Last Wednesday, February 14, was not only Valentine’s Day, but it was also Ash Wednesday, a special time in the religious world. It signifies the beginning of Lent, a time when we should give up something we truly enjoy. As for me, I’m giving up lima beans and going to the gym. It will be rough, but I’ll do what I can to hold myself toward achieving this goal. Mom would be proud.
Some people fast a bit during Lent. Fasting is a good thing, especially if you’re interested in dropping a few pounds. Fasting doesn’t always need to deal with food. Here are eleven examples you might consider, if you’d like to better your being:
Fast from uttering hurting words by saying kind things.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and try to be more patient. This can be difficult.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope.
Fast from worries and have more trust in your God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and try to be more prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be more compassionate toward others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent. Listen more to what others have to say.
I’m not sure if the flu season has peaked yet or not. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear of someone dying or being hospitalized due to the flu. Perhaps you don’t believe in getting immunized, that’s okay, because that decision is yours to make. There are certain precautions everyone should take so that they don’t come down with this sickness that has gotten out of control. First, you should make sure to keep your hands clean. Wash them as often as you can, which includes scrubbing them with warm water and soap for at least two minutes. Once they are clean, keep them away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Finally, it might be wise to avoid large crowds until this epidemic goes away. This is harder than you think. Basically, be aware of your surroundings and the crowds you must deal with every day. Oh yes, make sure to get plenty of rest.
Eating healthy is always a good thing to do. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned the benefits of eating plenty of fruit. I’d like to wrap that subject up by sharing some information on some more fruit and a few vegetables.
Not everyone enjoys eating a lime, but they do help in removing toxins from the body. Asian pears will take care of the radioactive toxins that seem to work their way into your system. Not everyone is a fan of sweet potatoes, but they do help heal IBS and digestive issues. Cherries, on the other hand, are quite popular, especially if they are chocolate covered. Cherries strengthen the heart and your circulatory system. We are all aware that bananas are a good source of potassium, but did you know that they also have powerful anti-viral properties?
As far as vegetables are concerned, I’ve always enjoyed cauliflower and cabbage. I’ll eat them both either cooked or raw. Cauliflower is helpful for asthma and kidney disorders and cabbage helps reduce body fat. There I go again. I’ve talked myself into raiding the refrigerator.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ room during a dance.
See you Out and About!
Submitted by Norm Stutesman