"I'll Give You Somethin' to Cry ABOUT!"

As corny as some of these sound, the concept makes perfect sense. Part of our interaction with children is to teach by SHOWING them how to effectively communicate as we teach them other life lessons, manners, etc.

We have to start treating them as young "people" because well, they are. 

If we wouldn't allow other adults to speak to us so harshly, why should we do the same to mere children?

Furthermore, the age old adage that "children should be seen, not heard" needs to be put to rest. We teach children the importance of timing and tact, key elements in healthy communication and building healthy relationships, when we allow them to speak their minds and express themselves. This also aids in healthy emotional/psychological development. No one likes to be "shut down" every time they attempt to share how they feel/what they think. 

Of course there will always be exceptions based on specific children and situations but keep this thinking in mind the next time you speak to a child.

Really, taking this approach and working to be patient enough to ask our youth questions about their behavior/feelings helps to improve their comprehension and enables them to be able to think for themselves and adequately convey what they're feeling.

I tell children (and teens) all the time, "use your words" and "I need you to be able to tell me WHY you feel the way you feel or WHY you're behaving in this way".

When I was growing up, "I dunno" was NOT an acceptable answer!

#WordsMatter #BeInspired #BEInspiredAsIAMInspired#LightBegetsLight #WeBeTheLight

a Gospel - Just Do It | Day 6 | #BlogADay

"This is that moment in life when clichés are more than mere rhetoric

"Just do it" becomes gospel

That moment when
Excuses sound easier than the plan
When sleep soothes the pain better than the idea pushing to bring it to fruition

In this moment
Yesterday's failure is either a costly, wandering stream of spilled milk seeping into today
Or the fresh breath of every possibility at birth
May your cries be declarations that this life will thrive..."

Excerpt from 'a Gospel' by Nina C. Brewton (c) 2013

This video from Adrian Bryant sums up exactly how I'm currently feeling in life. Even though he uses the conditioning of athletes to demonstrate his points, the message can apply to anyone: The student, the entrepreneur, the artist...whatever your vision has purposed for your life, "may your cries be declarations that this life with thrive..."

Post by NowLoss.com - Adrian Bryant.

The Time It Will Take | Day 5 | #BlogADay

Piggy-backing off of yesterday's blog, I received this from +Sweetlocs Taylor this morning.

You cannot turn the corner until you get to it. In order to create a breakthrough, you must lay the groundwork for it.

Real value is built with time, effort and commitment. Don’t cheat yourself out of that value by demanding instant results.

When you’re moving in a positive direction, enjoy the ride and give it the time it takes. Even though the fulfillment is not yet complete, you can already begin to experience it.

Don’t be afraid of the time it will take to make real progress. Be thankful for the opportunity to make an increasingly valuable difference as time goes on.

There is great joy to be found in meaningful effort. The longer and more committed the effort is, the more joy you are able to experience.

Cheerfully give yourself and your work the time it takes. Choose a worthy destination, and treasure every step of the journey.

— Ralph Marston

Grow Where You're Planted | Day 4 | #BlogADay

Every day can't be the best day, but every day can be a great day! A great day is had when we find the strength to focus on being grateful for what we have and content with where we currently are. This is by no means a pass to become complacent but those moments will find that we are constantly and consistently growing and becoming.

There are going to be days when we feel like we're at a stand still or worse, spinning our wheels, digging ourselves deeper and deeper into  Those days where nothing seems to be leaning in your favor, everything appears to be going wrong or falling apart.

But do not fret!

In those moments in life when you don't know which way to go or when you feel like you're not hearing the voice of God, give thanks and take that time to prepare for the vision as you see it. Preparation based on your vision will find you prepared to make a move once the move is revealed.

Find peace where you are while allowing yourself to become all that you've been created to be. Even trees continue growing while their seeds mature, until they are carried away by the winds...

Change Isn't Easy

Today is day 17 of my 40 day juice fast. I haven't been able to share the information I wanted due to technical difficulties BUT I am going to fill my blog up with all the information I can today. For now, here are some thoughts from today (I'll share a confession post later this afternoon):

If you are seeking to live a healthier lifestyle, perhaps in unconventional or seemingly "trendy" ways, do not get discouraged when friends/coworkers and loved ones don't always provide you with the encouragement you need. Especially if they're close minded to new ideas/habits. 

Continue to do what you know/are learning to do. Don't give up or consider yourself a failure if you eat a meal of veggies when you're juicing or eat meat while attempting to eat vegetarian/vegan. 

When it comes to living a better life and being a better you, do what it takes and continue to be an example for those who have yet to find the strength you're gaining!

I've had a terrible tension headache all day. I'm stressed, frustrated and want junkfood. I want cupcakes, something fried and some bread. 

I don't want these foods because I'm actually hungry for such foods but because out of habit, these are the things I allow myself to eat for "comfort" when such feelings come upon me.

INSTEAD I am standing fast and will remain disciplined. When I crave something sweet, rich and comforting, sweet potato and apple juice with ginger has been my go to. 

I'm learning that the key to replacing bad habits is to find good habits that triggers the same feel good emotions. This takes a conscious effort on our part as change begins first in the MIND. When we find ourselves discouraged or down in the dumps because of stress, laying around sulking or pigging out on our favorite junkfood is not conducive to permanent change. 

To BE the change you want to see you have to DO the things that need to be changed! (Wow! What a concept!)

*BEAM*

#ThrowbackThursday - The Habit of Disappointment

From the archive: 1/30/11 - I woke up feeling quite disappointed in myself. From my excessive use of blue cheese dressing to my failure to write consistently, I've been slippin'...

Layered in between the blue cheese and my loss of significant use of words you can find too much sleep and not enough prayer. Over-eating and lack of cardio...

It is believed that it takes 21 days to form a new habit - whether that habit be good or bad. I have found this to be true, which is why it is detrimental to our continued growth that we not "wait til Monday" to go back to the gym or the beginning of the month to start eating right.

If it takes 21 days for a new habit to be formed, NOW is as crucial as ever. Although I woke up disappointed for various reason, I can't allow myself to remain disappointed for too long. NOW, not tomorrow, not next week, NOW is the time to take an honest assessment, shake off the disappointment and keep it moving.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."

Romans 8:1 shares a great promise to those who are in Christ. Now to just STOP walking according to my flesh...self-control in every area...

Every day that we wallow in what we didn't do yesterday is throwing God's gift of today back in His face! 

TODAY is what we have. Shake of the habits that keep you bound in disappointment and GO FORTH in the gifts of grace and mercy that we receive with each new day! 

6 Day Detox Drop - Smoothie Recipes

Vanilla Blue – Breakfast

½ cup crushed ice (optional)

1 scoop or 4TBSP vanilla protein powder

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

1 small banana, sliced

6-8 oz distilled water

Pomegranate Blend – Lunch

½ cup crushed ice (optional)

1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries

1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries

½ cup unsweetened pomegranate juice

1 scoop or 4 TBSP vanilla protein powder

Misty Red – Dinner               

½ cup crushed ice (optional)

2 cup frozen or fresh strawberries

½ cup organic unsweetened orange juice

1 scoop or 4 TBSP vanilla protein powder

Other Smoothie Options

Hawaiian Breeze

½ cup frozen or fresh pineapple chunks

1 small banana

1 scoop or 4 TBSP vanilla protein powder

½ cup original Silk soy milk or non-fat milk (I prefer Rice milk)

¼ cup organic unsweetened orange juice

Soy Smoothie

¾ cup original Silk soy milk or non-fat milk

½ cup fresh or frozen pineapple chunks

½ bananas fresh or frozen

½ scoop or 2 TBSP of vanilla protein powder

Summer Chill Smoothie

1 scoop or 4 TBSP vanilla protein powder

1 cup peeled and seedless red watermelon, cut (fresh or frozen)

¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger

¾ cup distilled water

¾ cup organic unsweetened apple juice

1 TBSP lime juice

Do's of the 6 Day Detox Drop

1.    DO follow through with the Cleansing Ritual twice daily on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes prior to food.  Note: If you get nauseated after the Cleansing Ritual, you may be one of the rare individuals who needs to have something in their stomach prior to the ritual.  If this is the case, eat breakfast first – wait an hour and then do the Cleansing Ritual.

2.       DO drink at least two quarts of distilled water daily

  

DO GET MOVING!!!

6 Day Detox - 15lb Challenge

Looking to kick start a healthier lifestyle?

Every four months or so I send myself through a detox in order to bring some order back into my food life.

I have gained about fifteen pounds in the last two months...what to do, what to do!?

MmmmmmmDROP!

So, here's what I do... Robert Ferguson's 6 Day Detox Drop which is part of the Diet Free Life

I'm not looking to lose the whole 15lbs in the next six days, although, it is quite possible ;-)

6 Day Detox

Days 1-3

Cleansing Ritual (within 10 minutes of rising)

Part 1

4 or 6 oz unsweetened apple juice

1TBSP Psyllium Hulls

1TBSP Aloe Vera juice

Add all 3 to a jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to mix and drink immediately.

Part 2

8oz distilled water

1TBSP liquid chlorophyll

Add chlorophyll to water and drink. Swallow capsules.

Cup of Green Tea (within 30 minutes of Cleansing Ritual) Decaffeinated, Hot or Cold

Breakfast (at least 30 minutes after Cleansing Ritual) Vanilla Blue Smoothie

Morning Snack (2 to 3 hours after breakfast) 12 oz organic unsweetened carrot juice or 8 oz of unsweetened apple juice

Lunch (2 to 3 hours after Morning Snack) Pomegranate Blend Smoothie

Afternoon Snack (2 to 3 hours after lunch)

Choice: Trader Joe's Carrot Ginger Soup

Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Men: 2 cups

Women: 1 cup

Evening Cleansing Ritual (at least 2hrs from Afternoon Snack and 30 minutes before Dinner)

Dinner (at least 30 minutes after Cleansing Ritual) Misty Red Smoothie

Evening Snack - Choice: Trader Joe's Carrot Ginger Soup

Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Men and Women: 1 cup

Evening Tea (1 to 2 hours before bedtime)

*********************************************************************************

Days 4-6 – Are much like the first three days but notice the change in the snacks*

 Cleansing Ritual (within 10 minutes of rising)

Part 1

4 or 6 oz unsweetened apple juice

1TBSP Psyllium Hulls

1TBSP Aloe Vera juice

Add all 3 to a jar or container with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to mix and drink immediately.

Part 2

8oz distiller water

1TBSP liquid chlorophyll

Add chlorophyll to water and drink. Swallow capsules.

Morning Tea (within 30 minutes of Cleansing Ritual)

Breakfast Smoothie (at least 30 minutes after Cleansing Ritual)

*Morning Snack – 1 piece or 1 cup of fresh fruit (2 to 3 hours after Breakfast)

Lunch Smoothie (2 to 3 hours after Morning Snack)

*Afternoon Snack - 1 piece or 1 cup of fresh fruit (2 to 3 hours after Lunch)

Evening Cleansing Ritual (at least 2 hours from Afternoon Snack and 30 minutes before bed)

Dinner (at least 30 minutes after Cleansing Ritual)

Evening Snack (2 to 3 hours after Dinner) – Men and Women 1 cup

Evening Tea (1 to 2 hours before Bedtime) – 1 Cup Decaffeinated Green, Milk Thistle, Ginger or Dandelion Root Tea

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP!!!

Part of my problematic weight gain has also been my lack of activity so...back on the horse uh...trail I go!

GET MOVIN!!!

Spirit vs. Stars - What Rules You?

Hi...my name is Nina, and I'm a Cancer. In this truth, I recognize that I am an emotional, sensitive, energetic, loving, nurturing being who has been known to hide in a hard shell (often a shell of sarcasm) when trouble arises instead of dealing with my emotions.  I’m that sister who seems to have it together and be strong when really, I’m the type to cry over anything and my feelings, get hurt easily. 

“Cancer motto could be, "A good defense is the best offense." Like a Crab in its cave, your attack can consist of baiting your opponent into your territory. What appears to be a retreat to others can be your best aggressive tactic. As you feel your way through life, building your security by developing your home and family relationships, remember that unexpressed anger can turn into resentment and depression, so find someone you can trust and share your feelings.”

Your Biggest Strength: Your ability to nurture others

Your Potential Weakness: Fear of the past repeating in the future

Read more about Cancer here

Hi...my name is Nina and I'm a follower of Christ and am filled with His Spirit.  Because of THIS truth, I am learning that I must make a CONSCIOUS effort to walk according to the Spirit, NOT the stars.

Even when dealing with the most painful feelings, I am learning to walk in love, patience, kindness...to suffer long...to practice self-control (to include emotional responsibility). This is not always easy considering I’ve always been encouraged to express myself. In my adult life, I still find myself seeking a balance between the best and the worst parts of me. This is when walking according to the Spirit is evermore important.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Math bears truth - Two plus two does indeed equal four.

Science bears truth - Gravity is REAL.

The moon circles the earth. Its pull raises the tide. Its cycle works within women of a certain age.

This is truth.

Astrology bears truth. The stars continuously align while time as we know it continues on and with those alignments, energies from outside of us play a part in being who God created us to be.

The difference between Nina who is a Cancer and Nina who is a child of God is the Truth that I CHOOSE to live according to. No horoscope is going to tell me how my day is going to go when I live according to plan greater than what our natural mind can comprehend. 

Just because my mind doesn't fully understand the equations that make up mathematics, doesn’t make their outcome any less TRUE.

Knowing that my life does indeed align with the stars within Cancer, I also know that my emotions cycle with the moon and that they ebb and flow as the water. In knowing this truth I also know that I must make a concerted effort to not allow the stars to rule me but to always be ruled by the Spirit.

Let us not make excuses for our emotional irresponsibility.  Just as people use the Word to justify their behaviors and ideals, women have been known to use PMS to act like the devil once a month and people use the zodiac to their advantage…or the disadvantage of others.

*puts on churchy voice* Choose ye this day...what will you allow to rule you?