Food labels are complicated, and with all the different terms floating around on them, it can be difficult to know exactly what each one means. But, if you’re well educated and know the significance behind these commonly seen ones, you’ll be able to make the best choices for your healthy lifestyle.
1. Non-GMO: The acronym “GMO” refers to genetically modified organisms, which are living organisms whose genetic make up have been manipulated in a laboratory through artificial means. When something is genetically modified, that means that genes from various other organisms (which can include plants, bacteria, viruses, or animals) have been inserted into it to change its DNA, enabling the food to have some sort of desired characteristic. Most of the time, crops are genetically modified in order to enhance growth or to be resistant to pesticides.
The bottom line: GMOs should be avoided for many reasons, but mainly because no study has proven that they are safe to eat. In fact, most studies are leaning in the other direction, which is why many countries around the world have already banned them.
2. Organic: USDA certified organic foods are grown and processed according to federal guidelines concerning factors such as soil quality, animal raising practices, pest and weed control, and use of additives. More specifically, the USDA states that organic products must be free of synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes, and must not be processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering. There are three categories of labels that are used by the FDA: “100% organic,” “organic,” and “made with organic ingredients.” Only foods made with entirely organic ingredients can be labeled “100% organic,” whereas the “organic” label can be placed on foods that contain at least 95% organic ingredients, with the other 5% not containing growth hormones. The label “made with organic ingredients” can be attached to a product that contains 70% organic ingredients, meaning that the other 30 percent may be genetically modified or processed in some way.
The bottom line: Look for foods that have the 100% organic label to ensure that the whole product is totally free of synthetic additives and chemicals.
3. Low Fat: A food can legally be labeled as low fat if it contains 3 grams of fat or less per serving.
The bottom line: Generally, these foods should be avoided because in order to be low fat, these products usually rely on added sugar or artificial ingredients in order to make up for the lost flavor. You’re better off eating something that is full fat and totally natural than an artificial product that contains fewer calories.

Eggs Are A Powerhouse

Eggs are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. A whole egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken. Pasture-raised eggs are one of the richest sources of bioactive nutrients that enhance hormone function, reduce inflammation, improve fat-burning, and enhance brain function.

Chickens are designed to naturally graze on grass, weeds, worms, and insects. When they are able to do this they bio accumulate omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoid anti-oxidants, and major minerals like magnesium.


It is well established that eggs provide a valuable source or protein, especially for individuals with gout because it does not contain purine (3). One entire large egg contains 6 grams of high quality protein and is a good source of protein for vegetarians (6).

Mostly found in the yolk, biotin is a B-complex vitamin that contributes to metabolic pathways by serving as a transport mechanism for vitamins and minerals into eggs during development and makes eggs an excellent source of this nutrient. Also responsible for the vitamin and mineral transportation, riboflavin and iron are two other nutrients found in trace amounts in both egg white and egg yolk. (7)

America vanishing right before your very eyes - see shocking video compilation of the rapid decline (NaturalNews) A new video compilation posted by a YouTube user is a stunning portrayal of just how endangered American principles of freedom and liberty have become, from the over-militarization of local and federal police and law enforcement agencies...

Brrrrr! It has been freezing here the past couple of days. Just the other day it was hovering around 0 degrees! Yikes. Way too cold for this area and way too cold for me. Do you prefer cold or warmer weather? Not too much is going on around here besides shoveling quite a bit of snow - so ready for Spring and watching all of the flowers blossom. Can't wait to start digging in the garden, too. :) Do you have any tips you would like to share? My chickens are having a hard time. Its soooo cold out in the chicken house. With temps barely making it to freezing they stay cooped up and cuddled together to stay warm. They do have a heat lamp out there and lots of food and water to keep them comfortable. Well as comfortable as 30 chickens and 3 roosters can be.

“The happiest people are those who do the most for others.”

                                                                             Booker T. Washington

 Alex was over Saturday and went to the chicken house to see the new chicks. He loves animals. Maybe he will be a vet. 

 This is a picture taken of our front yard. Here in South Central KY we have had some of the coldest temperatures in two decades. It went down to -7 last night with 11 inches of the white stuff. High today a whooping 8 degrees.

Another winter storm is on its way Friday afternoon with snow turning into a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet.

Traveling Light means Trusting God with the burdens you were never intended to have.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Or Is This You!

 

I am my own shepherd. I am always in need.

I stumble from mall to mall and shrink to shrink,

seeking relief but never finding it.

I creep through the valley of the shadow of death and fall apart.

I fear everything from pesticides to power lines, and

I am starting to act like my mother.

I go down to the weekly staff meeting and am surrounded by enemies.

I go home, and even my goldfish scowls at me.

I anoint my headache with extra-strength Tylenol.

My JACK Daniel's RUNNETH OVER.

Surely misery and misfortune will follow me, and

I will live in self-doubt for the rest of my lonely

life.  

How active is your lifestyle, and is there a reliable way for you to measure it?

One method is to count steps using a pedometer. If you research^] step counting, you'll soon find that lifestyle activity levels are generally categorized as follows:

• Less than 5,000 steps per day may be used as a "sedentary lifestyle index."

• 5,000-7,499 steps per day is considered "low active."

• 7,500-9,999 steps per day is considered "somewhat active."

• 10,000 steps per day classifies individuals as "active."

• 12,500 steps per day is classified as "highly active."

I won't argue the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle or the benefits of an active one here. You already know that -- and they've been well documented.

The America we live in today is not the America I once knew. Everywhere I look I see the erosion of American ideals, the loss of individual freedom, the irrational fanaticism of the medical establishment and the tyranny of American government.

How has America lost so much in so little time? Please share this message in the hope that we might restore America before it's too late:

Remember

Bees struggle every year to survive and here's the top reason's why they die. Take it easy on the pesticides you use around your house this year- we are at the top of the food chain and it only makes sense it all comes back to us.
Honey bees are very gentle and will only sting when they feel threatened! Like when I collect honey from them. They can get quite nasty!

The best kind of sugar for the body is either contained in fruits as pectin or organic honey and organic maple syrup. Pectin is the natural fiber found primarily in citrus fruits and apples, and it binds to cholesterol, helping flush it from the blood. You could lower your bad cholesterol by as much as 10 percent in just six weeks by simply eating organic apples. On the other hand, the worst kind of sugar is that which is refined, processed and comes from genetically modified corn. This sugar is unusable by the body and can cause cancer and diabetes, among other major health detriment.

Last spring, I took a shortcut through a neighborhood and saw a man planting a flower garden.
It was a quick glance that produced a lingering thought; I wish I had a pretty garden. Isn’t that the way it often is? We want the results but have no desire to put in the work required.
Besides a garden, I also wished for a healthier body for years, but I didn’t want to change what I ate. I excused away the necessary discipline.
What might happen today if instead of wishing things could be different, we made just one healthy change?  Then made another healthy change tomorrow, and then we kept on making healthy changes.  I bet not only would our bodies change but just like that man’s garden, our souls would blossom as well!

From Proverb's 31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYI-dC9G0us#t=103

Micah  looks like he is reading a Valentine card I sent him. That's hilarious! This kid is too cute!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

 Yesterday we had a biology class in the backyard with my two grandsons. 

 I lost Landen after I showed him the hens head.

Now both of the boys are gone. Too much for them I guess. Can you name the parts of the hen?

I love this. As you know, Starbucks is my very best favorite coffee. Excuse the grammar.  But don't you love it! Friday only; from 2 till close you can get your favorite special pairings for you and your Valentine. See you there.

Being conscious of the words you speak and their meanings can make a huge impact on personal outcomes. Cursing others, gossiping about their lives or feeling envious of their successes can ultimately sabotage our own well-being. The energy expelled in these moments only asks for disappointment, repercussions and further agony unfolding in our future destiny. Developing a new language of love can put us on an entirely new course, accepting new, positive realities, which manifest even greater opportunities than we could have imagined.

Here's three words everyone could speak a little less of, followed by more powerful replacement words that could be used to attract better future results. Think of their meanings and how they might affect your moods and future circumstances, your health and even your finances.

Can't

If there's something you want to accomplish, saying can't will only divert your energy away from making it happen, destroying your focus and aim. Saying can't turns its back on what can be done, avoiding, pushing you further away from ever accomplishing your goals. Try replacing can't with can or will. Knowing that something can be done and assuring yourself that it will be accomplished helps center your energy and drive toward the target, making it easier to steady yourself and aim.
Believing that something is impossible will always make it just that, but doing everything you can will begin to crack open the most impossible of feats.

Hate

If there's something that really bothers you, hating it will only make it bigger and more drastic, continuously affecting your mood and energy. When you feel hate for someone or something, you are singling out the parts of your vastness that you don't like, want or understand. The things you hate are only a reflection of what you don't want, but verbally hating them and projecting anger toward these things will only make them more real, like pouring gasoline on the fire. The more you hate, the more you punish yourself. Instead, use words like appreciate or love. Being thankful for every part of you and the world around you and learning to forgive yourself can make the things that you once hated dissolve. Do not meditate on the things you hate; let them melt into the everlasting hands of love.

Need

If there's something you really want in life, then constantly feeling neediness for it will only attract lack thereof. That's because neediness is associated with lack, not abundance. Instead of needing something, it's best to be thankful for what you already have, appreciating the tools and skills you possess that will help you move forward. Instead of saying "I need," it's better to say, "I'm thankful for." Because the meaning of thanksgiving is directly correlated with abundance, appreciating and making good use of what you already have will bring more of the good into your life.

Hey Bloggers!

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? It's going to be here before you know it. We have reservations at the Bistro. A local restaurant that we have gone to for the last two years on Valentine's Day. The food is wonderful! I am expecting a Starbucks treat after dinner. Enjoy your love day.

 Bessie with her new chicks. You can barely see the 2 black ones. I picked one up this morning, and she attacked me. What nerve! Who does she think she is? That's not nice..

I cleaned out the chicken house this morning. The chickens love it when there is new straw to explore in.They are happy!  Can't you see the smiles on their faces?

"God has formed many diamonds, but He made only one you. You are unique. You are unlike anyone else who has ever lived or ever will live. He made you because He wants someone exactly like you. He has plans for you.
You may be feeling pretty worthless right now, beaten down. Life has probably thrown more at you than you can handle. You don’t feel worth as much as a rhinestone, let alone a diamond. Take heart! 'You are precious in my eyes,' God says, 'and I love you' (Isaiah 43:4a)" ~Darlene Sala, Proverbs 31 Ministries guest devotion

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When I feel good, bad news is coming, because happiness can't last. That's a crock! Its important to recognize this logic is false. Its a lie that justifies continuing to feel bad. Now you  can fill in the blank with your own twisted logic, if you dare; When I feel good-------------------------------------------.  

 

Is This A Perfect Face Or What?

This is my grandson Micah. He is soo cute. What a perfect gift from God.

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

No isn’t a cuss word.
It doesn’t have to be hurtful. You will survive and so will they.
 Saying no is not a rejection. It’s a necessary protection of your Best Yes answers.
So, here are 10 ways to graciously say no when you feel pressured to say yes:
Personal:
1. While my heart wants to say yes, yes, yes, the reality of my time makes this a no.
2. I am honored by your request but I’m in a season of refocusing my priorities and have committed not to add anything new right now.
3. After living at an unhealthy breakneck pace for too long, I’m learning to realistically assess my capacity. Though I would love to say yes, the reality of my limitations means I must say no this time.
4. I so appreciate you asking me, but I must be brave and decline this opportunity. Saying no is hard for me but necessary in this season. Thank you for understanding.
5. I’ve promised my family not to add any new commitments to my schedule right now. Thank you for our friendship that allows me to be honest with my realities.
Professional:
6. Thank you for thinking of me. Your project sounds wonderful. However, as much as I would love to be involved, I can’t give your project the attention it deserves right now.
7. While I would love to connect about your new project, I’ve discovered this is one of those activities I must give up while trying to ____________________ (write my book, start my business, stick to my project, etc.) Saying yes would just enable my unhealthy habit of procrastination. Thank you for understanding and helping me push through to the finish line.
8. There is nothing more that I love than helping others in my field get started. Unfortunately, I get so many requests for this that I’m no longer able to meet in person. So, I’ve created this attached document with my best advice. (Create a standard PDF for instances like this so you only have to type out your advice one time.)
9. While I don’t have time for a lunch appointment, I’d love to connect for a few minutes over the phone. I can talk from 8-8:30am.
10. Thank you so much for caring enough about me to want my involvement. Unfortunately, I’m not able to participate this time. But I’m certainly cheering for your continued success.

When the produce comes from Faraway Lands, or is thin on the shelves (and the farmers market looks sad and gray), these items will become your essentials for making delicious winter meals. Make sure you have the basics. 
Dried and canned beans. Think organic! Cannellini, black bean, chick pea, pinto etc. Lentils; red ones cook fast. The black lentil is chocked full of vitamins,and brown lentils are classic for salads. Whole wheat pasta is a must. Canned tomatoes, tomato paste along with canned fish like tuna, salmon, along with nut butters. All these items are needed either used together or separately to make a wonderful meal.

This is a hard post to write. But I have to do it. While on our way to church yesterday, David and I were talking about how our house is too small. Really? Our garage is too small. No, its all the stuff in it.We were complaining about everything. Have you ever been there? Our Bible Study teacher put us in our place. Material, Material, Material, that's all we were thinking about. Every day is a gift from God and spending time in prayer, being thankful for that gift, has been essential for me. Making a conscience effort to focus on the blessings instead of praying for all my ‘needs’ has been crucial. I need the Lord’s mercies desperately. I need his forgiveness desperately. If I had to carry the weight of my sins, of my shortcomings, I simply couldn’t bear the burden. Refocusing on my relationship with the Lord and on his death, resurrection, and salvation is of the utmost importance. What are you thankful for today?

We live in an age of extreme multitasking.

But honestly, imagine how crazy rushed we’d be if we only had tasks to do but not people with whom we must pause to connect.
When our to-do lists tug at our attention, we have to remember: the people in our lives need us. We need space to connect and process together. After all, conversational threads are what make up the fabric of relationships.
I have to admit that taking time to slow down for relationships isn’t natural to me. I’m a task girl. I like accomplishing things. I like the thrill of moving forward, creating momentum, and getting stuff done.
But the more I choose to pause and talk and really connect, the more I discover that
giving priority to relationships does something good in my soul. Yes, connecting with those we love is like soul food. It’s not that we don’t have tasks to do, but rather that we don’t fill up with tasks at the risk of starving our relationships.
I want to make sure it’s people, not projects, that occupy the sacred places in my heart.
So let’s stop. Listen. Talk. Process. Walk. Notice. Engage. Compliment. Thank. Hold hands. And just be together.

This is from Proverbs 31 Ministries