.

Teaching children

Teaching children healthy eating habits and modeling those behaviors is also important to the growth and development of healthy children today, and to the stability of our nation. According to WebMD, some of the ways to teach healthy eating habits to children are to:

Guide your family's choices rather than dictate foods: Make a wide variety of healthful foods available in the house. This practice will help your children learn how to make healthy food choices. Leave the unhealthy choices like soda and juice at the grocery store. Serve water with meals.

Eat meals together as a family as often as possible: Try to make mealtimes pleasant with conversation and sharing, not a time for scolding or arguing. If mealtimes are unpleasant, children may try to eat faster to leave the table as soon as possible. They then may learn to associate eating with stress.

Involve your children in food shopping and preparing meals: These activities will give you hints about your children's food preferences, an opportunity to teach your children about nutrition, and provide your kids with a feeling of accomplishment. In addition, children may be more willing to eat or try foods that they help prepare.

Discourage eating meals or snacks while watching TV: Try to eat only in designated areas of your home, such as the dining room or kitchen. Eating in front of the TV may make it difficult to pay attention to feelings of fullness, and may lead to overeating.

See, “Healthy Eating Habits for Your Child,” https://www.webmd.com/children/kids-healthy-eating-habits#1.

Even if you have no children or are “empty nesters” it is still important to “model” good healthy behavior. Feed yourself or your “inner child” with the same care and concern.

MORE STRETCHES

Performed seated or standing. Place your hands in a prayer position (palms together and fingers pointing to the ceiling) with your elbows the same height as your forearms. Without moving your waist, gentle move your hands to the right until you feel the stretch then back to center. Then gentle move your hands to the left until you feel the stretch and back to center. Repeat on each side 3-10 times, taking breaks as needed.

Performed seated or standing. Place your hands in a prayer position (palms together and fingers pointed to the ceiling). Once positioned, bring the elbows and forearms together (as much as possible) then allow the fingers to continue moving straight up over the head until each forearm is by the ear and your fingers (still together are pointing toward the ceiling) then separate the hands (keeping the fingers pointed to the ceiling until each arms is straight out to the sides (with the fingers pointed to the ceiling). Now bring the fingers inwards to your original prayer position. Continue to make a slow big circle--upward and along your sides and inward, trying to keep the fingers pointed upwards. The reverse the circle, so your hand come from the ceiling to your start position. Make 4 to 5 circles.

As always, if you have a medical condition or you have concerns about your safety performing any stretch or exercise, consult your personal physician first before beginning any new exercise program or activity. Ask your physician for a stretching or exercise program appropriate for you.

BE CONCERNED, BE INFORMED and BE PROACTIVE

We all must also be concerned about the education and the welfare of our nation's youth and children. We cannot leave it to “governments,” “our religious places of worship” or “someone else.” We must all be involved and stay informed.

For example, according to the California Department of Education, in 2019 only half of California students met English and Math standards for proficiency based on test scores. In the highest group, 76.86% of the Asian students met or exceeded standards in English, and 74.37% met or exceeded the standards in math. For White students, 65.42% met or exceeded standards for English and 54.23% met or exceeded the standards for Math. For Latino students 40.56% met or exceeded standards in English and 28.05% met or exceeded the standards in math. For Native American students, 38.16% met or exceeded the standards in English and 26.58% met or exceeded the standards in math. For African-American students 33.02% met or exceeded the standards in English and only 20.55% met or exceeded the standards in math.

Linda Hamilton, president of the California State Board of Education noted that because of a statewide teacher shortage, half of new math teachers and two-thirds of new special education teachers enter classrooms without complete training. A lot of teachers have emergency credentials, which means they are not in any kind of program and these teachers tend to be concentrated in schools with high rates of poverty and a concentration of Black and Latino students. These schools also have high rates of teacher turnover, which negatively impacts students. It was noted that when the teachers leave, “professional development walks out the door with them.” See, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-09/california-school-test-scores-2019.

The next generation is depending on all of us. We in turn, need to continue to depend on GOD for help, wisdom, guidance and direction.

So teach, be a good role model, continue to pray and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 21:06:12 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 551 8-5-2020

STRETCH AND EXTEND

Luke 6:10 On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The Pharisee and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse JESUS, so they watched HIM closely to see if HE would heal on the Sabbath. But JESUS knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there. Then JESUS said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or destroy it?” HE looked around at them all, then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored.

[New International Bible Translation]

Summary

In the Old Testament, there are a number of verses where GOD has commanded someone to stretch. In Exodus 7:19 GOD instructed Moses to tell Aaron: “Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt…and they will turn to blood.” In Exodus 8:5, the LORD told Moses to tell Aaron to “ Stretch out your hand with your staff over the streams and canals and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.” In Exodus 14:15, the LORD tells Moses to “Quit praying” and “get the people moving”---“Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.”

In each of these situations, something miraculous occurred when Moses and Aaron obeyed GOD's command to stretch.

In Luke 6:10 we have another situation where GOD wanted someone to stretch. The Pharisee and the teachers of the law were known for their rigidness and “set in their ways” attitudes and ways. GOD often referred to such people as “stiff necked” “heart hardened” people. See, Exodus 32:9; Acts 7:51. They were so fixated on “what they wanted to do,” “themselves” or “their own ideas” that it often caused them to simply ignore, fail to even notice or see, or be concerned about the suffering of others. Even, when JESUS asked the one “who needed a hand” to stand up in front of everyone---so that no one could fail to miss seeing the man, or fail to see the man's situation or his humanity, no one made a move to help the man. Not a single person extended himself to think about the man's situation. Even when the MASTER PREACHER/TEACHER reminded those around HIM of the WORD of GOD the need to do good, to save life, to not participate in the destruction of life, no one helped or had any compassion for the man. Their focus was on something entirely different.

They were too narrow-minded. They were too short-sighted. Their hearts were too hardened to care about the man or JESUS. Instead of extending themselves to JESUS and the man, they missed out. Only the man, who the religious leaders ignored, stretched out and was healed.

Stretching Out

Stretching helps to improve flexibility and your range of motion. As a result stretching tends to improve a person's physical performance and decreases a person's risk for injury. There are stretches and exercises that kids and adults can perform. For example, the following upper body stretches can be performed by both:

If you are a wheelchair user, consider some of the stretches and suggestions at the following website: https://www.infographicsarchive.com/13-best-stretch-exercises-for-wheelchair-users/.

As always, if you have a medical condition or you have concerns about your own safety performing any stretch or exercise, consult your personal physician first before beginning any new exercise program or activity.

Watching for Stretching/Extending

There are people in need all around us. We don't even have the “luxury” of feigning ignorance.” People in need are often visible on the street. We read about the plight of those incarcerated. We read about children needing educational resources in order to learn at home. We hear about families losing their homes or not having sufficient food.

Sometimes the needs are financial. Sometimes the needs are psychological. Sometimes a simple “Thank You,” “Be Safe,” “I'm grateful you're doing this” or some other kind expression of the humanity to those doing essential services or providing medical care may be a simple, small way to show another person “someone cares” and “we appreciates your life too.” Given the stress of performing any public service, one should never underestimate how much a simple acknowledgment may mean to “a shriveled spirit” on any given day.

To say we are in a “pandemic” means that we are in an epidemic that is worldwide. We are all in this together. We must not only be concerned about our own “humanity” but the humanity of everyone else.

We can just watch, criticize, become tight fisted or tight mouthed, or we can stretch and extend.

If we become stiff, accusatory, short-sighted or we forget the teaching and preaching of JESUS to love and care about the humanity of others, we too risk missing the miracle and healing. Let GOD lead you. Ask and pray to GOD about what you should do.

Stretch, extend yourself, get moving and ---and BE BLESSED!

Yvonne Huggins-McLean

( ) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:33:22 +0000

Raw Wednesdays: Eat Raw Fruits, Nuts, Seeds and Raw Vegetables (drink water and tea) and Prayer Day # 551 7-29-2020

PRAY AND KEEP PRAYING

LUKE 11:1, 5-9 Once when JESUS had been praying, one of HIS disciples came to HIM as HE finished and said, “LORD, teach us a prayer to recite just as John taught one of his disciples.” …Then, teaching them more about prayer, HE used this illustration: “Suppose you went to a friend's house at midnight, wanting to borrow three loaves of bread. You would shout up to him, ‘A friend of mine has just arrived for a visit and I've nothing to give him to eat.' He would call down from his bedroom, ‘Please don't ask me to get up. The door is locked for the night and we are all in bed. I just can't help you this time.' But I'll tell you this---though he won't do it as a friend, if you keep knocking long enough he will get up and give you everything you want—just because of your persistence. And so it is with prayer--- [Living Bible translation]

Summary:

JESUS led a prayerful life. One reference mentions at least 27 scriptures commenting about JESUS praying. Here are a few:

Luke 5:16 But JESUS often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

Luke 6:12 One day soon afterwards HE went out into the mountain to pray, and prayed all night.

Mark 1:35 The next morning he was up long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray.

Matthew 26:36 Then JESUS brought them to a garden Grove, Gethsemane, and told them to sit down and wait while HE went on ahead to pray.

Luke 11 contains another verse about JESUS praying and also contains JESUS' teachings about prayer, including the importance of committed, persistent, continuous prayer. JESUS taught this lesson about prayer by giving a parable---an illustration---a story. It was an important lesson that HE wanted HIS disciples to understand.

In fact, JESUS wanted to make it plain for everyone. WHY? Because as one contemporary writer puts it, “The last thing I think of when I'm stressed out with work deadlines and complicated homework projects with the kids is to get on my knees…” See, “Spirituality and Prayer Relieves Stress,” by Therese Borchard. See https://www.huffpost.com/entry/spirituality-and-prayer-r_b_497222.

Others might even add, “And, after I have already prayed, the last thing I think of when I'm stressed out with work, bills, family issues, health issues, Covid-19 and “everything else” is to get right back on my knees and pray again!” But that is exactly what JESUS taught! Pray, Pray, Pray and Pray again! Keep asking. Keep knocking. Be persistent. Expect an answer! Stay connected to GOD.

Although prayer and persistent prayer (praying again and again and again and again…) may not be the first thing one thinks of in times of stress, according to JESUS, it should be!

EXERCISE, THE LAST THING YOU MAY THINK OF

Often when people are fatigued, feeling sapped and low in energy, the last thing they may think of or want to do is exercise. But research shows, that exercise may be exactly the thing would help.

In “The Cure for Exhaustion? More Exercise,” Tara Parker-Pope reports on a study conducted at the University of Georgia to determine if exercise could be used to treat subjects who complained of constant fatigue. Although they noted that fatigue is a common health symptom and can be a sign of a variety of medical problems, they also noted that about one in four people suffer from general fatigue not associated with a serious medical condition.

The research subjects were divided into three groups of fatigued volunteers. One group was prescribed 20 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise three times a week for six weeks. The second group engaged in low-intensity aerobic exercise for the same time period, while a third control group did not exercise. The low-intensity group was the equivalent of “a leisurely easy walk.” The moderate-intensity group was the equivalent to “a fast-paced walk uphill.”

They found that both exercise groups had a 20% increased level of energy than the group that did not exercise. The low-intensity group had a 69% drop in fatigue compared to the 49% drop in the group that did the more intense exercise. So, more intensity did not mean less fatigue. See, “The Cure for Exhaustion? More Exercise,” Tara Parker-Pope. See, https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/29/the-cure-for-exhaustion-more-exercise/#:~:text=When%20a%20person%20is%20sapped,a%20variety%20of%20medical%20problems.

If you suffer from fatigue you should always consult your personal physician and inquire whether an exercise program might be beneficial.

KEEP STRETCHING; KEEP STRETCHING; KEEP STRETCHING

1. Shoulder Rolls – (Sitting in chair or on mat or stand if you have good balance) Roll your shoulders. Try doing 5 big shoulder rolls forward, then 5 shoulder rolls backward, then raise your shoulders straight up to your ears and then from your ears straight down. Be gentle, don't jerk the shoulders and remember to breathe. Then try to make a box with your shoulder movement. Raise your shoulders up, forward, down and back. Do that 2-3 times. Then reverse the box shoulder movement. Raise your shoulders up, backwards, down and forward. Again, be gentle and remember to breathe.

2. Head Tilt and Circles - (Sitting in chair or on mat or stand if you have good balance) Gentle lower your head down toward your upper chest then backwards 3 or 4 times. Next tilt your head from side to side, try not to raise your shoulders. Now make the shape of a V with your head, with the point of the V being the area of your upper chest. Then, slowly and gentle circle the head—one way and then the other way. Again, be gentle and do not jerk your head.

3. Shoulder Stretch - Lie on your left side with your knees bent and together comfortably on a mat. Extend your hands straight in front of you, on your left side, palms together. Gazing at your right thumb, slowly inhale (and without moving your knees or left arm which is still touch the floor) slowly raise your right arm up in the air until your finger point straight up in the air. Continue to gaze at your thumb. As you exhale, turn your head (but not your knees) and watch your right thumb and right arm slowly open and fall toward the floor on the opposite side (note- you may not be able to touch the floor, depending on your shoulder flexibility.) Don't force it. Again, be gentle with your body. Then, inhale in and watching your right thumb, bring your arm and fingers straight up, back to center as you continue to gaze at your thumb. Then exhale and return your arm to the start position on the left side, keeping your gaze on your thumb as you turn your head and arm back to your start position. Repeat 2-3 times. Then reverse your position. Lie on your right side, with your knees together and repeat the same thumb and arm movement on the opposite side.

As always, if you have a medical condition, do not feel fit, do not feel well enough to perform these exercises, have balance problems or you do not exercise regularly, do not attempt any of the above exercises. Consult your personal physician about a proper exercise program tailored for you. Always consult your personal physician if you have medical issues, questions or are about to start an exercise program. Also, drink water and stay hydrated.

BE A PERSISTENT PRAYER!

Pray and persist! Remember, GOD can do the impossible, the unimaginable, the incredible, sometimes at times when we least expect. So, keep on praying. And, when fatigue sets in, exercise your prayer muscles and just pray some more. Don't underestimate the power of persistent prayer!

Remember, sometimes GOD uses people we least expect. Perhaps that person is “You!” So, keep praying, especially for others. Others may depend on your persistent prayers.

So, today, pray and exercise. Then, pray some more. Like JESUS, stay connected to GOD in prayer!

Pray, keep praying and BE BLESSED!

More New ?'s

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:21:49 +0000

Question #1

College freshman, first year grad, law and med students have you registered for the college items you need and emailed your list to your family and friends yet? If not, hurry and register at Thecollegestudentgiftregistry.com so they will have time to buy you what you want or need.

Question #2

How do you feel you can balance between making a large salary and doing the work you; do you feel majors should be combined?

New New ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:21:23 +0000

Question Of The Week:

Do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for your college work or just for entertainment?

New ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:20:57 +0000

Question of The Week:

We keep hearing – college students are greatly stressed, is that you; what do you think will help you?

New ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:20:30 +0000

Question Of The Week:

The experts say the economy is improving, are things getting better for you?

Two ?'s For December

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:19:10 +0000

Question #1:

Is there any area of shopping which is not done online that you would like to see online?

Question #2:

Did you select the college you are attending because of prestige, the curriculum or financial aid?

Another ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:16:38 +0000

Question of The Week:

What are the things that cause you to shop at a website; are they price convenience or free shipping? Please tell us.

New New ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:09:44 +0000

Question of The Week:

Did you vote in the midterm election; what do you want the politicians to do to help- college students?

Brand New ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:06:26 +0000

Question of The Week:

If the colleges and universities have limited funds but not enough to add more classes what should they do with the funds; should they put them towards sports or give additional financial aid?

NEW ?

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:04:10 +0000

Question of The Week:

Given our current economy and predictions for a slow recovery, are you willing to change your major to a more economically promising field or are you going to go with your passion and keep the major you have?

Another ? of the Week

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:03:33 +0000

Given the financial situation of many states, do you feel it is better/cheaper to go to a state university or to a private university; which might provide more financial aid and classes?

? of the Week

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:02:39 +0000

Question of The Week: We are all being asked to do more to help our slowly recovering economy; how can you help do more now - before graduation?

Current ? of the Week

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 22:01:15 +0000

Question of the Week: As a college student, what is your best advice or tip you can offer to the 2010 high school graduates?

New ? of the Week

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:58:06 +0000

Question of the Week: As a college graduate with the poor economy in its' current state, do you feel it is better to look for a job or to go to graduate school and incur more debt?

So New

macmony1@hotmail.com (So New) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:57:20 +0000

Interesting comments on this subject.

? Of The Week: Blog It Up & Have Your Say

macmony@hotmail.com (L M) — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:44:06 +0000

Question of the Week: How is the sluggish economy affecting your College Life, and what can be done to make it better? Share your thoughts and ideas. The search box above is for blogs on this page only.

Thanks for visiting and come back each week for a new question and let us know what you're thinking.