Anti-Viral Immune Boosting Tea

My daughter recently came down with a cold so I searched my cabinets for herbs that have proven antiviral properties. I'm not a fan of commercial products currently on the shelves because they treat the symptoms but don't go to the root of the problem: a virus has overtaken your body as a result of a compromised immune system. So what can you do to help your family without breaking the bank? Try this anti-viral/immune boosting tea.

1 tablespoon dried lavender (antiviral)
1 tablespoon dried rosemary (antiviral)
1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice (loaded full of vitamin C)
1 tablespoon of raw honey (antioxidant and antibacterial)
1 cup of water

Place one cup of water in a small pot. Bring to a boil. Add herbs and lemon juice to the boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Strain herbs out and pour tea into a mug. Stir in honey and enjoy. Drink this tea three times per day.

Remember to drink at least 8 cups of water every day.

DISCLAIMER: The medicinal information provided on TotalLifeProsperity.org is intended for research purposes only. It is not meant to be used without qualified medical supervision. Herbs have powerful effects on the body and can cause serious harm or even death if used incorrectly. You should consult your health care provider before using herbs on yourself or on anyone else.

Charity Spotlight: Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op

Editor's note: Every month we will feature a charity that is significantly impacting the community. We aim to focus a "spotlight" on the good people are doing in hopes that it encourages every reader to do their part. Have a suggestion for a charity that is making a difference. Send an email to mytotallife@gmail.com.

I have personally volunteered for the Southewast Gwinnett Coop. They are passionate about helping those in need of food or financial assistance. Without hestitation, I recommend that you seek God and donate whatever you can to the SE Gwinnett Co-op.

Here's a brief description of what they do from their website (http://segwinnettcoop.org/wordpress/):

The SE Gwinnett Coop provides a central location where sponsoring churches can direct any or all assistance requests to in order for them to be properly handled. Our ministry will screen the recipients to ensure they are legally qualified to receive assistance and that they reside in the Snellville, Loganville and Grayson designated areas. In addition, any church member of a financially supporting church can request assistance regardless of their city or county of residence.

Raising disciplined children

I approach the subject of raising disciplined children as a teacher and student. I am constantly learning new parenting techniques and figuring out the best method to implement in my family. There is absolutely no elitist attitude here! I'll be the first to admit that I'll never arrive at the point of mastery of raising children. I hope to remain at a state of constant learning. It is my goal give you ideas about how to raise children that are well rounded, responsible members of society. This is not an all encompasing article on the subject of parenting.

The first rule is to place Jesus as the head of your life and the center of your family. If you do this, the Holy Spirit will give you all the instruction you will ever need to raise a healthy family. Review, or better yet--memorize, one of our articles entitled 7 Scriptures Every Parent Should Know. However, one of my favorite parenting scriptures is Proverbs 22:6 which reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." What you teach them now will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Remain in the word constantly, actively apply it to your life on a daily basis, and maintain a consistent prayer life. 

Notice that in the previous paragraph, I emphasized constant, daily basis and consistent. This is not for dramatic affect. I'm trying to convey how important it is for you to be persistant in your parenting methods. You (and your spouse) must already be or earnestly strive to become unchanging. Your children look up to you and your spouse as moral compasses and behavioral examples. Exemplify the behavior you would like to see in your child and they will be sure to mimic the behavior. Set an example for today and your tomorrow will be that much easier.

Set a firm stance on the important stuff (ie., education, chores, etc.) and stick to it. If your children see that you are willing to bend the rules, they will, most likely, follow them. Plan a meeting with your family discussing all the rules and expectations that you have them. To ensure every topic is covered, sit down with your spouse to create an agenda and goals for the meeting. After the guidelines are established, for them to follow and consequences if they do not choose to follow.

I didn't place the term 'important stuff' in the preceding paragraph as a filler word. To become a good parent and maintain your sanity, it is imparative that you pick and choose your battles. Just because Little Johnny doesn't fold the bed sheets like you do does not mean he is not obeying you. Relax! Little mishaps do not have to turn into WWIII! Don't get into the mode of being so such a disciplinarian that you forget what is important: affirming what your child is doing right. Regularly praise them on accomplishments and you'd be surprised how far he'd/she'd go to repeat that positive behavior. Place little notes in their backpacks or the dresser to let them know how proud of them you are. Give them a big hug just because. Ask their opinion on some household decisions (dinner, weekend activities, etc.). Sit down for dinner at the table and ask how their day was, what their concerns are or talk about something out of the norm (world events, your childhood memories, etc.). The attention given to a child now is priceless to them.

There is no formula for raising disciplined children. Figure out what works for your child and your family. It is never too late. These simple suggestions will make a happier child, happier parent and happier family. 

Share your parenting tips in the comment section.

Prayer/Confession for Peace

This confession is for anyone who is experiencing stress, doubt, or fear about a situation in your life. Worry and fear is meditating. Switch that energy to meditating on the peace of God and promises he's made to you as his son/daughter.

In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. You will keep me in perfect peace because I constantly meditate on your word and trust in you. In the world there will be adversity but I will be of good cheer because Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Since I am justified by faith, I have peace with God through my Lord Jesus Christ. I will not fret or have anxiety about anything; but in every thing by prayer and constant petition with thanksgiving, I will continually make my requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep my heart and mind through Christ Jesus.

Going Green! All Purpose Cleaner

About three months ago, I decided to switch my household chemical cleaners to homemade all-natural cleaners. Not only are they super cheap to make, they are non-toxic AND effective. One of my trustee work horse cleaners is the all-purpose spray. I use it throughout the house from kitchen to bathroom. If you decide to try it, please leave a comment below.

1/2 cup venegar
3 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 drops of castille soap 

Combine in a spray bottle (not reused from chemical cleaners...chemical residue may remain) and spray on countertops, bathrooms, sinks...you name it. If you're unsure how the cleaner will react to a perticular surface (think bronze, etc.) test a small hidden area.

FREE Educational Software For Your Child

Whether it is to entertain your child for a couple minutes while you cook or give him/her the extra boost they need in school, we believe Sheppard Software is an unparalleled website that offers educational lessons in game form. Sheppard Software is FREE and FUN...one adjective I love (FREE) and one adjectives my kids love (FUN)! They offer an array of subjects at every grade level. Visit Sheppard Software, try it out, and come back to share your thoughts.

Honey Aspirin Scrub Tutorial Video

It doesn't always take a lot of money to pamper yourself. Sometimes, household items, can do the job just fine. We've created a tutorial of how to make and use a honey aspirin scrub/mask that will make your skin feel soft and look radiant. Try it and give us your feedback!

7 Scriptures Every Parent Should Know

Luke 18:15-16 (AMP)

Now they were also bringing [even] babies to Him that He might touch them, and when the disciples noticed it, they reproved them. But Jesus called them [the parents] to Him, saying, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such [as these] belongs the kingdom of God.

Joshua 24:15 (AMP)

..But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

1 Timothy 3:4 (AMP)

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive...

Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Psalm 127:3 (AMP)

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Ephesians 6:4 (AMP)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13:3-8 (AMP)

Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God’s love in me), I gain nothing. Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God’s love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (he gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

Don't be afraid to ask your Father...

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6 which states, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." AMP

I believe this passage is one of my favorites because it gives insight into a deeper knowledge that God really does care about what we desire or need. We often think that God is too big to care about our small problems or it makes us seem less humble to ask God for something. We couldn't be further from the truth!

Jesus himself said in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, evil as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father Who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give good and advantageous things to those who keep on asking Him!" AMP 

Need more scriptures to get this firmly rooted in your soul? Let's look at Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?" AMP

The first part of Philippians 4:6 says, "...do not worry...". That's a big one for most believers because we haven't cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). We feel we have to work it out in our minds and then pray about our problems to God instead of telling our problems about God and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It sounds easier than it is to do but we HAVE to stop worrying.

The second portion of the Scripture compels us to "petition" God for what we desire. Let me state this first: God is all seeing and all knowing. He knows what you need before you even position yourself to ask for it (Matt. 6:8). But it shows a great act of faith and humility on our part to ask God for what we need instead of trying to figure out a solution on our own. God our Father can provide for us infinitely better than we can provide for ourselves.

The third point made in Philippians 4:6 tells us to give thanks while we are praying. It may not seem technically correct to thank someone for something that isn't in your possession yet. However, if you fully understand that we as believers in Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are joint heirs with Christ, we know without a doubt that we have been blessed with everything we will ever need in this life (2 Peter 1:3 AMP).  

Which leads me to my final thought, we should continually make our requests known to God. Let me clarify, we repeatedly pray not because He didn't hear us the first time or because we're doubting He has done what we've asked for, but because it is through constant communication (prayer) that we obtain knowledge of him. Which in turn leads to our needs being met. Need further explanation? Read 2 Peter 1:3 backwards.  "Through the knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence, His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that is suited to life and godliness." (emphasis mine) 

Here's the formula: Don't worry about your situation; pray about your situation; give thanks to God before your situation is fully resolved; and finally, have constant communication with your Father.

Cleansing Cocktail Recipe

The Cleansing Cocktail is a fresh  vegetable juice that is full of vitamins and minerals. It will assist in cleaning out your liver, blood, and colon AND it tastes great! Drink this juice at least once a week and you'll definitely feel the benefits.

Note - The full affects of drinking vegetable and fruit juices does not come automatically. Obviously, you can not pile junk food on top of juices and expect to reap the benefits. Eat healthy and exercise regularly to get maximum results.

1/2 Beet
1 Carrot
1/2 Apple
1 tbsp Ginger

Juice all ingredients in a juicer and enjoy! If you only have a blender, chop all ingredients and add 1/2 cup of water to prevent it from being too think. Consume within 30 minutes of juicing for maximum nutrient absorption.

What does the bible say about long life?

It is my desire to live a long, happy, healthy life so that I may fulfill the work of the Kingdom. Many people believe that long life (80+ years) isn't for everyone. I firmly believe that a long life is God's best for all Christians. I do recognize that there are cases of untimely death but I do not believe that it is God's doing.

For example, we live in a fallen world where demonic forces are at work which can contribute to an early demise (1 Peter 5:8). Is it God's fault when someone willingly yields to evil and commits a murder? Absolutely not!
We also live in a world of natural laws which God placed here on earth during creation. For example, someone can't jump out of an airplane with no parachute, fall to their death, and the family blame God because he didn't suspend the law of gravity.
We have a lot to do with how long we live and the quality of life in which we live. It is not God's fault if someone eats a slab of bacon and dozen eggs for breakfast everyday, gaines excessive amounts of weight, never exercises, and dies from a heart attack. We do have a responsibility to keep up with the precious temple God has given us.

And then there are cases where it seems we have no answers to why believers die early...especially in the case of young children. Still the Scriptures are full of texts that point to God wanting his children to live, not only a long life, but a full life.

We've compiled a list of scriptures that support the idea that longevity can be obtained by every believer.

“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days …” Deuteronomy 30:19
 
“For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:11

“You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

“My son, do not forget My law, but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” Proverbs 3:1

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

Healing Ministries we follow...and so should you!

Spreading the word that "God wants you to prosper...mind and body" is a message that we aim to share with the world. TotalLifeProsperity.org is one small ministry which is why we support other ministries that have an establised global reach and possess a similar mission. The ministries that are listed below teach the Word as it relates to healing, salvation, and deliverance. We watch them on television, read their books, listen to their podcasts, and sow into their ministries. Our family has been extremely blessed because we constantly take in the Word of God. We pray that they'll have an impact on you and your family's lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.

Andrew Wommack - www.awmi.net
Creflo Dollar - www.worldchangers.org
Bill Winston - www.billwinston.org
Marilyn Hickey - www.marilynandsarah.org
Kenneth & Gloria Copleand - www.kcm.org

Going Green! Homemade Laundry Detergent

We, as a society, are becoming increasingly aware of the household toxins that plague our homes. Toxins can pose a wide range of negative affects to our bodies some of which are suppressed immune systems, nausea or cancer. We firmly believe that it is imperative for the believer to take authority over all sicknesses and attacks but we have to do our due diligence. TotalLifeProsperity.org has made a shift, as of February of this year, to become more Green. This is no fad for us, it is a way of life. 

The first article in a new series called Going Green is making your own laundry detergent. Commercially produced laundry detergent can obtain many toxins, preservatives, and skin irritants. Not to mention...they are EXPENSIVE! Follow this super easy recipe to make your own laundry detergent. 

Note - I bought all items for less than $15 at Walmart and I project that it'll last me all year. Your costs may vary slightly depending on your location and size of family/usage. 

Items needed:

2/3 bar of soap (Fels Naptha or Ivory-for those with sensitive skin)

1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (not baking soda)

1 cup Borax powder
5 gallon bucket with lid
NOTE: All ingredients can be found in the laundry aisle of any supermarket.

Directions:
Place twelve cups of water in a large sauce pan. Turn the heat on the sauce pan to medium heat. Grate the bar soap, add to the warm water, stir until the bar soap is completely dissolved. Pour in the Arm & Hammer Washing Soda and the Borax powder and mix until the mixture is fully dissolved.  Remove the 'sauce' pan from the heat source. Add 3 gallons of water to the bucket and stir. After the soap settles for 24 hours, the laundry detergent may be used. Use 1/2 cup per load. The detergent may have a gelatinous consistency. Be sure to mix thoroughly after it has set. The consistency has no effect on its effectiveness.

Have any Green ideas? Email them to mytotallife@gmail.com and it may be featured in one of our articles!

Anti-Stress Confessions

It goes without saying that stress can affect you mentally and physically. With the hectic nature of most of our lives (kids, careers, etc.), controlling your stress level can become a daily battle. The Bible offers several scriptures to help you during these times. Confess these scriptures aloud whenever you are feeling overwhelmed.

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

You (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Isaiah 26:3 emphasis mine

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the Lord's and He will give unto your hand.  1 Samuel 17:47

Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His promise. Romans 8:28

But You, O Lord are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Psalm 3:3-4

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth 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 thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Pslam 55:22

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:10-12

You are complete in Him

Today's post will be quick yet powerful. This scripture has been in my spirit and I thought I would share it with you. I pray this scripture will empower, enlighten and strengthen you.

For in Him (Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him (Christ), which is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2:9-10 Emphasis Mine

If at anytime you feel incomplete or hopeless, meditate on this scripture and insert 'I' where it states 'ye'. For example, "And I am complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." This is an awesome confession! You are complete in the very One who has defeated all principalities and powers. You are an overcomer, you are a more than conquerer, you are victorious, you are COMPLETE in HIM!

The Green Goodness Drink

Want a boost in energy the natural way? Are you feeling the beginnings of a cold? Or would you like to build your vitamin and mineral reserves? A green drink, which I fondly call The Green Goodness, may be the answer you need. Fresh vegetable juice is full of vitamins, chlorophyll, fiber, and minerals that can help you gain/retain energy, shorten the time of an illness, and detox your body. For maximum potency, consume this drink within 30 minutes of preparing it.

You will need:

• A juicer or high powered blender
• 1 cucumber
• 1 bunch of kale greens
• 4 carrots
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1 apple

Rinse produce thoroughly before beginning. If using a juicer, start by juicing all soft ingredients (IE. kale and cilantro). Then finish by juicing the rest of the produce one by one. If using a blender, slowly add all soft ingredients first. You may wish to add 1/4 cup of 100% pure apple juice to aid in the puree process. Chop the cucumber, carrots, and apple. Slowly add these ingredients. This recipe may make more juice than you intend to drink in one sitting. Freeze the rest until later or share with a loved one. Enjoy!

If you have some vegetable of fruit juice recipes to share, please email us at mytotallife@gmail.com.

I'm getting STRONGER and STRONGER!

I am pleased to share with you a sermon from Prophet/Dr. Sean Monteiro. The revelatory word he brings us is entitled "I'm Getting Stronger and Stronger". This powerful message was originally given at The River Church in Raleigh, NC.

For more information on Dr. Monteiro or to order this audio CD in its entirety, please send an email to sean.monteiro@aol.com.

Please leave a comment. Be blessed!

Today's "Proverbs Friday" Scripture

Our primary message is Total Life Prosperity...every Christian should prosper in body and mind. Therefore we present "Proverbs Fridays". Each week on Fridays, we'll feature a verse from the book of Proverbs. We ask that the Holy Spirit gives you revelation about how it pertains to your life and, more importantly, how it can be applied in your life.

The purpose of The Book Of Proverbs is to teach, provoke thought and instill wisdom into the body of believers. In addition to Total Life Prosperity providing you with information for your physical being, we sincerely pray that Proverbs Fridays will increase your knowledge about who you are in Christ.
Confess this scripture over your husband on a daily basis.

Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

.

Today's Proverbs Friday Scripture

Our primary message is Total Life Prosperity...every Christian should prosper in body and mind. Therefore we present "Proverbs Fridays". Each week on Fridays, we'll feature a verse from the book of Proverbs. We ask that the Holy Spirit gives you revelation about how it pertains to your life and, more importantly, how it can be applied in your life.


The purpose of The Book Of Proverbs is to teach, provoke thought and instill wisdom into the body of believers. In addition to Total Life Prosperity providing you with information for your physical being, we sincerely pray that Proverbs Fridays will increase your knowledge about who you are in Christ.

Proverbs 3:13-14
Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.

February 3rd is Go Red Day!

The facts are clear. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the killer isn’t as easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood.
 The truth is: our lives are in our hands. We can stop our No. 1 killer together by sharing the truth. We can be the difference between life and death.

This year, Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks directs and stars in the first-ever Go Red For Women short film and PSA called “Just a Little Heart Attack.”  Inspired by the real-life stories of women who have been affected by heart disease, the entertaining, yet poignant film can be viewed below.

Love Your Heart: Tips for Daily Living

Make Easy Lifestyle Changes. For Example:

• Look for short breaks each day (approx. 10-30 minutes) to implement heart healthy activities

such as walking or other types of enjoyable physical activity

• Take the Go Red Heart Checkup at www.GoRedForWomen.org to learn your heart disease risk

• Plan quick and simple healthy meals

• Know your family heart health history

• Add extra walks to and from the water cooler

• Take ten minute walks between meetings

• Use the stairs instead of the elevator

• Bring healthy snacks

• Take time for lunch and eat at regular intervals versus skipping meals

• Make time for physical activity – go to the gym and bring your favorite book or office materials

to read or workout at home watching your favorite show

• Plan meals in advance – visit americanheart.org for recipes from a number of heart-healthy cookbooks and use the online grocery list builder to quickly identify heart-healthy products to add to your grocery list

• Set up “physical activity time” on a daily basis

• Walk around your neighborhood or in your office

• Run up and down the stairs

• Do an exercise video

• Walk when doing errands and park farther from your destination

• Take your kids to the park and identify play time activities that help keep you fit

• Join a walking group or ask friends to join you in daily walking

• Work out when your child is at practice or extra curricular activities

• Exercise while watching your favorite TV show

• Plan a physical activity routine

• Airports and malls are great places to get in a brisk walk around the terminal or from one end

of the mall to the other

• Drink plenty of water

Tips for Traveling for Work/Play:

• Take time to stretch while on the flight

• Exercise in your hotel room – simple stretches or other exercise like sit ups and push ups

• Take advantage of physical fitness facilities located in the hotel

• Pack heart-healthy snacks, fruits, and know how to manage your snack triggers

• Pack sneakers and comfortable clothes for working out

• For frequent travel keep an extra pair of tennis shoes already packed in your bag

Love Your Heart: Relaxation Tips:

• Keep a journal

• Reduce stress: Plan a technology-free weekend balanced with active sports, swimming, skiing,

horse-back riding, or other fun physical activity

• Celebrate your successes with healthy rewards like a massage or facial

Tips for Moms on the Go:

 

How to keep your children healthy‏

(The girls and I at Stone Mountain getting some exercise!)

This article is meant for parents who have children that practice a semi-healthy lifestyle as well as those who may be teetering on the brink of an unhealthy lifestyle but are currently healthy. For the families who have overweight children, severely underweight children, or children with any medical condition, consult a physician for an exercise and diet regimen.
I've compiled a list of tips on how to raise healthy children so they'll grow up to be healthy adults.

1. Start early. My daughters recently asked me why they like eating vegetables and other healthy foods more than their friends. Obviously, I'm not in their friends households to know intimate details but I provided them a blanket statement. 'Vegetables were the first solid food you ate so you developed a liking for it.' When they were about four months old and being introduced to solid foods, I started with vegetables. I first introduced green veggies (i.e. green beans), then orange vegetables (i.e. carrots or yams), and finally yellows (i.e. squash). They acquired a taste for veggies because it was their first solid food. I gave it to them regularly EVEN if they spat it out the first couple of times. As I introduced fruits and starches, I kept vegetables as the main course. Fast forward, 7-8 years, we still eat at least one vegetable at every meal. And fruits are a regular in-between-meal snack.

Don't worry if your child is school age or even a teenager. It is never too late to begin practicing a healthier lifestyle. Whatever don't shock your kids by switching from fast food every night to a vegetarian diet. It'll cause tension and unnecessary stress which may lead to them totally writing off your efforts. Be realistic. Start by introducing a vegetable (News flash. Corn is not a vegetable!) at every meal. As they become accustomed to the new foods, eating a well-balanced meal will become more natural with time. Season the vegetables with chicken broth or Asian seasonings to make the flavor of the vegetable more appealing to your family's taste buds. Most kids like the taste of ranch dressing so the addition of a spinach salad drizzled with a little ranch dressing to any meal is quick, easy and nutritious option.

Also, ensure your child is drinking an adequate amount of water. This is especially important if he/she is involved with sports. For pointers on how much water is enough, visit our earlier article about Water Intake.

2. Take vitamins daily. I want to be clear. Vitamins are absolutely not meant to substitute for a healthy diet. Vitamins are supposed to be 'insurance' and a 'supplement' to ensure a healthy immune and digestive system. When I grew up, the only nutritional supplement was Flinstone vitamins. Although, they're still around there are more kid-friendly, tastier options. My kids, for example, like gummy vitamins. Just be sure that the supplements are from a reputable company and do not contain absurd amounts of sugar. Also note that it may behoove you not to cut corners and go to the dollar store to purchase any type of vitamin; especially not children's vitamins. Invest a small amount in your children's supplements now and save on doctor's visits and colds later.

3. Be consistent. During the beginning of the year, we go through the ritual of making 'resolutions' or 'goals'. We have great intentions but we aren't planning for long term success. So how do you ensure you and your family will win? Get organized! There is no way this change won't work if you're not organized. Jot down a list of goals that you wish to obtain from being healthier. Write out a grocery list BEFORE you go to the store. Having a well thought out grocery list will prevent you from spontaneously making unhealthy decisions. Promise yourself that you'll stick to your grocery list or you'll be defeating the purpose of this step. Have a schedule when you get home from work or the kids get home from school to ensure that you'll have time for exercise and preparing a nutritious meal.

4. Set an example. Make a healthy diet and exercise a family affair. Your kids mimic your behavior and eating habits. This lifestyle will only work if you are being honest with yourself and your kids. 'Cheating' at work or once the kids go to sleep will only result in you becoming lax on your new healthy lifestyle and you'll begin making excuses for why you, and ultimately your kids, don't have to stick to it.

Don't just send your kids outside to play...join them! The more they see you becoming ACTIVE and having fun, they'll be more willing to join in. Go for bike rides or invest in some roller blades (including safety gear). This is a low cost super fun activity to do.

5. Visit the pediatrician and dentist regularly. Children ages 4-18 need to complete a physical assessment by their pediatrician regularly. A day or two before their check-up, make a list of any questions or concerns you may have concerning their health.

Your child should visit the dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and cavity check. In between visits to the dentist, practice good oral hygiene. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and floss every day.
 Final Words
The health of your child now will have lasting affects for the rest of their lives...for better or worse. It is my prayer, of course, you and your family is experience the former.

Today's 'Proverbs Friday' Scripture

Our primary message is Total Life Prosperity...every Christian should prosper in body and mind. Therefore we present "Proverbs Fridays". Each week on Fridays, we'll feature a verse from the book of Proverbs. We ask that the Holy Spirit gives you revelation about how it pertains to your life and, more importantly, how it can be applied in your life.


The purpose of The Book Of Proverbs is to teach, provoke thought and instill wisdom into the body of believers. In addition to Total Life Prosperity providing you with information for your physical being, we sincerely pray that Proverbs Fridays will increase your knowledge about who you are in Christ.

Proverbs 3:5-6
⁵Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

What is this scripture saying to you? How will you implement this in your daily life?

Confession of Confidence

The Lord is my light and my salvation. I fear no man. The Lord is the strength of my life. I declare now that I have full confidence because I place all my confidence in Him..

I confess that I place my confidence in the Lord and not in man. For the Lord shall be my confidence, and shall keep my joy, peace, family, job, and belongings from being taken. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, I will always keep my mind on you and you will keep me in perfect peace because I trust solely in you.

I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things. In Him, I have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him. Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Therefore, I will come boldly unto the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.


Herein is my love made perfect, that I may have boldness in the day of judgment. Because as He is, so am I in this world. And this is the confidence that I have in Him, that, if I ask any thing according to his will, he hears me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 27:1-5
Psalms 118:8-9
Proverbs 3:26
Proverbs 14:26
Isaiah 26:3
2 Corinthians 7:16
Ephesians 3:12
Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 4:16
1 John 4:17
1 John 5:14

Today's "Proverbs Friday" Scripture

Our primary message is Total Life Prosperity...every Christian should prosper in body and mind. Therefore we present "Proverbs Fridays". Each week on Fridays, we'll feature a verse from the book of Proverbs. We ask that the Holy Spirit gives you revelation about how it pertains to your life and, more importantly, how it can be applied in your life.

The purpose of The Book Of Proverbs is to teach, provoke thought and instill wisdom into the body of believers. In addition to Total Life Prosperity providing you with information for your physical being, we sincerely pray that Proverbs Fridays will increase your knowledge about who you are in Christ.

Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV)
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.


As my church, Paradise COGIC, used to say at every benediction, "God's way is the sure way. If we follow it, we will not fail."

Have a great weekend everyone! BE BLESSED!

Today's "Proverbs Friday" Scripture

Our primary message is Total Life Prosperity...every Christian should prosper in body and mind. Therefore we present "Proverbs Fridays". Each week on Fridays, we'll feature a verse from the book of Proverbs. We ask that the Holy Spirit gives you revelation about how it pertains to your life and, more importantly, how it can be applied in your life.

The purpose of The Book Of Proverbs is to teach, provoke thought and instill wisdom into the body of believers. In addition to Total Life Prosperity providing you with information for your physical being, we sincerely pray that Proverbs Fridays will increase your knowledge about who you are in Christ.


Proverbs 1:2-3 (Amplified)
That people may know skillful and godly Wisdom and instruction, discern and comprehend the words of understanding and insight,

Receive instruction in wise dealing and the discipline of wise thoughtfulness, righteousness, justice, and integrity,

Readers, what does this mean to you?

Tips for beautiful and HEALTHY skin

We’ve all heard that our skin is our biggest organ. However, with society’s attention focused on maintaining popular organs (i.e., heart, brain, lungs, etc.) we tend to forget about our skin.  The emphasis of this article is on the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin.

Let’s first look at the reason we have skin. Quite obviously, it covers and protects everything within our body, keeps bacteria and disease out, maintains hydration, regulates our body temperature, provides us with sensation and many other functions. Shouldn’t an organ this important be nurtured?

To ensure our skin is at peak performance to properly function, we must eat the right foods, drink plenty of water, get enough exercise, and protect your skin. If you’re not too sure about this statement, give this experiment a try at your own risk…

Eat nothing but fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and exercise three times a week for one week. Your skin will become noticeably clearer and healthier.

Obviously, most of us can’t abide by such a strict regiment for the sole purpose of gaining healthier skin. So what can the average person do to improve their skin?

Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Antioxidants combats free radicals which wreak havoc on your body including your skin. Some meats contain a healthy dose of Selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant. Chicken, red meat, shellfish and fish are rich in Selenium.

As stated in our recent article, drinking an adequate amount of water will ensure that the vitamins and antioxidants from the nutritious foods you’ve ingested will be carried to your skin.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! Exercise increases circulation throughout the body which results in nutrients being effectively carried to the skin. The many benefits of working out (other than making you overall healthier) are reducing acne breakouts and fighting the signs of aging. Acne prone skin improves dramatically with exercise because  testosterone-related hormones such as DHEA and DHT are released. And exercise is a great stress reliever! Consult your physician for the amount and length of exercise necessary for you.
The sun can be your skin’s worst enemy. Overexposure to the sun can result in sun burns, skin cancer, pre-mature aging, and wrinkles. Everyone, no matter your skin color, should wear sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF level of at least 30. Be sure to wear sunscreen everyday! 

These suggestions are not hard to incorporate into your daily life. Start with adding one more serving of fruit, drinking two more glasses of water or walking for 20 minutes every other day, buy an SPF 30 sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it!

Get more sleep...starting this week!

This article was obtained from http://www.healthfinder.gov/. For more information on this topic and many others, please visit their website.

The Basics

Everyone needs to sleep. A good night’s sleep helps keep your mind and body healthy.

How much sleep do I need?
Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need.
Kids need even more sleep than adults.

• Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
• School-aged and preschool children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
• Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day.

Why is getting enough sleep important?
Getting a good night’s sleep can have many benefits.

• You will be less likely to get sick.
• You will be more likely to stay at a healthy weight.
• You can lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
• You can boost your brainpower and your mood.
• You can think more clearly and do better in school and at work.
• You can make better decisions and avoid injuries. For example, sleepy drivers cause thousands of car crashes every year.

Does it matter when I sleep?
Yes. We have a natural cycle for when we feel tired and awake. Sunlight plays a big role in this cycle.
Our “biological clocks” are set to make us feel the most sleepy between midnight and 7 a.m. Our biological clocks also help us stay alert during the day, although many people have a sleepy period between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Our natural sleep cycle is very hard to break or change. When people have to work during the night, they can have trouble getting enough sleep during the day. People who travel to a different time zone can also have trouble sleeping.
Get sleep tips to help you:

• Work the night shift
• Deal with jet lag (trouble sleeping in a new time zone)

Why can’t I fall asleep?
Many things can make it harder for you to sleep, including:

• Stress
• Pain
• Some medicines
• Caffeine (in drinks like cola, tea, or coffee, and in some medicines)
• Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or insomnia

If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need. For example, try to:

• Follow a regular sleep schedule
• Stay away from caffeine in the afternoon
• Take a hot bath before bed to relax

How can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?
Signs of a sleep disorder can include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Trouble staying asleep
• Sleepiness that makes it difficult to do daily tasks like driving a car
• Frequent loud snoring, pauses in breathing, or gasping while sleeping

If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse. You may need to be tested or treated for a sleep disorder.
To learn more about sleep disorders:

• Watch this short presentation about sleep disorders.
• Check out this Guide to Healthy Sleep [PDF - 451 KB].

Take Action!

Small changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you need.
Change what you do during the day.

• Exercise earlier in the day, not right before you go to bed.
• Stay away from drinks and foods with caffeine (such as coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate) late in the day.
• If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit daytime naps to less than 1 hour.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. This means no more than 1 drink a day for women or 2 drinks a day for men. Alcohol can keep you from sleeping soundly.
• Don’t eat a big meal close to bedtime.
• Quit smoking. The nicotine in cigarettes disturbs sleep.

Set a bedtime routine.

• Go to bed at the same time every night.
• Get the same amount of sleep each night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
• Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or watching TV in bed.
• Try not to lie in bed worrying about things. Learn to manage stress.

If you are still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up. Do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.

Check out more tips for getting a good night’s sleep.

If you are concerned about your sleep, see a doctor.
Talk with a doctor or nurse if you have any of the following signs of a sleep disorder:

• Frequent, loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Trouble waking up in the morning
• Pain or itchy feelings in your arms or legs that may happen more often at night
• Trouble staying awake during the day

Even if you aren’t aware of problems like these, talk with a doctor if you feel like you often have trouble sleeping.

Keep a sleep diary for a week and share it with your doctor. A doctor can suggest different sleep routines or medicines to treat sleep disorders. Talk with a doctor before trying over-the-counter sleep medicine.