Daily Archives: July 13, 2012
Wait With Confidence
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“…See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm…” (James 5:7–8 NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Osteen
In the book of James, the Bible tells us that we should wait for God’s promises like a farmer waits for his harvest. Now, I’ve never seen a farmer plant a crop and then worry night and day about whether or not it’s going to come up. He doesn’t lose sleep thinking, “Oh, I hope that my corn is going to take root. Please, God, let my corn bring a harvest.” No, he waits with confidence, knowing that the harvest will come. He does his part, and he knows that seed will produce a good crop.
In the same way, we should wait confidently for the promises of God. We have to stand firm on His Word. It’s not enough to just hope that your situation is going to turn around. Instead of the attitude, “I hope I get well,” have the attitude of confidence and say, “Thank You, Lord, that I am getting well.” Start waiting like the farmer. Wait with a knowing. Wait with confidence. Be sure that as you put God’s Word into practice, just like the farmer, you will see that harvest of blessing in your own life in return.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Today, I choose to stand firm on Your Word. I choose to follow Your commands and believe that I will see Your promises come to pass in my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
© 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
It Costs Nothing to Believe
by Joyce Meyer – posted July 13, 2012
Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he. —Proverbs 29:18
Those with a sad past need to be able to believe in a bright future. The writer of Proverbs says that where there is no vision, people perish. A vision is something we see in our mind, “a mental sight” as one definition puts it. It may be something God plants in us supernaturally or something we see on purpose. It involves the way we think about ourselves, our past, and our future. It does not cost anything to believe.
Some people are afraid to believe. They think they may be setting themselves up for disappointment. They have not realized they will be perpetually disappointed if they don’t believe. I feel that if I believe for a lot and even get half of it, I am better off than I would be to believe for nothing and get all of it. I am challenging you to start believing good things. Believe you can do whatever you need to do in life through Christ.
Don’t have a “give up easy” attitude. Let your faith soar. Be creative with your thoughts. Take an inventory. What have you been believing lately? An honest answer may help you understand why you have not been receiving what you have wanted to receive.
From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by InProv. All rights reserved.
Going Natural—Everyone’s Doing It
For the NaturallyCurly bunch, going natural is something many have worked for and many have achieved. For the rest of the population, it’s an up and coming trend to look for. Numerous studies have shown that 65% of the world is naturally curly, but should embracing that texture really be something that we consider a trend?
Going natural can be a long process that takes many months to get adjusted to. It’s a big decision for many people, especially for the women who are worried about what the men in their life will think of their new ‘do.
So what’s the rave about going natural? “Glamour” magazine did a recent article about the benefits of going natural and it has generated a lot of natural buzz.
You’ll Cut Back On Trips To The Salon
The less heat you are applying to your hair, the less you need to go to the salon to get your ends trimmed. If you are a curly who goes for a routine color, you can also cut back on how many times you go in for a touch up. Keeping your hair curly helps to hide roots that are peeking through because of the lift you have throughout your hair. What’s the newest way to save money dedicated to salon trips? Go natural!
Styling Is Fast
Curlies are often told that they have it easy because being natural doesn’t require much work. While we all know that isn’t true, for myself, styling is much quicker. I don’t depend on a hair dryer or straightener any longer. All I really need are my fingers for scrunching and a microfiber towel. My two styling tools are extremely simple and especially cheap. Going natural means you can take all of those styling tools out of the bathroom to make room for your new product!
Going Natural Is Better For The Environment
No, really! I knew being natural was much better for my hair, but who knew that it actually improves the environment? If you pass on the blow dryer every day for two years, you have basically planted a tree! Two years might seem like a long time, but if you typically 
blow-dry for 30 minutes consider it only taking one year.
Many celebrities have been rocking their natural looks at red carpet events lately, making going natural look like a new trend. While it is awesome that so many people are going natural and sporting curly ‘dos, don’t let the idea that this is a new trend fool you.
Going natural is a commitment. You have to decide that showing off the real you is exactly what you want to do, because it is no easy task. You will spend lots of time on trial and error simply because you have no idea what ingredients your hair really loves.
Deciding to go natural is more like a lifestyle change, but once you decide to flaunt what you’ve been given, you will never go back! It will be exhilarating and the first time you get a compliment on your natural hair, you will be on cloud 9 and remember why you did this in the first place.
Need some help deciding if going natural is right for you? Check out these transitioning blogs to see the struggles other women are going through during their decisions, as well as how they are overcoming them.
Source: Naturally Curly
Our Daily Bread – Ant Safari
READ: Proverbs 6:6-11
Go to the ant . . . . Consider her ways and be wise. — Proverbs 6:6
In his book Adventures Among Ants: A Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants—an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvelous insights about these industrious creatures.
Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethic of these tiny insects. Ants are held up by wise King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain . . . provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Prov. 6:6-8).
The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant. —Dennis Fisher
In the open book of nature faith remains unmoved—
Patterns of the Master-Builder by each fact are proved;
So with reverent hearts we ponder all the grand design
Of the universe around us, wrought by hands divine. —Peterson
In God’s pattern book of nature we can trace many valuable lessons.
Copyright © 2012, RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI 49555 USA.
10 Tips for Transitioning to Natural Hair
So for the past 5 months I have been transitioning from relaxed hair. My last relaxer was February 2012 and I plan to do the “BC” A.K.A Big Chop on August 4, 2012. I honestly have been enjoying the experience thus far and I can’t hardly wait to FULLY see my natural curls. I actually have a girlfriend who has been natural for 10+ years who talked to me about her experience of going natural. One thing from our conversation that still rings clear in my head is when she told me,
“Once you get into it & fully go natural. You are going to ask yourself, What took me so long?”
And she is so true. I am Soooo In Love with my hair! Even my Sweetie says he loves my hair better natural. Who Knew? So to all the transitioners and the ones who are considering going natural this post is for you.
10 Tips For Transitioning To Natural Hair
1. Make The Decision To Go Natural
Want to go natural with or without doing the Big Chop? Transitioning to natural hair is a simple process of growing out your natural texture before cutting off the processed or damaged ends.
But don’t set a time just yet. You don’t have to know when you’ll rock your 100% natural hair right away! Give yourself about 4 months. By then you should have enough growth to get excited.
2. Find Your Go To Transitioning Style
The goal is to blend two VERY different textures of hair into one. Try a bantu knot out or a natural girl’s favorite: the twist out.
3. Detangle When Hair Is Wet
Always detangle when your hair is wet and slippery with conditioner with a wide-toothed comb. Start at the ends and work your way up.
4. Keep Your Scalp Clean
You’ll have to do some experimenting, but cleanse your scalp anywhere from every 2 days to every 2 weeks.
5. Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Dry hair breaks. Nothing beats water when it comes to moisturizing hair, but you can also add your favorite natural hair products on top to seal it in.
6. Get Use To Deep Conditioning
Hair masks are no longer a special treat! Naturally curly hair usually doesn’t lack protein, so stick with deep moisturizing treatments.
7. Wind Down Your Heat Usage
No need for a blow dryer or flat iron any more. Try air drying all of your styles instead.
8. Protect Your Edges
Avoid transitioning styles that put too much tension on your temples and the nape of your neck. The hair there is usually finer, thinner and more delicate!
9. Be Gentle!
The point where your natural texture meets your straight hair (it’s called the line of demarcation) is THE weakest part of you hair. Take your time when you detangle and style your hair.
10. Gradually Cut Your Processed Or Damaged Ends
Depending on the length you had to start with, get a good trim each month. Remember to use hair shears and not regular scissors!
Remember: NOT all hair is created equal. What may work for me may be different for you. Use different hair products and styles until you find something that works for your hair type and texture. These tips are designed to nurture your naturally curly hair, because in the end, THAT is what you’ll be keeping. Good luck and congrats on going natural! I’m here to help!
Source: Naturally Curly
Anointed To Bring Deliverance
by Joyce Meyer – posted July 12, 2012
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me, because He has anointed Me [the Anointed one, the Messiah] to preach the good news (the Gospel) to the poor; He has sent Me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to send forth as delivered those who are oppressed [who are downtrodden, bruised, crushed, and broken down by calamity], to proclaim the accepted and acceptable year of the Lord [the day when salvation and the free favors of God profusely abound]. —Luke 4:18–19
Almost every time I finish speaking at a meeting, people come to me with sad stories of abuse and pain. I understand and often I hurt with them. I understand because I’ve been there. In my bookBattlefield of the Mind, I referred to some of that dysfunctional background.
I point that out because in the past, I have used my background as an excuse for not growing, for living in defeat, and for allowing Satan to control my mind.
“What else can you expect? Look where I came from.” I’ve heard people talk that way. Perhaps it comforts them to think that whatever their past held will determine their present and their future. They have that choice if they want to believe that lie of Satan.
“Don’t you know that God loves you, and that Jesus wants to deliver you from your past?” I ask. “Don’t you realize that where you were is only the starting place? You can determine where you want to go and how you live your life.”
I can say those words because of my background, the truth I’ve found in God’s Word, and the Lord’s deliverance that I have experienced.
From the first public appearance of Jesus recorded in Luke’s gospel, I learned something powerful and significant. Jesus went to the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth, the leader handed Him the scroll of Isaiah, and Jesus read the words printed above. What the people there didn’t understand was that what He was reading to them was describing Himself: “The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon Me . . . to announce release to the captives” (v. 18).
Isn’t that what Jesus did then? Isn’t that what Jesus does now? He said God had anointed Him for just that task. If that’s true—and I don’t doubt it for a second—do I really honor Jesus by remaining a captive? If Jesus received the anointing to deliver me, there can be only one of two possible results: He sets me free or He doesn’t.
This is the battlefield of the mind, as I’ve been pointing out again and again. Jesus says, “He has anointed Me!” The devil asks, “Did God really anoint Jesus?”
Your deliverance (and mine) depends on which voice we listen to. If we listen to Jesus and believe Him, He says that deliverance is not only possible but it is a reality. If God anointed Jesus for that purpose, it means God empowered Him. Jesus came to open prison doors and set the captives free. You and I can’t be set free until we start to believe it’s possible. If you believe that God loves you, wants only the best for you, and has a perfect plan for your life, how can you doubt?
You may have had a terrible, sad, and abusive past, as I did. Thousands of others have worse childhoods than you had, but they received healing. The fourth chapter of Luke tells of another synagogue where Jesus went and “. . . there was a man who was possessed by the foul spirit of a demon” (4:33). Jesus set him free. Jesus did that because that’s what the Lord does—He sets the prisoners free, and He’ll also set you free.
Lord Jesus, You have been anointed to set me free. Forgive me for listening to Satan’s voice that makes me feel I’m beyond help. You are the Deliverer. In Your holy name, I ask You to deliver me from everything that holds me back from fully and totally serving You. Amen.
From the book Battlefield of the Mind Devotional by Joyce Meyer. Copyright © 2006 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.
Why Antioxidants Are Vital To Your Health
Antioxidants have gotten a lot of good press over the past decade or so. The more we learn about them the more we realize just how essential they are to good health. Among the things we know they do: fight disease, boost the immune system, nourish healthy skin, fight the effects of aging, preserve or restore heart health, increase stamina, kick start your energy, and combat cancer. Scientists are still discovering all of the things antioxidants can do.
After 40
Why do we age? And, more importantly, why do we have to look old as we age? One theory of aging that is gaining a lot of traction today is the free-radical theory of aging (FRTA). Free radicals are rogue, unstable molecules that cruise around the body. Because the free radicals are unstable and off-balance, they seek to attach themselves to more stable molecules, including the cells of your skin, your heart, your lungs, and other important body areas. But once the free radical gloms onto the healthy molecule, it creates damage. So now you no longer have a free radical, but you do have a damaged cell. Everybody has free radicals, even babies. The miraculous human body contains many built-in systems aimed at keeping these rogue molecules in check and destroying them. But sometimes the free radicals overwhelm the body’s natural defenses. This can happen when you get sick, you are overly stressed (including being tired), or you do not nourish your body properly. Many foods are just loaded with free radicals, so you could be doing some of this damage with your own fork. One other thing that can cause the free radicals to go haywire—age. As we get older, our bodies’ natural defense systems get weaker. The FRTA theory states that over time, damage from free radicals builds up and we start to look and feel old. Antioxidants are substances that take out free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules and the very name antioxidant tells us that these substances are “anti” free radicals. Antioxidants wipe out free radicals and, in so doing, may reduce the signs of aging, preserve health, boost the immune system, raise our energy level, and make us feel good.
Seven Good Food Sources For Antioxidants
So now you need to know: just where can I find these antioxidant free-radical-busters? Three of the best known antioxidants are vitamins A, C and E, but did you know that there are more than 4,000 compounds that have antioxidant properties in the foods that we eat? That’s right, many foods contain antioxidants. And, no, these foods are not cheeseburgers and Twinkies. There are lots of benefits to eating a healthful diet, and top on the list has to be that you get plenty of natural antioxidants. Here are the big seven antioxidant-rich foods.
Berries
All kinds of berries are good sources of antioxidants; Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and cranberries. The best way to eat these are fresh or frozen (frozen is nearly as good as fresh). Strawberry jam or strawberry flavoring doesn’t count—these have sugar and sometimes chemicals in them. Stick to natural food and eat it as close to its natural state as you can to get the maximum antioxidant punch.
Broccoli
Broccoli is powerhouse of a vegetable. Besides its high amount of vitamin C, it also supplies calcium, minerals and other vitamins. It can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, roasted (try roasting it in the oven), or even juiced.
Beans
Small red beans are rich in several nutrients including iron, magnesium potassium, copper, thiamin and phosphorus. Other beans with high antioxidant content are pinto, black and kidney beans.
Nuts
Almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios and walnuts are high in antioxidants. They’re also cholesterol-free and low in sodium. They can be high in calories, so you cannot overdo them. However, adding some nuts to salads or taking a handful of almonds as a mid-afternoon snack is a great idea that gives you an antioxidant kick.
Veggies & More
Berries are the antioxidant king of the fruit world, but most fruits contain lots of antioxidants. Apples (eat the peel), cherries, pears, peaches, plums, red grapes, pineapple, kiwi, orange, and grapefruit are all excellent sources of antioxidants. Broccoli is the standout in the vegetable world, but nearly all veggies contain some antioxidants, with carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoe, spinach, and potatoes particularly high in antioxidant content. Remember; eat the veggies as close to natural as you can. French fries are not a good source of antioxidants!
Green Tea
It is hard to go wrong with a few cups of plain green every day. This super-drink contains lots of vitamin C and many other powerful disease-fighting substances. This is an antioxidant cocktail and the best part … zero calories and a boost in hydration.
Grains
Just about any whole grain (whole wheat, whole rye, brown rice) contains a lot of antioxidant goodness. Oat based products are thought to have higher amounts of antioxidants than other grains.
Copyright © Beliefnet, Inc. and/or its licensors. All rights reserved.
How To Glow With Inner Beauty
By: Jennifer E. Jones, the Inspiration Editor for Beliefnet.
You Have A Beautiful Spirit
Listen to the conversations that surround you. Someone right now is complaining about their thighs or wishing their stomach was smaller. It’s easy to focus on the outside, but what about the inside? How does one feel beautiful from within? These five spiritual tips will help you radiate happiness
Make Room For Peace And Quiet
How else will you find your inner beauty if you don’t spend any time looking inward? Make a moment for peace and quiet a priority in your life. Just five minutes a day of meditation or quiet reflection is enough to have you feeling refreshed and spiritually alive
Go On A Fear Diet
We spend so much time feeding our fears. We let our inner voice tell us that the worst case scenario is right around the corner. Start finding inner beauty by starving your fear. Resist the urge to respond to uncomfortable situations by being afraid. Silence both the inner and outer voices that want you to be fearful. The more you starve your tendency to fear, the less you’ll move towards it in the future.
Feed Your Faith
This applies to everyone whether you’re religious or not. Surround yourself with things that help you believe in goodness! Read books that remind you that happy endings and miracles are real and happen every day. Spend more time with your friends who encourage and support you.
Let Kindness Be Your Guide
The world has enough angry, bitter people in it. Be a person who smiles and says hello to strangers. Brighten someone’s day with a card or flowers. Let someone else in front of you in line at the grocery store. Opportunities for random acts of kindness are all around you. Take advantage.
Forgive
If you’re holding a grudge or grievance against someone, let it go. Write them a letter that expresses your hurt and frustration and then tear that letter up. It’s a way of physically releasing someone from their crime and spiritually freeing yourself from the burden of being angry at the same time. Take a moment afterwards to reflect on that person as a fallible human being just like you are— prone to make mistakes and in need of grace. It will help you see him or her through the eyes of God.
Author and Spirit Junkie Gabrielle Bernstein often says, “Forgiveness offers everything I want.” When you forgive and release bitterness towards others, you then open up your life to receive freedom and happiness.
Copyright © Beliefnet, Inc. and/or its licensors.
I Am Lady Fab 