Sunday, October 31, 2004

Just how long does it stay with us?

Conversation last night turned to the issue of red meat in our system. Could it be true that it will stay in our systems for years? Sounds extreme to me. Have you heard about these "cleansing" techniques? Here's what our research brought...
Colonic Irrigation
Ozone colonic irrigation assists in the breakdown of cholesterol, cleans the colon of yeast infection and parasites, stops infection and inflammation and helps the liver produces more bile to aid the absorption of lipids and nutrients.
Some symptoms relieved by colonic irrigations are: a coated tongue, colon cancer, constipation, backache, bad breath, bloating, fatigue, bad gas, headaches, indigestion, loss of concentration, lung congestion, sinus congestion, skin problems, nail fungus, and symptoms of yeast infection.
During the first phase of home colonic irrigation, the old stagnant waste coming out may appear in two types. The putrefactive waste has a very bad odor. The post-putrefactive waste cannot putrefy any further. The color ranges from black, dark brown, gray, or green with a little odor.
The Benefits of Colon Cleansing
contributed by http://www.herbalcaredirect.com/
The person on a typical Western Diet holds 8 meals of undigested food and waste material in the colon. Everyone would greatly benefit with doing a full Colon Cleanse at least once per year, with ongoing colon maintenance when necessary. It is recommended that Parasite Cleanse be taken at the same time as the Colon Cleanse. For optimum health, our objective should be to cleanse not only the colon, but all of the vital inner organs as well.
A good cleansing program should always begin by removing the waste in your colon, the last portion of your food processing chain. If you attempt to clean your liver, blood, or lymph system without first addressing a waste filled bowel, the excreted toxins will only get recycled back into your body.
One of the most frequent bowel problems that people experience today is constipation. Constipation is generally attributed to a low fiber diet and lack of sufficient water, which cause our fecal matter to become condensed and compressed.
A constipated system is one in which the transition, or "time", of toxic wastes is slow and the consistency of the stool can cause strain (which over time may cause hemorrhoids, varicose veins, hiatal hernia, or other mechanically induced problems). The longer the "transit time", the longer the toxic waste matter sits in our bowel which allows proteins to putrefy, fats to rancify, and carbohydrates to ferment.
The longer your body is exposed to putrefying food in your intestines, the greater the risk of developing disease. Even with one bowel movement per day, you will still have at least three meals worth of waste matter putrefying in your colon at all times. On top of all this, your system can also become continuously self-polluting by the poisonous gases that are caused by foods you don't tolerate. These poisonous gases can enter your bloodstream, irritating your organs and joints.Alternating between constipation and diarrhea, or diarrhea alone, are also indications of foul matter in your intestines. And finally, the much more serious problems of cancer and immune system dysfunctions begin with a toxic bowel.

Boo

Evidentely, in Colorado Springs Halloween is observed as a legitimate holiday. I think it's because Manitou Springs is the Wiccan capitol of the nation. Which stinks because the fun day coupons are not valid on holidays. Crazy Wiccans screwing things up again.

Donald Miller is speaking at a church on the northside, but it costs $178 for the event!
I think we're going to ride the Robert Burns Amsterdam-style instead. No, this is not a preverse practice...it's Nikki's bike. I ride on the back like they do in the Amsterland.

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Chillin @ the Springs

The geography of Nebraska perplexes me. What exactly is wrong with it? What kind of terrain does it posses? The fields are circular and the land is dingy. Does anyone know of its condition?

Upon arrival, I met up with Nikki, and we trapsed around the parking lot trying to find her well camou-ed red SUV. EVERYONE has a red SUV. I felt like a hippie with my yellow backpack fully adorned with patches and flip flops. Traveling alone once was really cool, twice was okay, but I am ready for my Frodo and Sam European Adventure. Going somewhere with someone is always better in the long run.

Today I'm at the church with Nikki pouring creative juices into her projects for Saturday night's service. Tomorrow we're going to Garden of the Gods, Friday to Estes, climbing, etc. I called Focus to set up an appointment (scheduled for Monday at 9am). They are now saying that I will get to test, but may not get to interview...which sucks. Whatever, I'm not in control of this and I'm okay with that.

Kirk - thanks for the book! I love it. Almost done, actually.

Gotta run, but I'll keep everyone posted.

Friday, October 22, 2004

Shane & Shane

Men need women. We are: drivers and directional gurus, information specialists, comic relief targets, and frankly much better to look at. Just an observation Amanda and I made last night.

Okay, with that said...the concert was fantastic. In the words of Tyler, "They suck they are so good."

A poetic tribute (It's hiakuish)

Directional confusion on lockdown
Pepporoni, sausage, grease
Bathrooms and seats

Flee to the locked doors
No flashing brown shirts
Bob Dylan meets Tupac

Down in front Chubby
Freebird
I said down in front

Fast strumming and looping
Man voice praising the Cards
Deli and bar

That sums it up.




Wednesday, October 20, 2004

Turned Tables

My dad is dating someone.

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Our Hearts: Impounded

Recently I was asked to describe "love." Why does anyone ask that and expect an immediate answer? Anyway, I have been turning it over in my head since. I began examining my own relationships: God, parents, siblings, extended family, friends of old and new, boyfriends, strangers, lunch ladies. This is what I have been thinking...

My family is very open and we love freely. Yes, we have our dysfunctions just like any other family would, but my parents made it a point to see that we were raised as loving, giving individuals.

Earthly relationships so often reflect God's relationship with us. He loved us enough to let us go so we could make the choice to love him in return. Despite all the hurt we cause him, he loves us...he LOVES us. We are anything but worthy of such love, but desperate for it. Imagine where we would be without it.

As we all know, I am far from perfect. For five years I have walked around with a shield encasing my heart. We all have these sheilds. We are taught to identify in the world of psychology and relationships. There are reasons for them. God has given us these walls as a mechanism to survive. It is for our own protection, but like so many things they can be a hindurance when not used in a healthy manner (i.e. fear). My shield would not allow me to love and be loved. I held my family and friends out at a distance. I knew that once I could trust and drop that wall I was putting myself at risk again. Risk of what? Being loved? Being hurt? Experiencing something amazing? Of saying goodbye?

Because of life circumstances, I have been in and out of new situations where I have no choice but to get close or I would simply deteriorate. My guard began to slide a year ago. Slowly, but most certainly, I developed a friendship. A friendship that clicked like none before and slowly I unveiled more of myself than usual. I chose to take the risk. I let myself take the risk. Now with nothing but good memories, healthy hurt, and friendship I can say that love is worth it.

A month ago I was finally able to rid myself of the fear and lie that "When the going gets tough, those I love will leave." Because of this promise out of Deuteronomy, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." I heard God and I trusted; and despite the consequence of my choice to love and be loved - I still trust.

Love is more than a feeling. It isn't about falling in or falling out. It is a lifestyle. It is a choice. It is a risk. It is selfless and unconditional. It is grace, mercy, truth, forgiveness, trust, opening, sharing. It means healing and hurts, ups and downs, joys and tears. It is allowing for growth and discovery. It is realizing who we are and where we are. It is letting go of our needs for the sake of another's. It is knowing when to let go.

Amazing things happen to us and those around us when we break free from lies. God intended for us to love freely.

Saturday, October 16, 2004

Another Day

I have safely returned from my travels East. What a wonderful time I had. There is such a strong sensation that motivates me when I travel. The feeling that I can go and do absolutely anything and completely love it! This was my first flight experience solo and oddly enough, I thought it was incredible. I was comfortable, certain, independent, and could do all the people watching that I so desired. Although, I wonder if there is a target on my chest because I was again seated with a five year old. Andrew was not nearly as wild as Anna. Actually we got along quite well; colored, listened to my new Tomlin cd, ate pretzels, and talked about our families.

For one reason or another, it was harder to leave Manch-Vegas this time. Friends there are no longer just friends, but family. It was difficult to leave them, but I was strangely energized by the mirky weather awaiting me in St. Louis and was soon anticipating my girl's night spent with Amanda.

On the flip side, I am heading to Lincoln tonight for a funeral for Steve Barmes. I was able to visit with him three weeks ago. I was fine when I was at his house and it wasn't until the drive home that I was crushed with the inevitable...just remembering what it was like. Nothing can prepare you for the agony of death...not wanting to say goodbye, but devestated to see someone you love in so much pain. He is in a much better place than we could ever imagine. However, very strong emotions are cluttering my heart because of my own capability of knowing exactly what it is to experience such loss. I don't know what to say.

So until next time, I hope that you are doing well. May God will bless you in incomprehendable ways. I love you all.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Boston in the Fall

As much as I would like to say that I have finally been to Boston in the Fall, I can't. This week has been full of amazing adventures; however, none of which included the big city. I am not disappointed, though, because incredibly enough Fall occurs every year...which leaves next year wide open with possibilities.

Tomorrow I will be heading into Concord to buy paper from the Cardvark. It's a small shop downtown that offers special paper, envelopes, and my personal favorite: journals. VERY exciting.

This place is filled with awesome people. On Sunday, I had four offers of free housing should I ever choose to return. Today, a woman bought me a roundtrip ticket to visit Nikki and interview at Focus on the Family at the end of October. God has been so faithful in every circumstance. I'm praying that doors will be closed so that I can begin narrowing down my options.

Only two more days in this beautiful terrain. I have already spent a great portion of my time taking pictures. Tomorrow will be no different - I'm going to milk it for all it's worth!

Thursday, October 07, 2004

Sedatives Anyone??

Just picture this....

I arrived at Kirk and Amanda's home last night around 9. We had a wonderful time catching up, sharing sorrows, laughing our heads off, dreaming of bigger things, and eating popcorn. At midnight we decided that a four hour nap would have to suffice before driving me to the St. Louis airport. 12:30 - still awake. 1:00 - awake. 2:00 - awake and thinking about Resident Evil. 2:45 - asleep, but realized it and awake again. My alarm sounded at 4:05 and I must have fallen asleep again because I had no idea what was going on.

My first flight landed in Philly at 9:15 which left me with a two hour layover before heading out to Manchester. Tried sleeping in the terminal. Didn't happen.

(You know, I could go many hours without sleep and be fine....just as long as NO ONE talks to me.)

As I was preparing to board US Airways flight 490 I heard a screech coming from my right. My peripheral vision spotted a young child, looked to be around five years of age, with a harness and leash literally coming from her back, and at the other end of the rope, her grandmother. When I noticed the child running forward, only to be jerked back into line, I sighed with relief...at least they were sitting in a different zone than I.

In slow, exhausted motions I inched my way down the aisle, caught a glance at my empty row and thought for a moment that I may not have existing neighbors for the flight. Boy was I wrong. Not five minutes later, a mousy southern drawl stepped up to my seat. "God dernit, my seat's in the middle agin!" And so began the hour-long flight from hell. "Anna" was her name and she wore it proudly on a pendant necklace hanging (not tight enough) from her neck. She is a four year old from Freemont, North Carolina with an attitude of a child in the midst of puberty. Grandma couldn't make her sit down for anything. The girl cried and screamed and horrifically exclaimed that if anyone touched her, she would "slap 'em clear 'cross their dern face." She glared at the gentleman across the aisle and said, "Whut you lookin at me like that for? I don't like it when people look at me like that." Neighboring passengers threw glances at me seeming to insist that I try to do something. I, on the other hand, was intent on listening to my John Mayer in peace. Until it was time to descend. It was then that dear Anna decided to try climbing into my lap. WHAT THE CRAP?! When I sternly told her, "No." She freaked and tried anyway! Grandma grabbed her arm to pull her back and Anna threw herself on the floor and began yellping, "You hurt me! You hurt me!"

I'd had enough, "You're fine."
"How old are you?"
"Four."
"You're pretty big for a four year old."
"Well, I'm a big gurl."
"Do you know what big girls do?"
"No."
"I do. They sit back on their seat. And put on their belt. And be quiet."

Obviously, my coaxing didn't work and she was soon draped over Grandma's lap crying out like a dying rabbit. It was fine with me. We could hit a rough patch of turbulence, send her body into the ceiling, and knock her out. As long as her flailing limbs didn't hit me on the way down.

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Nearly Five Years Later

After Mom died, my brother gave me these lyrics. They truly captured the beat of her heart in the midst of the pain and suffering she had just experienced. I think it's a perspective that we all need to have. Anyway, I heard this song again today and wanted to share it with you.

"I see the morning moving over the hills
I can see the shadows on the western side
And all those illusions that I had
They just vanish in Your light
Though the chill in the night still hangs in the air
I can feel the warmth of morning on my face
Though the storm had tossed me
'Til I thought I'd nearly lost my way

And now the night is fading and the storm is past
And everything that could be shaken was shaken
And all that remains is all I ever really had

What I'd have settled for
You've blown so far away
What You brought me to
I thought I could not reach
And I came so close to giving up
But You never did give up on me
I see the morning moving over the hills
I feel the rush of life here where the darkness broke
And I am in You and You're in me
Here where the winds of Heaven blow

And now the night is fading
And the storm is through
And everything You sent to shake me
From my dreams they come to wake me
In the love I find in You
And now the morning comes
And everything that really matters
Become the wings You send to gather me
To my home
To my home
I'm going home"

Home by Rich Mullins