Thursday, June 29, 2017

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

Thought for today.
Don't ask me to come to your meeting, conference call with you, or anything else on Wednesday between 7 and 8:15 or on Sunday from 10 to 1. It ain't happening.
Fortunately, I serve at church where we are not ask to be at church every day of the week, so I don't feel like it's a slight to anyone when I tell you I'm not missing church for you.
Life is hard I need those jolts to get through it. So, please be considerate when you plan that I am not alone in my midweek fix. For years we didn't parent teacher conferences or other school activities at night  because Wednesday was considered church night.
Ok so that's my rant for today. Lol

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Tuesday Tools

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

10 Leadership lessons from Hidden Figures. 

1. Don't let anyone take credit for your work without a fight. 
2. Be willing to be inconvenienced for something you really want
3. Speak up- If something is not working don't be afraid to make a suggestion to improve the                       system.
4. Get information to fuel your growth- Never stop learning and growing
5. Share information to fuel others growth- It is important to charge your team the better                 equipped they are the better they make you look.
6. Take risks- Don't be afraid to try something new. If it doesn't work try something else.
7. Don't take no for an answer- Every no is one step closer to the yes. Take and keep pushing.
8. Don't be afraid of change- Change is inevitable so embrace it and move with it.
9. Goals are important but how you treat people will determine if you can reach them.     Don't be so quick to get to the goal that trample of the very people you need to reach the goal.
10. Check your hidden biases- we all have them you have to recognize and then overcome them.

hidden-figures

Sunday, June 25, 2017

Monday Motivation

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

You have to be your biggest fan. If you don't push yourself nobody is required to. You must see yourself as successful before you get there.


And as always remember to...live Blessed!

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Wednesday Word

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

This morning's thought comes from,
Proverbs 26:11Amplified Bible (AMP)  Like a dog that returns to his vomit Is a fool who repeats his foolishness.

This kind of self explanatory but I will elaborate a bit. I have been watching what is going on in our world right now and this verse seems to explain a lot. There is SO much foolishness bring repeated because we have not learned our lesson. I don't real get political on here but look at our election and the recent local elections. It's foolishness to think you can stay at home and not vote on a local level. Maybe people are ok with the direction we are going. I'm not.

I am tired of seeing black men gunned down with no consequences. Judges need to be voted out. I'm tired of seeing the numbers of infants needless dying. We must educate our mothers and walk them through their fears. I am tired of seeing our kids go to school yet remaining ignorant of the standards. Foolishness and until we stop liking the taste of the vomit we will keeping going back.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Tuesday Tools

Good Morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

So, you may or may not know that I am an essential oils junky. It has come to my attention that I should share more of the great information that I have gathered about essential oils. I will give you my disclaimer that I am not a medical doctor. I don't make any claims that if you use oils that you will be healed and don't need to take your medication. The devil is a liar. No sir, no ma'me. Please take your medications as they were prescribed but if you can find some benefit from what I am sharing I am grateful.

Top 4 Antibacterial Essential Oils

Essential oils have been around for centuries, fighting everything, whether we’re talking essential oils for anxiety and depression to essential oils for arthritis and allergies, so the idea of using them to fight infection is not anything new. They’ve been used to stave off anything from disease-causing bacteria and viruses to fungus. Ultimately, evidence shows that antibacterial essential oils can effectively kill bacteria without becoming resistant to it making, them great antibacterial and antimicrobial resources.


1. Cinnamon Oil
  • Not only do I love the taste of cinnamon and use it all the time in my wellness tonics, baking and on my gluten-free oatmeal, but it’s even better knowing that every time I consume it, I’m fighting off potential bad bacteria in my body.
  • Studies published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice were conducted on the effectiveness of cinnamon oil against “planktonic E. faecalis” in a root canal procedure. The results showed that the cinnamon essential oil eliminated bacterial growth after seven and 14 days of the procedure, making it a compatible natural option.
  • The study concluded that “Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil is an effective antibacterial agent against planktonic and biofilm E. faecalis and has can be a great antimicrobial agent in root canal treatment.


2. Thyme Oil
  • Thyme oil is great as an antimicrobial. Studies were conducted at the University of Tennessee’s Department of Food Science and Technology to evaluate its effectiveness against bacteria found in milk and salmonella. Like with the cinnamon essential oil, droplets of thyme essential oil with the GRAS recognition (generally recognized as safe) were placed on the bacteria.
  • The results, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, indicate that the “nanoemulsions” could be great options for protecting our bodies from bacteria by using thyme oil as an antimicrobial preservative for food. Wouldn’t this be a better choice than the usual chemical approach? Of course!


3. Oregano Oil
  • Interestingly, yet not surprisingly, bacterial resistance to standard antibiotics has become a big problem in the health industry. This has brought more attention to plants as possible alternatives to fight bad bacteria.
  • Studies have shown that oregano oil and silver nanoparticles, also known as colloidal silver, have potent antibacterial activity against some drug-resistant bacterial strains. Results showed that both individual and combined treatments provided a reduction in cell density, which gives way to antimicrobial activity through the disruption of cells. Overall, these results indicate that oregano essential oil can be an alternative in the control of infections. (4, 5)


4. Tea Tree Oil
  • Tea tree oil is an amazing alternative to fighting bacteria topically. Research out of India showed that tea tree oil was effective against E. coli and staph infections when combined with eucalyptus, one of my recommendations for helping fight infections found in chest colds. The studies revealed that upon application, there was an immediate effect followed by a slow-released effect over a 24-hour period. This means that there is an initial cellular response at the moment of utilization, but the oils appear to continue working within the body, making it a great option as an antimicrobial as well. 
  • I recommend mixing one of these oils, or a combination, with one teaspoon of Manuka honey and/or coconut oil and applying topically to the affected area. You can even combine one drop each of oregano oil, cinnamon and thyme with Manuka honey and take it as a tonic, though I always suggest you ensure that you’re fully educated about all oils before ingesting them, especially if you have a medical condition or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ultimately, what’s great about these oils is that they’re more gentle on the gut lining and can be used for short periods internally, and longer externally, as long as your doctor approves and you don’t have any negative reaction to them.
If you are reading along and would like to purchase some essential oils here is a link to my website: http://mydoterra.com/michellevann



Friday Findings

Good Morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

7 Kombucha Health Benefits

In research published in the Journal of Medicinal Food 2014, researchers from the University of Latvia say the following about the health benefits of kombucha: It is shown that [kombucha] can efficiently act in health preservation and recovery due to four main properties: detoxification, anti-oxidation, energizing potencies, and promotion of boosting immunity.
  
1. Detoxification
  • The detoxifying capacity of kombucha is immense. A perfect example is in its ability to counteract liver cell toxicity.
  • In one study, the liver cells were protected from oxidative injury and actually maintained their normal physiology, in spite of being exposed to a toxin! According to researchers, this was “probably due to its antioxidant activity and could be beneficial against liver diseases, where oxidative stress is known to play a crucial role.”


2. Digestion
  • Naturally, the antioxidant prowess of this ancient tea counteracts free radicals that create mayhem in the digestive system. However, the greatest reason kombucha supports digestion is because of its high levels of beneficial acid, probiotics, and enzymes.
  • Some research has shown kombucha’s ability to prevent and heal leaky gut and stomach ulcers. No surprise to us, in some instances it’s even proven to be as effective as drugs like Prilosec, which are commonly prescribed for heartburn, GERD, and ulcers.
  • Kombucha can also help heal candida yeast from overpopulating within the gut because it helps restore balance to the digestive system. Kombucha is a great way to fight candida because it contains live probiotic cultures that help the gut to repopulate with good bacteria while crowding out the candida yeast. Kombucha does have bacteria, but these are not harmful pathogen bacteria, instead, they are the beneficial kind (called “apathogens”) that compete with “bad” pathogen bacteria in the gut and digestive tract.
  • One thing to mention here is that candida or other digestive problems can sometimes be complicated issues to fix and symptoms might actually get worse before getting better. This doesn’t mean that kombucha isn’t effective or is exacerbating the problem, just that gut problems aren’t always a straight path to healing and at times some patience or trial and error is needed.


3. Energy
  • Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people is credited to the formation of iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process. It also contains some caffeine (although in very small amounts) and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.
  • Through a special process known as chelation, the iron released helps boost blood hemoglobin, improving oxygen supply to tissues and stimulating the energy-producing process at the cellular level. In other words, by helping the body create more energy (ATP), the ancient tea can help those who regularly drink it stay energized.


4. Immune Health
  • The overall effect that kombucha has to modulate the immune system is best seen in its ability to control free radicals through antioxidant measures.
  •  Clinically proven to decrease oxidative stress and related immuno-suppression, a powerful antioxidant known as D-saccharic acid-1, 4-lactone (DSL) was discovered during the kombucha fermentation process that’s not found in black tea alone.
  • Scientists suspect that DSL and the vitamin C present in kombucha are its main secrets in protecting against cell damage, inflammatory diseases, tumors and overall depression of the immune system. Also, we know the probiotics found in kombucha support the immune system.


5. Joint Care
  • Kombucha can help heal, repair and prevent joint damage in a number of ways. Kombucha is loaded with glucosamines, which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This supports the preservation of collagen and prevents arthritic pain. In the same way, it supports joint collagen, it also supports collagen of the entire body and reduces the appearance of wrinkles on the skin.


6. Cancer Prevention
  • Kombucha is also beneficial for cancer prevention and recovery. A study published in Cancer Letters found that consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.
  • President Reagan even reportedly drank kombucha daily as part of his regimen to battle stomach cancer.


7. Weight Loss

  • Data from a study in 2005 showed evidence that Kombucha improves metabolism and limits fat accumulation. Though we need to see more studies before we can confirm these results, it makes sense that kombucha supports weight loss since it’s high in acetic acid (just like apple cider vinegar is) and polyphenols, which are proven to help increase weight loss.
And as always remember to...live Blessed!


Monday Motivation

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

Hope that you had a wonderful weekend. I want share with you the short thought below  because as I read it I had to ask am I doing this for me? 

Too often as women we are concerned about everyone but ourselves.  I am not saying you should be self-absorbed but you are the only one who truly knows what's going on in your head and heart. Many may guess but you know. 

David says in Psalms that you have to encourage yourself. Get this, he says this while sitting in prison. So during his lowest time he realizes that the only way I can come this situation without being overwhelmed by the situation is to encourage myself.

Not easy but necessary. 

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed 

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning.  Grace and peace be unto you!

This morning's thought
Are you thankful for the things that you have experienced both good and bad. Too often we are only thankful for the good stuff and curse the bad things. However, if we are thankful in all we can walk in our happiness.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Wednesday Word

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

Today's word comes from Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope.

No matter how crazy our day, week, month or year might be God has a plan for it. You might not understand or even like it but there is a plan that's bigger than you.

A plan of peace. That is something that people are searching for in all the wrong places. Inner turmoil is eating this country up because we have so many things that we use to replace relying on God. Peace happens when you can get in the arms of your heavenly father and rest there. Growing up I loved being in mama's arms, smelling her baby powder and hearing her heart beat. That is the same way we need to rest in Jesus arms. Know that he has it handled.

He will give you hope and a future. It might not look good right now,  but the sun will come out. It takes rain and sun to produce a great harvest. Your crop/life will grow. Remember, where there is good stuff growing there are also weeds growing.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Tuesday Tools

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto to you!

Life is why we walk. Thanks to all our walkers, donors and volunteers who have accepted the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke. We cannot achieve our mission without each one of you!

Date & Time June 17, 2017
Check-In 8:00am
Starts 9:00am

Length of Walk 1 or 3 mile route
and F.A.S.T. 5K

Where Wichita State University
1845 N Fairmount Wichita, KS 67220

http://www2.heart.org/site/TR/HeartWalk/MWA-MidWestAffiliate?pg=entry&fr_id=2137

Monday, June 12, 2017

Monday Motivation

Good Morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

It is so interesting, that we tend to be our own worst critic. We, you and I, are the first to say negative words over our situations, maybe in hopes that if we say it before others do their negativity will not sting as bad. Maybe it is that in moments of stress, we go back to what is familiar even if it is not comfortable. Familiarity will take you to places that are not productive or healthy, only familiar.

My friend, I want to encourage you to stop beating yourself up for the mistakes of the past. What happened is over. Learn the lesson and move forward. Rehearsing the details won't change the outcome, it will just get you stuck in the cycle of what ifs.

You are a work in progress. A piece on the potter's wheel being shaped and molded for God's glory. No fine vase is made in seconds. The Potter must take their time shaping, molding, cutting away, and adding to the piece.  The wheel must move with speed while the Potter adds water to keep it moving smoothly.

Sometimes it feels like the wheel is going too fast, the clay is too dry and the Potter's hands are just not working in your favor. Those are the times when we just have to know that we are a work in progress. You will get to your final time of shine but it takes time and fire. Go through the process.

And as always remember to...live Blessed


Friday, June 9, 2017

Friday Findings

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month. Just a few facts for you to be aware of. 

Facts about scoliosis

  • Scoliosis is prevalent, affecting about 3% of the population in the US.
  • It is the most common spinal deformity.
  • In the vast majority of cases, scoliosis has no identifiable cause—this is termed idiopathic scoliosis.
  • It usually starts between the ages of 10 to 15, though is is also possible to have scoliosis as an infant or to develop scoliosis as an adult.
  • Scoliosis is diagnosed both males and females.
  • Females are significantly more likely to have scoliosis curves that progress and need either bracing and/or surgery to reduce the curvature.
  • In recent years, treatment for scoliosis has made significant advances. Both bracing and surgery are more effective and less invasive than in the past.

    Early diagnosis of scoliosis is important

    Diagnosing scoliosis in its early stages ensures the most options for treating the curvature and slowing or stopping the progression. Children's bones are not yet fully hardened so non-surgical treatments like bracing may be used to prevent progression of the curvature.
    In severe cases, bracing may also be useful in delaying the need for surgery until the child is older and his or her bones are more developed.

    Scoliosis screenings

    Many students are given the Adam’s Forward Bend Test in school, typically when they are in 5th or 6th grade, to determine whether or not they may have scoliosis. However, many schools do not do these screenings, so it is advisable to make sure the screening is done as part of a child's annual physical exam with the pediatrician.
    In the Adam's Forward Bend Test, the student bends forward at the waist with arms hanging downward toward the floor and knees straight while being observed by a health care professional. This bending forward position most clearly shows any asymmetry in the spine and/or trunk. The health care professional looks for an abnormal appearance in the spine, hips, and shoulders, such as:
    • Any type of hump or uneven appearance around the area of the rib cage
    • Any side-to-side asymmetry in the spine
    • Shoulders that appear to be different heights
    • One hip that sticks out more prominently than the other

           What should you do if you suspect you or your child has                  scoliosis?

                Make an appointment to have your child evaluated by a physician. If the initial physical                exam m shows an abnormal spinal curve, the doctor will probably order an X- ray                          or MRI scan to assess the degree of the curvature.
               While rare, it is possible for untreated scoliosis to progress and potentially to lead to                      more serious complications, such as the potential for chronic pain and/or restricted                        activity. To prevent complications for scoliosis, early detection and treatment are                            essential.
Scoliosis film x-ray show spinal bend in teenaged patient

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Wednesday Word

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you !

“The one who says he is in the Light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness…The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother…walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” — 1 John 2:9-11

There is so much hate and distrust being displayed in our world today but love is the only thing that will drown it out. Be the light. Shine your light bright. If it shines darkness can not exist.

Monday, June 5, 2017

Tuesday Tools

Good morning. Gace and Peace be unto you!

Today we are going to examine an article from Boundaries

How to Move from Stuckness to Success by Dr. John Townsend

All of us want to be a success in life. We want a career that is fulfilling and that creates a sustainable lifestyle. We want relationships and family connections that are warm and intimate. We want to give back in service to the world in some way. Yet so often, we find ourselves stuck, in getting from where we are, to where we want to be.

If you have found yourself stuck instead of successful in some area of life, it is likely that there is some sort of a problem in your being free to make the choices you need to make. That is, you may not be executing the right boundaries to help you move forward. When you set healthy boundaries in the right way, really good things can happen. What follows are three tips to help you move from stuck to successful.

Determine What You Want Versus What Others Want from You
 This is a critical boundary to set. Often, we think of what others expect before we know what we really want in life. Yet the Bible tells us to make choices all the time, for example, who we worship: “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (see Joshua 24:15). So get a piece of paper and write what you want to happen: a career goal, a relationship problem solved, a financial dream or a health goal. It does matter what people think, and we do impact others. Take those into consideration. But start with your own goal and desire and work from there.

Say No to the Good and Yes to the Right
 Most of us don’t have major issues saying no to really toxic influences like drugs or crime. We aren’t supposed to do those things in the first place! But it is trickier to say yes to those things that aren’t inherently bad, but take time and energy from what you want. We can’t do everything, so we have to say no to good things to get to the right things. For example, you may need to decline your involvement on a committee because you can’t get to your own goals. Or you may need to tell a friend you can’t talk on the phone as frequently as you would like because you don’t have the time. These aren’t fun decisions. But they free you up to work on that goal or relationship.

Have Conversations with People Who Are Operating Against You
 There are, unfortunately, people who can be controlling, negative, judgmental or hurtful with you. This is such a power drain, how can you move from stuckness to success when you have their influence deflating your passion? Good boundaries mean having a loving but direct talk with some key people, in which you say, in effect, “I care about you and us, but your behavior makes it difficult for me to be around you. I would like to see some changes in our relationship, otherwise I will need to make some distance, which I don’t want.” The book How to Have That Difficult Conversation will help you with this issue.

Jesus taught us to let our yes be yes, and our no, be no (see Matthew 5:37). Growth research, high-performance research, and our own experience show that His words are true and that they work. Here’s to your own movement from stuckness to success!

And as always remember to ...live Blessed

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Monday Motivation

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

It's another Monday that we have been given, let's rejoice and be glad in it.

A dream is only a goal once action is taken towards it. What have you been dreaming about that you have allowed others to kill or second guess? 

It is interesting to me as you talk to young people about their dreams and hope they are so excited about their possiblities, and after a few short years the excitement is gone. Why? Dream killers.

Some people are not happy and don't you to be either. Your excitement is a ray of light on their complacency. Granted everyone has opportunity to do, but only a few will push through the shell of their perverbial life, and strengthened for the journey.

Is your job to be a dreamer or a dreamer cheerleader? We need more dream coach These are those people that push us and excite us to get moving on our dream. The people that kick butt and take names. We all need someone who will be real but will also show us that love in times when the world has torn us apart. A good coach doesn't  always sit on the sidelines there get on there and show us how it's done.

Dreamers and coaches needed.

And as always remember to. . . live Blessed

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Thursday Thoughts

Good morning. Grace and peace be unto you!

Today is Thursday Thoughts this is do where I am today.

Monday Motivation

Good day friend, Grace and peace be unto you! What are you manifesting on this marvelous Monday? With the new day comes new strength and th...