Merry Christmas, from Total Life Prosperity!

During this season we often hear ministers reminding us to keep Christ at the center of our Christmas celebrations. But how many of us ignore that suggestion? Whether by ignorance, selfishness, or forgetfulness, most of Christian society fails to recognize the real reason for this and EVERY season...Jesus Christ.

If He was never born, he would've never died, and the world would be lost.

It is as simple as that.

This year Christmas falls on Sunday, the Lord's Day. Maybe we'll be more apt to display appreciation for Jesus' Christ birth. Need some suggestions?

1. Gather up your family and friends and go to church.

2. Before opening up gifts, say a prayer of thanks.

3. Take a moment to explain to your children or grandchildren the meaning of Christmas.

4. Read and meditate on the first and second chapters of Luke.

5. Volunteer for a faith based charity (ie, The Salvation Army) on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas!

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6 Faith Scriptures Every Christian Should Know

Quick! Name one "faith" scripture. Cite where it is found in the Bible. Can you name two? Three? Unfortunately, most Christians can't name one and cite where it is found. However, our faith is the substratum of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please be assured, I'm not referring to a head-knowledge, also referred to as mental assent. Mental assent is a knowledge that so-and-so is in the Bible but I am speaking about the faith that God's Word is true and that as a child of The Most High God, you are entitled to all spiritual blessings: salvation, health, prosperity, etc.

How can you have faith and rest that you will be healed of arthritis? How can you be completely sure that God will provide your need for food and shelter?

It is by faith and acting on God's Word that will lead to an abundant life in Jesus Christ. Notice there is another step to faith, acting. Faith is an action word. If you have arthritis and can barely walk, stand on a healing scripture (click here for scriptures) and set a goal to walk around your house, the block, the neighborhood. If you can't provide food for your family, stand on a scripture about God's provisions for you and make a grocery list, set out plates, etc.

In the Gospels, most of the miracles and healings performed by Jesus Christ were proceeded with an action. For example, the woman with the issue of blood reached out to touch the hem of Jesus Christ's garment (Mat 9:20-22); the man by the pool of Bethesda with the infirmity of 38 years was instructed to take up his bed and walk (John 5:1-8).

Meditate on the verses below, declare aloud what Jesus has already done and act on your faith.

Hebrews 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Romans 10:17 - So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Matthew 17:20 - And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Romans 1:17 - For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Matthew 11:22-24 - And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

December 1st is World AIDS Awareness Day

December 1st is Word HIV/AIDS Day. I thought it would be appropriate to provide some startling statistics and resources to further the awareness of this devastating disease. For more information about HIV/AIDS, how you can get involved in this cause, or where to go to be tested, click the widget below.

• 33.4 million are currently living with HIV/AIDS.
• More than 25 million people have died of AIDS worldwide since the first cases were reported in 1981.
• In 2008, 2 million people died due to HIV/AIDS, and another 2.7 million were newly infected.

Quick Tip

Watch your posture. It's good for your spine and your mood/confidence.

Thanksgiving and Christians

 I know most of you are preparing for this Thursday and I appreciate you taking the time out of your bustling schedule to read this article. 

During this season, I petition every reader to take a deeper look into how we as Christians should be celebrating Thanksgiving. We know there is an American History story tied to the Holiday of Thanksgiving (click here for more information) but for Christians we should, like everyday, take this day to really reflect on God's grace and mercy in our lives. We should cloak ourselves in a spirit of gratitude for where we are AND where we aren't. As the old saying goes, there is someone, somewhere you has it worse than you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 

You are reading this article, so thank God for your sight. You have electricity to power your computer on an internet service you've paid for (or you have access to); thank God for provision to acquire it all. Your current situation may not be ideal or you may feel like you're at the brink of destruction but thank God you are able to be victorious through Christ Jesus.

Psalm 100:4: "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

So how exactly are we supposed to give thanks to God?

• Give thanks to Him in prayer. I like to open my prayer with thanking Him for who He is. I acknowledge that I could do nothing without Him in my life. During prayer time, I also thank Him for sending His only Son to die for my sins that I may be restored in relationship to God the Father. Psalm 138:2, "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame."
• Repent of our sins. We should never take God's grace for granted. We can't keep sinning and go on with life as usual. Repent means to turn from whatever the immoral act(s) is/are. Acts 2:38 says Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• Obey His commandments. I'm not referring to the commandments of the Old Testament. We as New Testament believers are no longer under the curse of the law. However, in Matthew 22:37-40, the Word says, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
• Serve others. While serving God, we can be of service to others. Jesus stated in Matthew 25:40, "And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Another profound scripture is Matthew 5:16 which reads, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This passage is one of the reasons volunteering and financially supporting charities is so important to me.  

How do you plan to show your thanks to God this season? 

The 'D' word...DIETING. - Simple ways to jump start your diet.

Editor's note, when I use the term 'dieting', I am not referring to not eating food or only eating certain foods. My idea of dieting is eating the right kinds of food in the right amount. Once you understand this concept, a diet will become a way of life for you and will result in lasting effects. This is in no way a comprehensive article on how to begin 'dieting'. Please consult your physician before beginning any new regimen.

 

Before starting a diet, it is imperative to write down your goals. Hopefully, your goal isn't to JUST loose weight. In order for your diet to become a part of your life, the goal should invoke an emotion. For example, I want to lose weight so I can ride a bike with my children or I want to get off of high blood pressure medication.

Start by replacing your 12 inch dinner plate to a 6-8 inch 'salad plate'. You've cut 30%-50% of your caloric intake that easily! Don't think you'll be full? Drink a glass of water before your meal and eat slowly.

Next, commit to exercising at least three times a week. No need to start off heavily. Just take a walk around your neighborhood for 30 minutes. Soon enough, you'll build your endurance to exercise an hour five times a week! Whew!

Lastly, tell someone close to you your diet plans. This person should make you accountable for progressing through your diet and reaching your goals. Besides, its easier to stay faithful to your new lifestyle when someone is watching.

Do you have any dieting tips that has worked for you? Feel free to share and submit your comment below.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Raise Your Hand to Stop Diabetes This November

Mary Ann, from Bound Brook, NJ, has witnessed the ravages of diabetes firsthand, but she will not let it get her down. “My mother and grandmother both died from diabetes. It is a killer, attacking about every organ you have,” she said.

Now Mary Ann and her brother both have diabetes. “People need to know about diabetes and how they can prevent developing type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications,” she said. “I want to stop diabetes, so I manage my disease well by taking my medicines, checking my blood glucose regularly, watching what I eat and staying informed,” she said.

During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging people to join Mary Ann by taking action and raising their hand to Stop Diabetes. There are many ways to becoming involved by visiting facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation, stopdiabetes.com, calling 1-800-DIABETES, or texting JOIN to 69866 (standard data and message rates apply).

Nearly 26 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States, including 608,000 in Georgia. An additional 79 million Americans are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion. Further published studies suggest that when additional costs for gestational diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes are included, the total diabetes-related costs in the U.S. could exceed $218 billion.

Diabetes is a serious disease. If it isn’t managed, it can damage many parts of the body, leading to heart attacks, strokes, amputation, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage. But there is good news: diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed by properly managing blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating healthy, being physically active and quitting smoking also can help lower the risk of diabetes complications.

Recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless we take steps to Stop Diabetes. We need to rally together, raise our hands, and pledge to end a disease which puts a serious emotional, physical and economic toll on all those affected.

For more information in English and Spanish call 1-800-DIABETES or visit stopdiabetes.com.  Also, follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AmericanDiabetesAssociation) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AmDiabetesAssn).

Content provided by: www.diabetes.org (11.12.11)

Sodium Intake Quiz

Most of the sodium we consume is in the form of salt, and the vast majority of sodium we consume is in processed and restaurant foods. Eating less sodium can help prevent, or control, high blood pressure. Click on this widget to find out how much sodium you're eating and how it affects your health.

Salt Intake Widget

Thought For The Day: 11/9/11

Be cautious about who you let into your inner space. People's energy can either affect you negatively or positively.

Healing. You already have it!

Many Christians today accept sickness or even minor ailments as 'a part of life'. Have you heard believers say, 'If it is God's Will, He will heal me.'? Since when did we, as believers, become so comfortable with defeat (yes...physical illness is defeat) when the Word proclaims that Jesus already bore our infirmities? Matthew 8:17

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we profess that He died for not only our sins but our sicknesses too. Through His death burial and resurrection we obtain complete victory over every attack of the enemy.

Meditate on Ephesians 1:19-21 (KJV):

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.

The Word you've just read says that we have the same power and authority within in us that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. That's a lot of power!

However, the enemy has snuck in and deceived many into believing that we are powerless to overcome ailments. However, if you take the attitude that sickness is the enemy trying to steal what the Lord has already given us, you become more aggressive to retain what is yours.

If someone gave you house free and clear and a complete stranger tried to take it, you wouldn't just give it up so easily, would you? That's an analogy for the healing that all believers have been given through Jesus Christ.

"Then where is it?", you say. It's in the spiritual realm waiting for you to receive it. Have faith in what God says is yours, verbally proclaim it, and receive it. The enemy will try to slip doubt in there but don't yield to it. Hold steadfast to what is yours...complete healing.

Healing isn't something that we're trying to obtain...WE HAVE IT! Despite your physical symptoms, what the doctor says, or what your family says...YOU HAVE HEALING!
Click on the 'Scriptures for Health and Healing' tab at the top of this page for reference scriptures and continued reading.

Question? - 11/16/11

Who did you help lead to Christ today, this month, this year?

Heart Healthy Grocery List

Heart Healthy Foods: Shopping list 

Take this list with you the next time you go food shopping. Keep in mind these tips for a healthy heart:

1. Eat less saturated and trans fat. Stay away from fatty meats, fried foods, cakes, and cookies.
2. Cut down on sodium (salt). Look for the low-sodium or “no salt added” brands of canned soups, vegetables, snack foods, and lunch meats.
3. Get more fiber. Fiber is in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Vegetables and Fruits

Choose vegetables and fruits in different colors. Buy them in season to save money.

• Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and spinach
• Leafy greens for salads
• Canned vegetables low in sodium (salt)
• Frozen vegetables without added butter or sauces
• Fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, pears, and peaches
• Canned fruit in 100% juice, not syrup
• Dried fruit
• Frozen berries without added sugar

Milk and Milk Products

Look for fat-free or low-fat milk products.

• Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
• Cheese (3 grams of fat or less per serving)
• Fat-free or low-fat yogurt

Breads, Cereals, and Grains

Look for whole-wheat or whole-grain as the first ingredient listed on the label.

• 100% whole-wheat bread
• Whole-grain breakfast cereals such as oatmeal
• Grains such as brown rice, barley, and bulgur
• Whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta
• Popcorn

Meat, Beans, Eggs, and Nuts

Choose lean cuts of meat and other foods with protein.

• Seafood
• Chicken and turkey breast without skin
• Beef: round, sirloin, tenderloin, extra lean ground beef
• Pork: leg, shoulder, tenderloin
• Beans, lentils, dried peas
• Eggs and egg substitutes
• Nuts and seeds

Fats and Oils

Cut back on saturated fat and look for products with no trans fats.

• Margarine and spreads (soft, tub, or liquid) with no trans fats
• Vegetable oil (canola, olive, peanut, or sesame oil)
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Light or fat-free salad dressing and mayonnaise

The original article and more information can be access by clicking on the link below: http://www.healthfinder.gov/prevention/ViewTool.aspx?toolId=2

The World's Fastest Workout Video

Do you only have five minutes to workout? This is the perfect video for you. This exercise routine has been shown to increase your metabolism for 12-24 hours. I personally do this exercise and I feel energetic and less stressed every time!

Editor's note: Before beginning any new exercise regimen, always consult with your physician.

Reduce stress in your life

Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

It is incredible how many people, Christian people, are stressed. From work, kids, ministry, your social life, it is easy to see why our lives are so hectic. We are an extremely busy society. 

It is important to know that stress is not just a term we use to explain how we feel. Stress is a very important factor on health. According to WebMd.com, "When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy." If stress occurs too often or lasts for long periods at a time, your body is at risks of several adverse affects. For example, recurrent stress can result in headaches, suppressed immune system, muscle and back aches, and insomnia. 

Although it is impossible to avoid stress, we have the power over reducing and managing stress. Here are some tips to do so:

• Pray daily. Get in touch with God. You'll find that He will give you direction to ensure you are in His Will. The path that God chooses for your life/His Will is always less stressful than whatever path you decide for yourself. There is nothing better than that!
• Read your bible daily. The word says, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Roman 10:17. Frequently reading the Word will fill you with instruction and encouragement on how to handle life's situations.
• Get organized. A well organized life will result in less frustration and ultimately less stress. For example, having your clothes picked out and ironed, the kids backpacks ready and by the front door, or breakfast planned the night before will make mornings easy on everyone. For tips on how to organize your home and life, go to: http://www.organizedclutter.info/.
• Get enough rest. Depending upon your sleep requirements, every person needs 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Receiving adequate amounts of sleep every night can reduce stress and increase immune function. Within two hours of going to sleep, reduce the amount of beverages you consume, especially coffee or sugary drinks. Within one hour of going to sleep, shut off the television. Your brain needs to wind down and the television bombards your mind with ideas and emotions that makes it extremely difficult to relax. Establish an actual bed time and waking time. Your body operates at its maximum potential when you have a predictable sleeping schedule. Of course, we can't control everything in our lives so a slight deviation every now and then is fine.
• Enlist help for daily activities from your spouse, family and/or friends. Even on the small stuff. For some reason we, especially women, have the idea that we can do it all because we will do it best. This is a prescription for a very stressful life. Join a carpool group for transporting your kids to school or after-school activities. Alternate "cooking days" with your spouse. Delegate small responsibilities to your children...it'll make them more responsible. 
• Get your finances in order. Did my mentioning of the word "finances" increase your heart rate by 5-10 beats per minutes? Finances can be a huge stressor. So how do most of us handle it? Ignore it! This is absolutely the worst thing you can do. Ignoring your finances only makes it worse. There is not a better feeling than being financially free. Set aside a day to tackle your finances. Gather all of your bills and statements. Find ways to reduce your spending. Set aside some money for an emergency fund. You'll be surprised at how much $20 per paycheck can grow your emergency fund. You won't be as stressed when that alternator blows or you need dental work because you have the money in your account. Read some online blogs or "how-to" books to increase your knowledge in finances. Some helpful links are: http://www.getrichslowly.org/ or http://www.moolanomy/.com
• Cut out the "busy work" and only do the necessities. When you have your hands in too many activities, you're bound to make a lot of mistakes or let someone down. How stressful is that?! As the famous saying goes, "Don't be a jack of all trades, and master of none." You'll become more productive and a result, more confident, when you do one thing or two things very well. Most kids are overwhelmingly energetic and they like to be in a lot of different activities. Unfortunately this may be at your expense. Are your kids in club scouts, baseball, basketball, and math club but its overwhelming you? Choose one or two extracurricular activities, alternate activities with the season or only engage in the activities that your child is most passionate about. Let your child/children participate in baseball in the spring and football in the fall. 

How do you reduce stress? Please share your comments below!

Inspirational Quote: 10/24/11

Don't just survive...THRIVE!

Increase Water Intake...Improve Your Skin.

Water Intake

Most physicians will agree...an adequate intake of water is essential to overall health and wellness. Water purifies the body in and out.  Want an undeniable glow? Increase your water intake! Want to improve the tone and texture of your skin? Increase your water intake! Okay...okay....you get the point. LOL!

Another reason why drinking enough water is so important is because water aids in the removal of waste from our body. Not only does water remove waste but it helps carry the vitamins and minerals we ingest (through food, drinks or supplements) throughout our body and ultimately your SKIN!!!

So how much is enough? It depends. What type of climate do you live in? Do you exercise regularly? Visit the following website for an estimate on the amount of water to drink:

http://www.espring.com/English/WAC/WaterCalculator.aspx?pgid=125

After determining how much water you should consume each day, divide the amount over 10-12 hours.

(Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication. Also, be careful of drinking too much water. Especially if you have kidney or adrenal problems.)

*Information displayed on Total Life Prosperity is intended for informational purposes only. As always, consult your physician before implementing any new regimen.

Divine Health Confession

Heavenly Father, I thank you for blessing me with divine health. Your Word says in 3 John 1:2 that above all things you wish that I prosper and be in good Health even as my soul prospers. I declare today that I am prospering in every aspect of my life. I declare that I am in good health. I declare that my soul is prosperous. 

I resist anything that is contrary to what the Word says I am. I rebuke any plan of the enemy that seeks to destroy my mind and/or my body. Father I believe that Christ has bore my sins in His own body on the tree, that I, being dead to sin, should live unto righteousness, by who stripes I was healed (1 Peter 2:24).

I am not praying for healing in the future but I am emphatically stating right now that I AM HEALED! Father I pray that if there be any doubt within me, you would remove it now. Oh God help my unbelief. Even though I may physically feel pain, I remain steadfast that I am healed. I will not let the physical realm override what was already given to me in the spiritual realm...DIVINE HEALTH.

I do not just pray for my myself. I life my family and friends in prayer for divine health and long life. Your Word says that the prayers of the righteous availeth much. According to the rights given unto me through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I speak divine health right now! It is these things that I ask in your son, Jesus', name. Amen.