Riding Out the Storm

Well, we evacuated the city a week ago. As far as we know, our apartment suffered minimal damage - we're hugely blessed! Jeff is back in the city this morning, helping to set up our church as a distribution center. Living as nomads since Wednesday night, we've been moving from place to place. I never appreciated home and privacy more than now! I'll update again soon and show pictures.

Katrina

I was going to write about another anchor point today, but something else was on my heart. Yesterday morning, as I struggled to wake up and have some quiet time in the Scriptures, one verse stood out like a candle in a dark room.

Who but God goes up to Heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in His fists? Who wraps up the oceans in His cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is His name - and His Son's name? Tell me if you know! ~Proverbs 30:4

My eyes fell on two lines... Who holds the wind in His fists... who wraps the oceans in His cloak.

For two days I've been watching the devastating footage of Katrina's aftermath, especially in New Orleans, where I use to live - where I still have so many friends - where my own sister lives and works. And this verse was comforting.



It is God who holds the wind in His fists and wraps the oceans in His cloak. Nothing happens that He doesn't know about.














New Orleans: Photo by Michael Ainsworth / DMN
(The home in the middle has "HELP" on the roof)

My family is fine, although we think my sister's apartment is completely underwater. I cringe when I think of the things she's likely lost.

Those winds and waters destroyed many homes, tooks many lives, and left many without jobs or much security to come back to. But if I turn an angry face towards God as the culprit...

then i've forgotten a very important thing about God :: HE IS GOD.

Instead, i'll choose to thank Him for sparing so many lives, and I'll look for Him to work His good into this tragedy. In the mean time, He is teaching me about how big He is... and how easily I become attached to my small material possesions that weren't really mine to begin with.

Sleep

Sleep.

What a peaceful word. Even the sound of it is soothing. Say it with me… sleeeeep. Nice, huh?

What’s not so nice is ME when I don’t’ get enough of it! Jeffrey can always tell when I’m fatigued. It’s not so much the dark circles or lack of energy that give it away. It’s more the short, edgy responses I give that let him know I’m in desperate need of rest. I think women today are in desperate need of rest.

I don’t remember a day in my life my mother didn’t get up before everyone and go to bed after everyone.

But in juggling our duties as wife, mother, professional, etc., many of us are doing ourselves – and our families – a disservice by not getting the sleep God designed our bodies to need.

Our beauty-sleep, so to speak.

So, here’s the first “anchor point” we’ll work on. From what I’ve read – and I have read a lot – I’ve learned it’s not only important how much sleep we get, but when we get that sleep.

When I was little, at least once a year we visited my grandparents in Ruston, Louisiana, where my grandpa was a peach farmer. He and my grandma would get up really early, and begin the day’s work. But by late evening, they were ready to wind down for bed-time. As it turns out, my grandparents were pretty wise, whether they knew it or not.

Experts believe that the more hours of sleep you can get before midnight, the better off you’ll be*. In fact, I’ve read in more than one source that one hour of sleep before midnight is equivalent to four hours of sleep afterwards.

So whoever said “Early to bed early to rise…” well they were on to something.

Don’t skip this anchor point. I know we have loads to do (literally, there’s a load of laundry sitting right beside me, waiting to be washed), but look at it this way: if you were chronically ill, you’d take the necessary steps to get well. Place that importance on your sleep routine, and you could help keep your immune system and heart healthy, your hormones in check, and headaches, stomach aches, back aches and cancer risk at bay.

So go to bed early tonight – and sleep tight!


* Information in this post was found in The Maker’s Diet, by Jordan S. Rubin, and in “A Better Bedtime”, an article by Melanie Haiken, Natural Health Magazine, February 2005

Anchors Away

I have a new job. Well, sort of. I’m working for a couple in our church. They have 2 kids, and leave for work early in the morning, so my job is to get Andrew (first grade) and Rachel (Kindergarten) ready for school (i.e. dressed, breakfast, teeth and hair brushed, bed made) and then out the door. I drive them less than a mile down the road to the local elementary school, and then drive less than a mile back to my apartment. So if you really want to call this work, then I have a new job, and I LOVE it!

This first week has been so interesting that I suspect my new occupation will be fuel for many future Blog entries!

One of the benefits of this work is that I’m done by 8:00am! That, as you’ve probably guessed, leads me to the downside of the job – I’m up by 5:30 in the morning.

I’m talking, not even dawn! No sun in sight! iNo sol en el cielo!
(What? I live in Texas.)

As my mom can attest, I’m not very good at waking up, so this has been a challenge for me. One my husband, I’m sure, loves to watch me overcome. Now I’m the one coming back to the bedroom to wake him up before I leave the house.

Well, in order to be successful in my new endeavor of being an early riser, I’ve had to change my routine a bit. Correction. I’ve had to establish a routine. I have to be in bed by 11:00 (I’m working towards 10:00) so that I’ve had enough sleep when my alarm goes off. (Granted, I never feel like I’ve had enough sleep.)

So, this ‘getting into to a routine’ reminded me of something I learned when I was studying towards a masters’ degree in counseling. Dr. Coyle, one excellent professor and therapist, taught us what he uses with nearly all his clients – anchor points.

These facets – sleep, exercise, diet, routine, and prayer – help “anchor” someone whose life may feel like it’s spinning out of control. Hey, everybody feels that way sometimes. So, I decided it was time to think about these anchor points again, and for the next few entries, I’ll give some attention to each.

For today, though, I think you’ve had enough to read. See you tomorrow.

A Spoonful

There's a new commercial out that I particularly like. I think it's a Special-K ad - there's an animated figure with a giant spoon... Can you change your future with a spoon? The line i like goes something like this...

Every day we make choices. We decide to say "I'm hungry." Or mmmm... pizza!!!"


Now I don't think Special-K's going to change my life. I'm not even convinced that it's particularly good for me. But I laugh to myself every time I hear that commercial because it's so true! We actually can make choices every day that will change our future for the better. Once again, this reminds me of a Proverb I read recently that applies to so many areas of life. But this morning, I'm going to plug it in here.

"Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil." ~ Proverbs 4:25-27

The footnote in my study Bible really draws out the wisdom of this Proverb:

"Concentrate on those desires that will keep us on the right path. Make sure your affections lead you in the right direction. Put boundaries on your desires: don't go after everything you see. Look straight ahead, keep your eyes fixed on your goal, and don't get sidetracked on detours that lead to sin."

Wow, if I put this in terms of living a healthy life - eating right and disciplining my body in the way that pleases God - then I've got wisdom here that will really help me succeed! Read that last paragraph again - it will really get you motivated!

All About Me

So, earlier today, I was driving around, getting errands done, and the usual preparations for Wednesday night church. In the Hazleton household, we have one car - a classic 1986 Camry that's been running since my parents bought it new when I was 12 years old. Now, as 20-year-old cars are want to do, this one is beginning to give out, and one symptom of that is the faulty air-conditioning.

Oh, the air works... when it's say 80 degrees outside. That's great... for someone who lives in Canada! But here in the south, we haven't seen 80 degrees since Christmas. So, as usual, the air-conditioning quit working again today, as I was driving around town. And, as usual, I began to pray - really hard - that it would start working again.

After a while, I began to whine to God... why? I just want a little refrigerated air... why? You know the drill.

In the middle of my tirade, sitting at a stop-sign, i looked up to see an ambulance parked at an apartment complex, with it's lights twirling. I was distracted for a moment, thinking of what tragedy might have occurred that required emergency medical attention.
Then, as if God spoke direct to my heart, I heard...

Someone is having a worse day than you.

Hm. Suddenly being a little hot and sweaty didn't seem so bad. Thank God He is so patient when I forget that it's not all about me!

Your Daily Dose of Good Cheer

After finally going to bed at a decent hour (yeah!), I had loads of sleep and woke up before the sun. It's rare that we actually have HOURS to enjoy a quiet time and coffee and morning routine before getting ready for church.

Now, if your family is anything like mine, Sunday mornings are probably the least likely day to find everyone smiling and cheerfully getting ready to head out the door. We're usually running into each other in the bathroom, frantically pulling out the iron, and grumpily foregoing breakfast in order to speed to church, just in time to be late for the worship service.

But thankfully I was in a better state of mind this morning to meditate on this Proverb...

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength."
~ Proverbs 17:22

I've read this a hundred times, at least. And in the Bible I carried in college, my friend Ginger Conner's name is written in the margin next to this verse. She is what I aspire to be. No inturruption or inconvenience has ever set her off-course from being positively cheerful to everyone around her.

In the study notes included in my Life Application Bible, I found a few helpful hints:

"To be cheerful is to be ready to greet others with a welcome, a word of encouragement, an enthusiasm for the task at hand, and a positive outlook on the future. Such people are as welcome as pain-relieving medicine."

There is likely someone you will encounter today who could use a cheerful word of encouragement. Go for it!

Heart to Heart

Several months ago, I was flipping through a magazine and ran across an article featuring several well known celebreties - all dressed in RED.

It was, of course, for heightened awareness of heart disease in women. Good idea. I was reminded of it again a few days ago, when I read something I've read at least a hundred times before. But this time, it held a new meaning.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life." ~ Proverbs 4:23


I don't know if Solomon or the writer of this particular wise-saying had the physical heart in mind, but I think there is a truth there to ponder.

The design of the human body is amazing. Only an all-knowing creator could have even imagined such an intricate structure. At the center of it all is our heart, pumping the springs of life throughout our body.

It does seem wise indeed that we should guard it, protect it, take good care of it.

Visit www.americanheart.org/ for more information.

Xtremely Full

Well, it’s been a busy month! At the end of June, we went with the COTR high-schoolers to XMA (Xtreme Mission Adventure) camp in Brownsville, TX. As you can imagine, the week was filled with long, crowded van rides, great praise and worship, challenging speakers, mission opportunities, little sleep, and LOTS of fun!

Seriously, take me to your real leaders!

When we returned, a little more sunburned, and a lot more passionate about what God’s doing in our youth group, I found my Proverb of The Day summed up the event.

Honey seems tasteless to a person who is full, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.
~ Proverbs 27:7

Our trip to Brownsville brought a fresh experience with God. It left us feeling more passionate about the things of God. When I returned home, I found that the things that were such distractions a week before – T.V., Surfing the Internet, complaining about little things… - seemed dull and unimportant.

If I am filled up with the Spirit by spending time in prayer and praise and the Word, then even the most alluring distraction will not pull me away from my focus. But if I let myself run empty - if my soul is hungry - then even something mediocre will seem satisfying. And I’ll likely settle for it.

As I thought about it, the same principle can apply to our physical bodies as well. After a week of “camp food”, (which was surprisingly tastey!) and the usual road trip food (M&M’s, Flamin’ Hot Munchies, Bottled Frappuccinos, and don’t forget the Icees!) Jeff and I decided to go through somewhat of a “detox” diet.

Once we’re filled up with some fresh fruits and veggies, we almost forget how good that Papa John’s pizza tastes…… almost!!

Singin' The Blues

As many of you know, Jeff and I have done a lot of traveling doing missions. Sometimes, when we return from a trip – or if we haven’t been on one in a while - we get what we call the Missionary Blues. It’s just a blah, almost mildly depressed or frustrated feeling that’s like being back down in the valley after being on top of the mountain.

I’ve even known people who have never been on a mission trip to experience this phenomenon.

I talk to people all the time who are tired of living the normal life - working 40 hours a week, taking care of kids and a home and two cars. They’re itching to do something worthwhile for God. They’re waiting for the day when He’ll tell them what it is He has for them to do. They want to do more – be more – for the kingdom.

I remember feeling that way in college, as I was a full-time student and part-time youth minister. All my friends were going off for summer mission trips to various places and I knew they would come back with amazing stories. And here I was, not even leaving town for the summer. The day that everyone received their summer mission assignments, the campus was buzzing with excitement – and I was sulking.

I walked over to the post office, hoping there would be something in the mail to cheer me up. There was a card from a student in my youth group, who often liked to send encouraging notes. This time she included a denim bookmark with a big sunflower embroidered on it, along with the words Bloom Where You’re Planted. Hmmm. At the time, I thought God had a sense of humor. But now looking back, I realized He wasn’t saying “Do what I have for you to do here, and then I’ll give you great and worthy things to do.” Now I’m realizing that God gives us opportunities to work with Him in normal, everyday ways. And doing normal things doesn’t become glorious or worthy or more important just because you’re doing them on Chinese or Indian or Lebanese soil.

We don’t have to wait for God to give us something important to do. I can’t think of a better example of this than what my friend told me recently about her son. Dylan wasted no time in doing important work for God. When he started kindergarten, he witnessed to his teacher, and later in the bathroom he asked a fellow student “Are you 100% sure if you died right now you would go to Heaven?” The other boy said “no.” Dylan paused for a moment and thought about that. Then he responded, “I go to church on Wednesday night. I’ll find out the rest and then come back and tell you more.”

Wow, that will snap you right out of missionary blues and remind you – we’ve got work to do!

A Rose by any other Name...

Still smells as sweet. But a supplement? That’s a different story. Vitamins and minerals come in different forms, from a variety of sources. Many vitamins sold over-the-counter are composed of synthetic ingredients that are more easily and less-expensively manufactured.

A bargain isn’t always better. For example, many popular calcium supplements for women contain calcium carbonate. Did you know that could lead to kidney stones? Calcium Citrate is a better, safer source. Check your labels, and know what you should be taking.


Do you know what's in these?

What to Look For:
- Magnesium citrate or glycinate or malate.
- Vitamin E as mixed natural tocopherols or d-alpha-tocopherol
- Calcium citrate or citrate-malate


Stay Away From:
- Magnesium carbonate, sulfate, gluconate, and oxide.
- Vitamin E as dl-alpha-tocopherol
- Calcium carbonate

You should also try not to take supplements with artificial colorings or flavorings and hydrogenated fats or oils. Suddenly taking a trip to the pharmacy department can make you feel like a crime scene investigator. Too bad we don't have a lab-assistant to explain to us what kind of chemicals we're consuming.

But don’t avoid the good stuff altogether. Taking supplements can supply our bodies with much needed nutrients we aren't getting elsewhere. So, as I use to ask my college roommate (remember that Melissa?) – Have you been taking your vitamins?

Knowing is Half the Battle

Lately the hype about health and wellness is everywhere. As battling the bulge has become more and more popular, it’s hard to go through a single day without encountering something that has to do with fitness or diet or nutrition.

More than anyone else, it seems to be Hollywood who’s setting a trend. Years ago, people like Jane Fonda were fit when fit wasn’t cool, it was seriously over-achieving. But now it seems every one on the big screen has a personal trainer, their own line of “active wear”, and a kick-box move to ward off any bad guy they may happen across in a dark alley.

Their fitness craze is leaving most of us common folk on the sidelines while we watch their ever-shrinking bodies on the front of fashion magazines. But skinny and tan, [or even muscular] doesn’t necessarily mean “healthy”. And just because the food we buy says “100% natural”, or “full of vitamins and minerals,” that isn’t always exactly what we’re getting.

Somehow, there must be a balance between the busy lives we live, and finding a way to take care of our bodies – in a meaningful, normal, and attainable way. This morning I found some comforting words.

A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man. Proverbs 24:5 (NLT)

Sometimes having the strength, the willpower, to eat right and exercise isn’t enough. We need to arm ourselves with the knowledge about what’s best for our bodies, and what’s harmful – and how to get the nutrition we need. It’s not about living longer; it’s about living the way God intended us to live, taking care of our bodies as a temple of the Holy Spirit. Being physically (and mentally!) able to carry out the work He gives us as long as we’re on this earth.

But while knowledge is crucial, strength is a necessity as well.

If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great. Proverbs 24:10

If I fail by giving into the temptation to be lazy and eat junk (ouch!), then my strength isn’t very great. But where does my strength come from?

I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Our help comes from God. Why do we forget to ask Him for help in our everyday needs? He’s concerned with every area of our life. And as Pastor Ron said in the sermon Sunday, if we humble ourselves and ask for help, and commit to stop doing the wrong thing, God will definitely help us! (II Chronicles 7:14). God created our bodies – He knows exactly how to help us keep them running properly.

Milk - Does the Body Good?

For years I suffered with allergies and severe, chronic sinus infections before I made the connection between my stuffy nose and what I was eating. It was milk products that seemed to be the source of my sinus problems. You mean my beloved Jamocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream is a force of the enemy?

After weeks of denial, I finally resolved to be one of those people who suffered from lactose intolerance, or more specifically, a real allergy to milk – and began to consider therapy for my withdrawal symptoms to all things dairy. (At least I wasn’t allergic to chocolate!) But two years ago, as I began researching health and wellness issues, I ran across source after source, challenging the milk industry’s claims that milk helps build strong bones, prevents osteoporosis, or is even a great source of calcium.

As it turns out, milk is linked to a wide array of illnesses including heart disease and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes, sinus problems, irritable bowel syndrome and digestive problems. (And remember, I’m only giving you tid-bits, here.) Suddenly, my bowl of Baskin Robbins didn’t seem so appetizing!

It kind of makes sense if you think about it. What if we traveled to a remote village in Africa and our tribal friends offered us a nice tall glass of fresh-squeezed elephant milk? What if we witnessed our neighbor milking his cat for his morning bowl of cereal? We only think it’s normal to drink the breast milk of a cow because we’ve done it all our lives.

So what’s the flipside? If we lay off the milk, how do we get our calcium, right? Well, I found out that excellent sources of calcium include rich greens, sesame seeds, beans, nuts, and uh… sardines. (We’ll just pretend we didn’t know about that last one.)

I’m only here to be the messenger, so you may want to do your own research. But be aware that milk may not do the body good after-all. Pass it on.

The main source of information in this post is a book called Ultra-Prevention, by Mark Hyman, M.D. and Mark Liponis, M.D. I highly recommend it, and it may be found at Barnes & Noble.

Little Time Left

This weekend, we visited my family in just East of Baton Rouge. While Jeff helped my dad replace the roof, my sister, Sarah, and I helped mom re-vamp the kitchen with a fresh coat of paint. It was a busy weekend, but before we started the road-trip back to Texas, I was able to spend some quality time with my mom.

We looked at old picture albums, and laughed at old hair styles. She told me things I never knew about my grandparents and great-grandparents. Then she sat down with my sister and me and showed us some old jewelry she’d collected over the years for sentimental reasons. [Like the heart-shaped pendant for the National Betty Crocker Award she’d won her senior year in high-school. Is that cool, or what?!]

Amazing that after 30 years of life, there were still tid-bits of knowledge of which Mom was the only source. How sad is it that we often let a lifetime slip by without sharing meaningful moments like this? Once again, I was reminded of a verse God pointed out to me several months ago. One day, as I was reading John chapter 9, I ran across verse 4 as if I’d never seen it before. Jesus said:

“All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent me, because there is little time left before the night falls and all work comes to an end.”

Wow. No more excuses for putting off till tomorrow what should have been done yesterday. God keeps bringing to mind the inspirations He’s placed in my heart and reminding me of that verse. I’ve got to quickly carry out the things He’s put me here to do. So, while I finish up this post and get on to something else He’s told me to do, make your own list. Or call your mom. By the way, thanks, Mom, for being so great. Happy Mother’s Day!