RANDOM QUOTES

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196

A PAIN-FREE CYCLE

FOLLOWING IS MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY OF HOW I SURVIVED MY TIME OF THE MONTH THIS TIME AROUND

Heavy bleeding; ripping pain; prolonged cycle; crying and inability to function. These all described my "time of the month" symptoms. This started happening within the past few years. Years is long time to live with pain. I dreaded my "time of the month" more than ever. I suffered from anxiety when I know the time was near. Thank the Lord, the cycle became regular after my fourth child, so I could mentally prepare myself for the onslaught that was to come upon me.

After years of this, each time getting a little worse, I begun paying attention to my body. I first noticed my mood changes, then the bodily changes and then the physical manifestations of what is a normal body function. I also started talking to other women to find out what they do to ease their symptoms. One women shared with me something that helped. She said to eat fruits for 1 day once a week. I didn't do it totally, but increased my fruit intake when the time was nearing. My pain was less for the first time. My curiosity was sparked and hope sprung up with me.

Then I realized that the month that I consumed an excess of processed food (corn chips, crackers or anything else in a box or crinkly bag), my pain was horrendous and my cycle dragged on for a few extra days. One day, in desperation, I was quietly going through the pews before church looking for someone to give me pain-killers, something I never like taking.

Here is the conclusion of my own personal research for how to have a normal menstrual cycle with out the extra drama: I as the test patient.

(1) I Included lots of fruits and vegetables in my diet (fresh and uncooked as much as possible)
(2) Drank water throughout the day (Alternated with pure water and distilled; I added fresh lemon juice* for flavor)
(3) Refrained from eating processed foods, milk, eggs and cheese a few days before the onset
(4) One day 1, I made an Anti-inflammatory Smoothie:

1 quarter fresh pineapple
1 handful walnuts
1 tbsp. whole flaxseed
1 tsp. ground ginger

Blend. Halved the mixture and eat with a spoon** twice a day the first day

*Minute Made has a squeezable lemon juice that is excellent since I rarely find fresh juicy lemons in my area
**You may add some pineapple juice to the smoothie(if you don't like it too thick) and drink it.

(5) For any possible infections that may be causing my pain, I made Nature's Penicillin for the second and third day:


1 grapefruit
1 orange
2 lemons
3 cloves of garlic
½ large onion
3 drops of peppermint oil (Use a capful if using peppermint extract)

Directions:
Peel fruit, onion and garlic. Blend. Add peppermint oil. Take one cup a day for an adult and half a cup for a child. Spread dosage out over course of the day, taking a spoonful every 1-2 hours.

This is the first time I was not tossing in bed and moaning all day because of menstrual cramps. Praise the Lord!!! My family had come to expect that this was normal. Thank God, it does not have to be.

HOW'S YOUR HEARING?

If any man have an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:9)

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, you work is not done. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Each day, we are to live lives of obedience to our Savior. The lives we lived while in sin, the things that held us captive, must be done away with. We are to become new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Keep His Commandments and live (Proverbs 4:4 and 7:2). It may cost you your job, your friends, your family, or even your life, but great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11,12).

Daniel, Esther and her people and the three Hebrew boys all faced death decree's because of their devotion to God, but yet they did not waiver in keeping God's commandments. They did not follow the customs or traditions of their time or obey the laws of the land (if those laws caused them to disobey God's commandments).

As we strive to be obedient to our Lord, fear not, for "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Luke encourages us in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than man."

ONE IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR TODAY

WERE THEY TELLING THE TRUTH?

Throughout your life (at home, at work, at school or in the street), you've met people who shared or tried to share some aspect of the gospel* with you. The question is, "were they telling the truth?"

In the myriad of information, you won't know what truth is unless you compare what they said with Truth. Truth is the Word of God found in the Bible** (The Old and New Testament).

I implore you to study*** your Bibles today and find out for yourself what your strength and foundation is build upon.

*the gospel is the good news of Salvation by Faith in Jesus Christ

**the King James Bible is the preferred for its accurate translation into English. Most of the newer versions and paraphrases are based on polluted manuscripts and false doctrines. Some are acceptable for a first time bible reader, but study the matter out thoroughly as you progress

***always pray for the Lord to give you understanding before attempting to study His word, otherwise confusion will be the sure result

BEYOND BLOGGING...

As I lay in bed tonight, my thoughts went on facebook for some reason. Some time ago, I vowed that I would NEVER get a facebook page, because I wanted to be in close intimate relationship with my friends, either by face to face contact, telephoning or email (LOL). Then based on a chance request and morbid curiosity, I opened an account and subsequently, a can of worms (or snakes depending on one's perspective).

Hours were now spend in this new fascinating world. One day, my son, then 7 said to me, "mommy, you spend too much time on facebook." My heart pricked, as I knew this to be the case, but no one was holding me accountable for the use of my time, and besides, it helped me to get away from the demands of my day. With the strength of the Lord, I closed out the account that very day, less than three months into it.

While on Facebook, I reconnected briefly with friends from my schools in Guyana, Stella Maris Primary School and Bishops High School, and friends from my schools in Maryland, Montgomery Blair High School, Sherwood High School and the University of Maryland, College Park. Even one childhood playmate was on there. The introductions were brief, just enough to get caught up on our status in life [married or not, children or not, employed or not, etc.). There the connections stopped and communications waned.

I wanted to justify my "umpteen" hours on Facebook and wanted my time to be worth something, so my mission became to "evangelize" with links, quotes and access to this Heaven Bound Blog. After a while, it seemed like there was more juicy things going on to make my little tit-bits of any effect or interest. The request from my son made the decision so much easier to make, especially for my ego (self).

My prayer, however, is that at least 1 person was drawn closer to Jesus Christ as a result of something they read or saw; That at least 1 person began to prayerfully study the Bible more and at least 1 person made the decision to accept the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

For there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over 1 sinner that repents. (see Luke 15:7,10)

WHO LIKES REJECTION?

Not me! I'd be willing to say, not you either. Even God doesn't like rejection. When the children of Israel asked Samuel for a King, the Lord said, "...for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them." (1 Samuel 7:8)

Recently, I was struck with the thought that my life is spent doing mostly for me. There was nothing that I really did for the Lord. I felt pretty contented with the fact that I'm raising four children so that pretty much makes me exempt from active witnessing. For you it may be the many ministries you're involved in at church or the many charities and events you participate in in your community.

There is a belief that we witness just by existing and that you don't need to go out to witness about Jesus love and salvation--people will just see Christ in you. If that was the case, Jesus would have left it at, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

He did not leave it there, because later on, before His ascension, He said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19,20)

Believe you me, talking to strangers or even friends and acquaintances about Christ is not something I cherish. It's not me. I can't do it. That's not my gift. But did Jesus tell the disciples to go out witnessing if that was their special gift. No! Of the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, witnessing is not one of them. We're all just asked to do it. Scary thought!

I walk around quoting, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," but then claim "can't" when I don't want to do something He asked me to do. Why?

Rejection! Preservation of Self! Plain and simple. The word of the Lord loses power for me when it comes in conflict with His will versus mine. Whether it's submitting to my husband, speaking kindly to my children, giving the smelly old man some change or saying good morning to the rude girl at the checkout, I'm in constant conflict between God's will and mine.

Let me wrap this up.

We have to tell people about Jesus. We have to look for opportunities to share the gospel with a spiritually dead world. We have to go where the lost are and not wait for them to come to us or ask us. They won't. They're in jeopardy of being lost. They don't know that there is a better way. We have to tell them. We can do it. Why? Becasue we "...can do all things through Christ who strengtens" us. (Philippians 4:13)

If they don't want to repent and be converted, they're not rejecting us, but God. Start with your own family members who don't follow Christ. From now on, every person you meet is someone who will either have eternal life or perish. God help us!

WHY BOTHER TO PRAY

• Our prayers puts the answer in motion. God deserves the credit, so someone has to pray, otherwise we would think that we created the outcome ourselves or that it just happened by coincidence.

WATCH AND PRAY

One day the books won't help, the tapes won't help, the blogs won't help, the sermons won't help, the friends won't help and the family members won't help. The only thing that will suffice will be your own study of God's word (2 Timothy 2:15). You'll will have to make a decision based on your own convictions. Whether you decide to join the family of God or stay in the family of God will depend on how you feel about what you have studied. If you are moved by the Holy Spirit to accept by faith the things He has shown you, you will respond by your actions. Life will not be the same. It's a sobering thought, but you will have to make a decision. Choosing to do nothing is also making a decision.


...How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him (1 Kings 18:21).

LOVE: THE GREATEST OF THESE (Part 2)

On July 22, God willing, we will celebrate six years of marriage. As in years past, I reflect on where we’ve come and how we’ve grown. Although it seems like a long time to me, I’m still humbled by the fragility of this particular institution and don’t take for granted each year we’re together. Thanks to numerous journals I’ve kept over the years, I’m reminded of our incredible journey—good and bad.

The apostle Paul learned through his own life struggles to be content in times of plenty and in times of want. I too, am still learning to do the same—to be content when there’s lots of love flowing between us, and when our love tanks are running on fumes. Through the good times, I’m keenly aware that at any minute we could be at odds or worst yet, at war. Recently, I’ve come to the realization that most conflicts can be traced back to the issue of love or lack thereof. Put another way most conflicts stem from feelings of rejection on some level or another.

With our willingness, we can learn to love or get the help we need, to overcome the obstacles that prevent love from flowing freely in our relationships.

Public Service Announcement: KEEP LOVE ALIVE

One of the best things you can do for love is nurture it. Like your car or your body, routine maintenance and regular checkups are beneficial for preventing breakdown. Attend a relationship workshop yearly, meet with other couples on a regular basis and schedule time together to discuss tough issues. Make your relationship a priority and you’ll see its health
improve.

CAUTION!PRACTICE AT YOUR OWN RISK :)

The following was inspired during our Anniversary trip to Niagara Falls last year. The result is a beautiful baby girl.

THE LOVE CHAPTER: KEY ELEMENTS OF INTIMACY

(Artistic Interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13)

What if we applied 1 Corinthians 13 to the Marriage Bed? We quote the verses at
our weddings and apply the principles to our daily interactions, but what if we
applied the following principles to the area of our relationship where God is
the furthest thing from our minds?

Be Patient – Take the time to enjoy each other. Savor each moment. Use your five senses of touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight to enhance the experience. (See Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 4:11; 6:4 and 7:7-9)

Be Kind – Compliment profusely. Now is not the time to take note of, or verbalize physical imperfections. Be thoughtful in what you say. (See Song of Solomon
4:1-7; 5:10-16 and 7:1-5)

Envy Not – Be content and comfortable with who you are and the person to whom you're married. Don’t wish that you or your mate looked the way you or they did in college or envy what you think someone else must be enjoying. (See Song of Solomon 8:6; 7:10; 6:3 and 2:16)

Brag Not – Leave your past in the past. If you didn’t enter this marriage as a virgin or this isn’t your first marriage, don’t brag about the women's worlds you rocked or the men you brought to tears.

Puff Not – Allow room for growth and change. Don’t presume to know it all and
don’t assume that your mate likes what you like.

Don’t Be Rude – Respect each other’s temples and individuality. If your mate does not feel comfortable with something, don’t force him/her.

Don’t Be Selfish – Put each other’s needs first and you’ll both be satisfied. There’s no room for self-gratification in this arena.

Don’t Be Easily Provoked – Make room for mistakes and extend a little grace. Whether due to exhaustion, lack of knowledge or memory loss, your mate will not always please you. It’s ok! There’s always tomorrow.

Keep No Record Of Wrongs - Enjoy the here and now. Don’t rehash yesterday’s offense or the last time you had to extend grace while intimate.

Think No Evil – The songs “It’s Morning” and “Me and Mrs. Jones,” glorify adultery. Be honest in your heart w/God and your spouse, so that you come together with a clear conscience. (See Song of Solomon 3:1-5)


When you were a child, you played childish games. Leave the games
out. Don’t toy with each other’s emotions. If your mate hurts you,
don’t pout and threaten to take your good loving elsewhere. This union is
supposed to bring both of you face-to-face w/each other’s excellent qualities
and dark imperfections. No one knows you like your spouse. Have
faith in each other; Hope for the best in your marriage and let love win
out. (Song of Solomon 8:7)

Copyright 2006 Leuanna Matheson

SUGGESTED READING LIST

Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide To Resolving Conflict Without Arguing – Gary Chapman
To read about or purchase this book, check the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-Wins-Chapman-Conflicts-Marriage/dp/141430014X


Boundaries Face To Face: How To Have That Difficult Conversation You’ve Been Avoiding – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
To read about or purchase this book, check the link: http://store.cloudtownsendstore.com/bofatofabo.html


For men only A Straight-forward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women – Shaunti & Jeff Feldhahn

Rescue Your Love Life: Changing Those Dumb Attitudes & Behaviors that Will Sink Your Marriage – Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
To read about or purchase this book, check the link:
http://store.cloudtownsendstore.com/reyololi.html

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUMMERTIME

As we enjoy ourselves, let us remember that there's one out there who could care less about you having a good time. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).

I included Wait on Him, because this summer will be the first summer that some families will be spending apart. Visitation will need to be worked out and court proceedings attended, but I wanted to offer a word of encouragement and hope for any married couple who has recently separated, divorced or who is thinking about either. Remember that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).

Lastly, you may be familiar with the NEWSTART Principles. I've modified them. If you WANT a FRESH start, check out the tips for a healty summer.

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart;
wait, I say on the Lord,” (Psalms 27: 14)

Year 1 of marriage was, or seemed rather, like the biggest mistake of my life. Year 2, a trial, but on the heels of year 3, I saw the hand of the Lord moving upon our hearts and minds.

I see why the divorce rate is so high among people who love each other; who care for each other and who are attracted to each other enough to have children together. The trials of this life beat us down enough, but when our sins and true selves begin to surface, fierce conflict ensues. Lovers begin to despise each other and friends become bitter enemies. It’s a bad state of affairs and much prayer is needed.

My heart is especially pained for the young people who marry with little, incompetent or no counseling. We are not prepared for the changes that will take place and feel betrayed by those who walked this road before us. There is a deception by the enemy to hide the rough roads that inevitably will come, so many suffer in silence. But Praise God, I see hope.

Prayer and information and sometimes pure willpower can save many marriages and restore some that have even ended. It cannot be done in our own strength, or with our own knowledge. We need to be open to the wisdom of the elders (1 Pet. 5:5). We need to pray (1 Thes. 5:17), we need to exercise sheer will (Phil. 2:13; Matt. 26:41) and we need God’s strength (2 Cor. 12:10).

Marriage is a blessing from God and a great privilege. Let us enjoy His gift and seek to bring Him glory in it.

W-A-N-T a F-R-E-S-H start?

• Water – Especially essential during the hot, humid months
• Air – A little fresh air does the lungs and the temperament well
• Nutrition – with “umpteen” barbeques, picnics or cookouts, gluttony is prevalent (Don't let your belly become your god)
• Temperance - "Enough is as good as a feast" (This doesn't just apply to food)
• Faith – Trust that God is working everything out for your good and his glory
• Rest – Longer days and shorter nights means less sleep, try to get some rest during the day
• Exercise – In some form or other, keep those muscles moving, especially the ones in your face (smile more)
• Sunshine – From Vitamin D to battling jet leg, the sun can be of great benefit in healthy amounts (For the entire article, go to http://www.amazingfacts.org/; click on Inside Report Magazine and scross to the newsletter titled, "The Power of Plodding" in PDF format)
• Hygiene – Shower with slightly warm water (this keeps you cool during the hot days); wash hands and face after coming in from outdoors; brush regularly

A CHRISTIAN'S TESTIMONY

A Christian’s Testimony

I visited your church the other day. The joy within me was so overwhelming; I had to share it with someone. I figured, why not share my joy with the whole congregation, after all, that’s why we’re here—to fellowship and praise the Lord for his wonderful works.

My joy was quenched however, well, not quenched, just suppressed until I could share it with others who were open to hearing about the goodness of the Lord. Your deacons and elders wouldn’t let me speak in front of the church, so I quietly went back to my seat and enjoyed the rest of the service. Like I said, my joy wasn’t quenched, I still worshiped the Lord through singing, the reading of scripture, the sermon and the appeal. I just wish I could have also worshiped through sharing.

By the way, all I wanted to share was the fact that I almost lost my home that I’d lived in for 6 years. I thought we were doing well. We had the usual tests and trials here and there, but nothing major—at least nothing compelling me to make church or prayer meeting a priority. Then September 11th happened and the rug was pulled out from under me. A drastic downsizing in my company, a pay cut, rising utility costs, a car accident that hospitalized me, and I was almost done for. The self-sufficient, resourceful Christian was struggling to keep food in the fridge, struggling to stay current with the mortgage, struggling to keep three kids in church school and the list goes on and on.

Well, PRAISE JEHOVAH, my kids are still in school, not church school, but a good enough public school. They have a place the come home to everyday. Their daddy has meals ready on the table and the temperature in the house is comfortable. I had to sell my Jaguar and pull most of the money out of my 401K. I’m now only working part-time at the same company, but Praise the Lord, they increased my hourly wage. When I’m not working or spending time with the children, I’m working on starting my own business.

I’m more grateful then ever for each meal that goes on the table, for each night I have to tell the kids not to have all the lights on in the house, for each A or B they bring home on their report card and for each mortgage check I’m able to write.

So, church family, please don’t take God’s blessings for granted. Don’t be ashamed to tell others what God has done or is doing in your life. Don’t just wait for the glamorous testimonies like, “God blessed me with a new car” or “we just closed on 5-bedroom house in Mitchellville,” or “I married a handsome doctor” or “I just got 6-figure job offer.” Rejoice and share all God’s blessings, the 1-bedroom apartment that’s roach free; the daughter that checked herself into a drug rehab program; the wife that broke off her affair and returned home; the son that’s refraining from pornography, the bible study that’s well attended by your neighbors, the accident that you caused, but no one was hurt, the routine physical that went well, the class that you should have failed, but the teacher gave you a C. Whatever it is, just share it. Don’t second-guess its value. Since God blessed, it’s valuable. JUST PRAISE HIM!

“Oh that men would praise the Lord for his wonderful works to the children of men”

Copyright 2005 Leuanna Matheson