Are We Being Sold A "Bill Of Goods" With The Promotion of Coffee?

Psalm 119:78 (MSG)
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;  they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on Your counsel.



Transition time.

Coffee or no coffee?  That's the question of the day....err...decade.....perhaps even century.  Are you always wondering about the effects of coffee/caffeine on our bodies?  Me too.  I'm pretty sure for every article about the benefits of caffeine, there is an article that counters it with unhealthy claims.  Who do we believe?

In 2014, my goal is to find one unhealthy habit a month and get rid of it by replacing it with something healthy.  For instance, the first bad habit I found in my life, was my insatiable love for Diet Dr. Pepper.  After searching in desperation for some healthy reason to consume this delightfully tasty beverage, I came up empty handed.  It had to go.  There was nothing good about it.  Not one tiny thing.  So, I drank my last sip of soda on December 31, 2013.  Done.  Was it difficult to stop?  A little, but I replaced it with water.  Every time I want a soda, I go for a big tall glass of ice water.  Even now, I find myself occasionally wanting a soda (nearly 3 months later), however, there is no benefit from it....only potential harm, so it got the boot.  If I can't find ANY health benefit to what I'm putting in my body on a regular basis, then I don't want it anymore.

So, back to the caffeine question.  First, you should know that I like my coffee strong and with a lot of sweet white stuff.  I understand that the "creamers" that I use are loaded with sugar and lots of other stuff that has no nutritional value whatsoever, and yet, I still use them.  It is my "treat", I rationalize.  So, for me, right out of the gate, "my" coffee is unhealthy.  I have tried other formulas to whiten it, but nothing I try makes the cut.  I should drink it black if I'm going to drink it at all.  The problem with that is, I don't like it without all of the "extra stuff".  Whine.  (Oh to have such problems, eh?)  But, for this discussion, let's just talk about the caffeine in the coffee and not the cream.

The fact that I like my coffee strong translates that for every cup I drink, I will probably be doubling the amount of caffeine that is found in a regular cup.  (Think dark roast here....although this, too is disputed...dark roast has less caffeine.....huh?)  Anyway, add on top of that, the size of "my cup" which is actually about 16 ounces, of which I drink two daily...perhaps more.  So, when you consider all of that, I am probably drinking approximately 32 ounces of coffee a day.  Who knows with all of these variables how much that translates to as far as the "amount of caffeine" that I am absorbing into my body!  Yikes!

Here's what I do know for certain...from personal experience.  Coffee wakes me up in the morning and helps me kick start my day.  Love that!  Coffee keeps me up at night if I consume it after 3:00pm.  Don't love that.  Caffeine can create irritability and a semi frenzied feel.  Caffeine adds to attention deficit and distractibility issues.   Caffeine can aggravate fibrocystic breast disease.  Caffeine can cause rapid heart dysrhythmias, especially in those who already have a weakened heart or a propensity toward rhythm disturbances.  While I have not directly experienced this side effect, I have seen it many times in my years of working in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.  Unfortunately, there are other negative effects that can be the direct result of consuming caffeine and there are plenty of underlying health conditions that can be awakened by caffeine.  There is a great article that just came out today on this very subject.  It is a quick read if you are interested in reading it simply click here.

New healthy habit!

Well, I suppose that after writing this, I have come to the conclusion that for me personally, at this juncture in my life, I should abstain from a lot of caffeine, and certainly from my sugary fake cream filled coffee.  I think my transition will be to green tea.  While I am aware that there is still some caffeine in Green Tea (25-50mg per 8oz as compared to 120-150mg per 8oz of coffee), I think this is a great place to start.  At least with the green tea, I will not have the cream issue and I will be taking in some extra antioxidants.  Now, the hard part....implementing my plan! Yes, I have tried to eliminate coffee before.  It was short lived.  I failed.  But, you know what they say..."If at first you don't succeed...try try again!"  As I write this, I am sipping my last cup of sugary caffeine filled coffee.  Maybe it won't take too long to fall in love with the green tea!!  Hmmm......

God,
Ultimately, You are our Counselor in all things.  Reveal to us those habits that will keep us from health and empower us to change!  Thank you for always supplying us with the tools we need to remain strong in You, so we can reflect Your love!
In Jesus Name,
Amen 

Book Review: Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay is like taking in a deep breath of sweet smelling lilies!  The freshness and beauty of this debut novel make it a rewarding pleasure to read.  Be sure you place Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay on your reading list for this spring 2014!  You will definitely enjoy every page!



Put this book on your Spring reading
list for 2014!

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay is such a treat to read.  The careful unfolding of each new character within the story line is exquisitely smooth.  The sweet ebb and flow of the emotional cadence within the story line takes the reader to a quiet place of introspection.  This book is masterfully written.

The story centers around a young lady named Samantha Moore.  The book is in journal format throughout the entirety. “Sam”, as she is called by her friends, writes her reflections with regard to her past and present life experiences while participating in a journalism program at a large University in Chicago.  The funding for this program has been completely covered through a grant given to her from an anonymous donor by the name of Mr. Knightley.  As Samantha ponders her career, talents, and relationships in frequent letters to the generous benefactor, Mr. Knightley, she uncovers things about herself that she never knew.  As lessons of forgiveness, authenticity, tenacity, compassion and transparency emerge; Sam begins to unearth a wholeness that she has longed to experience.

It’s difficult to say what I loved the most about this book!  Would it be the fact that the main character, Samantha is vulnerable and innocent which creates a high level of endearment toward her?  Perhaps that was it.  Could it be the fact that KatherineReay so easily expresses her love for American Literature throughout the whole novel and because of that, I will now be able to use this book as a resource for further literature exploration?  She even goes so far as to provide “Sam’s Reading List” at the end of the book to assist with a travel through the classics.  That will most certainly be an enormous bonus.  Was it the inherent love story lightly etched throughout the margins of the main theme?  That was a tender touch for sure.  Or could it have been the sheer curiosity and anticipation of finally getting to meet Mr. Knightley after so many letters to him?  Yes, that too played a significant part.  Actually, I think it was a compilation of each of these components that made this book a sensational read for me!

Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay is a profoundly written book circling around the delicate thinking of a young woman as she works through past and present issues. The reader has the privilege of peeking into the main character’s heart as she learns to confront obstacles of life with grace, forgiveness, and courage.  This book is undeniably worth your attention, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself poking around inside your own heart as well! 

I want to thank Thomas Nelson Publishing for this review copy of Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay.  I was not required to write a favorable review.  The opinions given within this review are strictly my own. 

"Don't Be Afraid. I Am Here!"

Psalm 119:77 (MSG)
Now comfort me so I can live, really live;  Your revelation is the tune I dance to.



Over 10,000 people came together to support and stand with the Owens Family.

The candlelight vigil on Saturday was incredible as over 10,000 people lined the street on a cold February night to let the family of Hailey Owens know that as a community we are standing with them during this heartbreak.  The show of support for this family has been overwhelming!  There were no reports of any invasions from disruptive groups, although they could have been there and they would have been suffocated by the light.  Light does that you know?  When you enter a dark room and turn on a light...the darkness is no longer present.   

Last night was the visitation service for Hailey and today is her funeral.  As the sun was setting over the streets of Springfield, the sky turned to a beautiful pink and purple.  Amazingly beautiful.  I will never understand the actions of evil men.  I will never comprehend their vile plans, but I will chose to focus on the goodness that surrounds us each day.  The bright hearts of people from all over the world and in this community have confirmed to me this week that the light of Christ in this world is most certainly brighter than any darkness that will attempt to invade us. 


This was the sunset over Springfield last night.
It was a gorgeous pink and purple....like a lot of us have been
wearing this week in remembrance of Hailey.
(Thank you Sherry Brock for this photo.)

 
Matthew 14:27 (NLT)"Don't be afraid," He said.  "Take courage.  I am here!"

Father,
We worship and adore You today!
You are the Creator of all good.
You are the Giver of Life.
We will praise You in our situations
and stand firm in You.  Continue to
shine Your beauty and color into the lives
of this family and each one reading this
today.  Help us to feel Your presence,
because we believe that "You are here!"
In Jesus Name,
Amen


Testing My Resolve........

Psalm 119:75 I can see now, God, that Your decisions are right;  Your testing has taught me what's true and right.

There is a rumor that a supposed "church" is coming to Springfield tonight to "picket" against our community's Candle Light Vigil that has been designed to show support to the family and friends of Hailey Owens.  These people obviously have another agenda and it sort of makes me want to vomit.  To think that a group would attempt to use the platform of an innocent girl's memorial as a mouthpiece for their hatred, churns my stomach and brings about feelings of anger. 

I suppose, as with many circumstances in life, rather than just get mad and stop there, I need to chose to use this as an opportunity to be taught some important lessons of truth and righteousness from a loving Savior, as these words from Psalm 119:75 describe.  These types of situations are exactly the ones that, if I yield to Him, will grow within me a deeper dependence upon the Holy Spirit and will be evident in the fruit I bear.  Once again, I am reminded that what I do with my emotions is what truly counts....in my anger...I shouldn't sin.

I was blessed to read Pastor Kevin Carson's blog post on this very subject.  He is the senior pastor of Sonrise Baptist in Ozark, MO.  I am leaving you the link to his post, because he gives a tangibly practical description of how a Christ follower needs to respond tonight if and when we are confronted with any negativity.  Pastor Kevin's description of "determined kindness" with the humble response of Christ is, in fact, exactly what I needed to hear at this point in time!  If you have a few minutes to read his words, I know you will be as blessed as I was. 

Pastor Kevin's post is titled:  "What Do You Do When Westboro Shows Up At Your Memorial?"  (Click here to read the post.)

Father,
May Your protection be upon each and every person who participates this evening.  May Hailey's family and friends feel Your hand of love extended to them tonight through this visible show of support.
In Christ's Name,
Amen

In Honor of Hailey Owens....

Psalm 119:76(MSG)
Oh, love me--and right now--hold me tight--just the way You promised!



If you've been anywhere within ear shot of a media outlet over the past 36 hours, then you know about the devastating loss of a sweet young girl from our community by the name of Hailey Owens.  She was abducted from a Springfield neighborhood, less than 48 hours ago on a warm sunny afternoon as she walked care freely down her street, only to be found dead a few hours later.   (Click here to read complete story.)  Many people were desperately looking...praying...and hoping beyond all hope that she would be found unharmed.  Unfortunately, that was not the outcome.

As I sat across from my parents this morning while sipping a warm cup of coffee and visiting with them, I watched my 77 year old mother and my 80 year old father's eyes begin filling with tears.  They wanted to talk about Hailey and try to process what has happened right here in our midst.  I think they represent many of us in our town today, as we try to wrap our minds around this tragedy.

Details are flooding in listing the heroic efforts from bystanders, first responders, police and rescue personnel as they attempted to stop this heinous crime.  One gentleman near the scene, giving no thought for his own safety, jumped into his car and gave chase at a speed in excess of 55mph in a failed attempt to return this child to her home.  What a selfless act of love and bravery!    

The emotions that we are feeling over her loss are raw and uncensored.  Facebook and Twitter are lit up with a myriad of responses ranging from anger, confusion, and outrage to distraction and an overwhelming sense of grief.  Reporters, police, witnesses, and even the prosecutor himself, became choked up during their reporting of the facts surrounding the story.  The people of Springfield are mourning the death of an innocent little girl that most of us never even met, but, because her eyes are seen in our own children everyday, we can't and won't forget little Hailey's bright light.  Last night, all over Springfield, porch lights were lit in an effort to show a sea of support and loving kindness to Hailey's family.  The people here are just wanting to do something....anything....to let her precious family know that, while we cannot possibly understand what they are going through, we are standing with them.



This rose is for Hailey Owens' family.
The tears are flowing...
but we will keep our light bright for you
in honor your sweet baby girl.
 

The family described Hailey as a joyful and smiling little girl who loved to cheer people up when they were down.  She brought light and laughter to every situation.  Her life was a gift and a unique blessing to all those that knew her. 
I wish I could have met her, but sense I didn't, I will choose to see her in every little innocent life that I come in contact with in the coming months.  If I could talk to the family of little Hailey, today, I would say, "I am so sorry that you are suffering because of one person's madness.  I am sorry that we live in a sinful place that has fallen so far from what the Lord designed it to be." 

The world can be a dark place where many do not understand the sanctity of a human life nor the profound impact that their horrendous choices will have on those around them.  But, what shall we do then?  Give up?  No.  No we can't and we won't give up shining our light in a dark and terrifying world.  The light of Christ and His love is brightly burning and we must not let it go out. 

If you are in the Springfield area, there will be a candle light vigil for Hailey this Saturday evening to show our love and dedicated support to this beautiful family.  (Click here for details.) 

Lord,
I will never understand the sinful evil actions that have led to the death of one of Your cherished kids.  I know that this was not Your perfect plan for her life.  I guess it isn't even my place to try to figure it all out.  It is my prayer today that You will hold Hailey's family tight in Your arms...as the verse above states....and give them Your promises of peace and comfort now and every single day, until they can see and hold her again.
In Jesus Name~
Amen