Do You Need Stress Relief ? Part 2

Healthy Ways to relieve stress.

Private and Personal

Are you stressed? It is important to spend some quiet time to unwind. Writing a letter to anyone who has hurt you is good. Get it out. Express exactly however you feel. This validates your feelings. Release any anger and let go of the hurt. This is for your eyes only. Now tear it up in little pieces. Bury it and or simply throw it away!

If necessary do this whenever a past issue resurfaces until you have exhausted your pain. You are learning how to take better control of your emotions.

You can also get an empty chair; imagine that the person is sitting there, and say to whomever has hurt you how you feel. Take control and release any anger, hurt, shame or disappointment! You are now beginning to take out the trash that has begun to weigh you down.

Listen to some relaxing music, exercising, or just taking a walk helps. You now have decided to no longer let what has happened to sit on the shelf of your mind and ferment! You are now beginning to move towards letting it go. This also helps you move towards wholeness.

Family

Whenever your family is stressed? Set aside some quiet time aside from the television or any outside distractions and have a family “pow wow.” Allow those concerned to briefly talk about how they are feeling. Then have them talk about how things can be improved. It is helpful to alternate taking turns having one of the children to be the moderator. You will be surprised. This helps them to acquire leadership and management skills. It is also great family bonding time. Your objective is to create a healthy, loving, open, nurturing, safe environment.

Marriage

Is your marriage stressed? You need to set aside some quiet time where the two of you can calmly discuss what are the issues at hand. Rekindle that love that brought the two of you together. Revisit those marriage vows you made to one another. Restore the JOY of just being together. When two together row a boat it gets to the desired destination faster. Having a weekly date night is great as well! Remember you cannot change what has happened. However, you can decide to go forward. Yes, you will probably have to revisit where you have been. Respect, concern and truth should be welcomed. Keep your focus on your goal to resolve the conflict rather than create more. This time is to remind you of where you do not want to stay or continue to go.

Job or Work Environment

Is your job stressing you out? You need to make an appointment to talk to your supervisor, boss, employees or co workers and let them know how you are feeling. Make sure you are not angry when you do this. Find a neutral spot if possible. Writing down what you want to say will help you stay focused. If you feel that you may lose your thoughts or say something inappropriate reschedule. Graciously delay it until you are ready. The point is you want to take control not loose it. If they are not willing; it may be better to begin looking for employment somewhere else. If you don’t, at some point your health will become affected working continuously under such poor conditions. Your health is more important. You don’t want to spend the majority of your life full of anxiety, depressed or stressed.

Spiritual Renewal

Incorporating prayer and meditating upon the scriptures will yield much inner peace in your life. The WORD of GOD IS ALIVE. it is the only written work where the author is always present. Pray for understanding as you read its marvelous content. Actively implementing the principles are key to resolving inner conflict and stress. The scriptures were meant to point us to a better way of life. To abet developing a personal relationship with God our Creator. God has provided a wonderful plan of salvation for all who are willing to accept Jesus Christ into their hearts as their personal Savior. Jesus is able to save you from the power of sin reigning within your life. Jesus came to show us that better Way! To help you discover your true purpose in life and keep us on the Narrow Path

The “Gift of Life” is priceless. Therefore you want to make and effort to find better ways to cope in the midst of the unexpected. Your home environment should always be a priority. It should be your haven from the world. Invest your time energy and resources in building a safe healthy living environment.

Stress is a normal part of life. Taking the time to communicate your feelings in a healthy manner means you care. When a problem arises; Adopt and embrace “Redemptive Confronting!” Facing whatever the problem is or however you are feeling is always much better for you and those around you. Don’t live in denial. Don’t allow others to pull you from your center. If you aren’t centered get busy learning how to keep more focused. Everyone has a not so good day from time to time. Don’t major in the minors! Just make sure that stress has not become the theme for your everyday lifestyle.

Staying focused and discovering alternate ways to readily relieve any stress is a viable goal.

Life is too short and precious to spend the majority of your time stressed! It is important to begin to work towards having a healthier balance in life. Begin moving towards creating a warm, more peaceful, safe and loving environment. Learning coping skills and ways to manage stress will also result in a healthier outlook as well as becoming healthier spiritually, physically and emotionally.

TRULY WITH THE LORD YOU CAN BECOME WHOLE!

Do You Need Stress Relief ? Part 1

Do you need STRESS RELIEF?

Are you stressed? Is there something weighing on your mind? Is there some inner conflict? Is there something happening in your life and you don’t know how things will work out? You are not alone! At some point in time everyone experiences a certain degree of stress. Feelings actually lets you know that you are still here! A small amount of stress is actually healthy. It keeps you on your toes and motivates you to shift. Do you need stress relief?

Life today can be quite complex at times. There are many pressures on varying diverse levels, more so at times for some. You can actually worry yourself sick. To name a few stress affects your happiness, brings on acne, hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, high blood pressure, panic attacks, anxiety, impacts your sex drive as well as hampers your infertility.

If you are experiencing a significant amount of stress don’t wait until you are completely over whelmed to find some relief. Conflict and stress are a normal part of life. If your patience is getting close to nil know; you are reaching your limit. Don’t wait until you explode and get really angry to express yourself. This will only further complicate the situation. While angry and out of control you say and do things that can be destructive. Begin to shift.

Stress is defined as; “Forces from the outside world impinging on the individual. Stress is a normal part of life that can help us learn and grow. Conversely, stress can cause us significant problems.

Stress releases powerful neurochemicals and hormones that prepare us for action (to fight or flee). If we don’t take action, the stress response can lead to health problems. Prolonged, uninterrupted, unexpected, and unmanageable stresses are the most damaging types of stress.” medicine net.com

When you are stressed it becomes difficult to respond properly. Many often become verbally or emotionally abusive. Sometimes they respond physically in an inappropriate manner. This is because they lack proper coping skills. When stressed you can often become tense. It may be harder to concentrate. You may even get a headache or your heart begins to race. This is a clear indication that YOU NEED to shift. Here is something that will help you. Imagine a cup of ice cubes being slowly yet gently poured over your head. Allow yourself to feel the coolness of the ice gently melting over you. Begin to Allow your anger to subside. Please! STOP! & Think before you respond!

S STOP!

T THINK!

R REFOCUS!

E ENERGIZE

S STAY

S SAFE!

“BE STILL & KNOW!”

GIVE GOD HIS place in your life! Instead of staying tethered to your pain; Today spend some quality time with the LORD in HIS WORD!
“HE WILL KEEP You in PERFECT PEACE when Your mind is STAYED on HIM…”

When the pressures of life begin to get to you it is important that you get a grip on your emotions. No, I am not saying go into denial. However you feel is important. Your feelings need to be validated. Depression will result if you don’t. Depression is anger turned inside! When it gets to this point you may need professional help!

Seek out resources for anger management if you have out of control behavior. Quite often you have learned some unhealthy dynamics that need to be changed. You can break this cycle. It may be hard for you to just say how you are feeling without being so angry. Your anger is a clear indication that you are also hurting. This will often result in something or someone triggering your anger and setting you “off.” If this is the case know that you are being controlled by remote. Learn how to stay “on” track!

See Part 2

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger Finger is a painful condition! Its exact causes are not known! It is a common disorder in the adulthood stages of life! In general it is a condition that is much more prevalent in women than men! It occurs anywhere from 40 to 60 years of age and sometimes earlier! It is often found in those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes!

SYMPTOMS

There is usually no notable injury at its onset! But may simply occur after repeatedly using your hand. The onset of symptoms varies! It is an inflammatory condition! It may start by swelling or a tender lump in the palm of the hand may appear. The joints in the finger may begin to become rigid and lock. Or you may experience pain when trying to bend your finger(s) or thumb! More than one finger can be affected at a time! The flexor tendon muscles are located in the forearm above the wrist that actually moves the fingers! As you bend your fingers or thumb they slide through a snug tunnel called the tendon sheath of flexor.

When the tendons thicken this makes it difficult to freely slide through the tendon sheath and results in pain. The symptoms may be more pronounced first thing in the morning! After being idle overnight the finger or thumb may gradually begin to loosen as you move it about. Construction workers, Musicians, Artists, Writers and those who frequently use their fingers are probable candidates!

TREATMENTS

Although not considered dangerous the condition can be very painful! Your doctor may prescribe an anti- inflammatory medication. Or a possible corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath of your hand. This may temporary relieve the pain until it heals. Application of ice is recommended to minimize any swelling. Hand Therapy is usually recommended! It is important to take care of your hands!

If the condition persists and the injection fails your doctor may recommend a relatively simple surgical procedure to prevent your fingers from becoming stiff and inflexible! The patient can usually use their hand immediately after the surgery! A small incision is made in order to widen the tendon sheath tunnel. This allows additional room for the finger to mover more freely. As it heals the sheath is looser allowing freedom of movement!

The procedure can be done on an outpatient basis! There is usually a minimum of post operative pain and requires only a few stitches. Recovery is anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months! See your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment!

Learn more about Trigger Finger

The Beauty Of Laughter!

Laughter is such a wonderful bravura expression! When it comes from deep within it can help to release inner tensions. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is activated by laughter and produces endorphins in the brain after responding to a rewarding activity according to modern neurophysiology! Laughter can be medicine for the soul!

Life can get quite serious. There are times when you may not be able to see far down the road. When that is the case take it day by day! Think about something simple you could do in the moment, now, today, to bring a ray of sunshine your way and share it with someone else! Don’t let a moment or season in time define your entire life! Find something in all of it to make you laugh!

Did you know that when someone is going through, or grieving that one of the best things that you can do is allow them to freely express themselves. Let them have a good cry and then wait for an appropriate moment to make them laugh! Tell them a simple funny story or bring to mind an amusing event they experienced in memory of their love one. If you don’t know one, simply encourage them to share one! Humor lets them release inner tension as well as emotional pain and stress! It can also serve to put them at ease and help them relax!

JOY is a part of the Fruit of the Spirit! There is an overwhelming inner cheerfulness that brings contentment from knowing the Lord! How interesting Nehemiah tells us “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the Joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8

Some people are super ticklish and just the thought of being tickled can make them laugh hysterically! This type of laughter can be contagious uncontrollably infectious! Joy and humor cause laughter! Laughter is a universal language!

Gelotology is the study of laughter! There is much documented research going on to study and analyze the validity of laughter! How does it impact one’s mental state?

There is humor therapy, laughter therapy as well as laughter meditation! The ability to laugh naturally can lift one from depression. Focusing on a pleasant situation and allowing yourself the freedom to respond. Telling a joke or watching comedy. Notice how children roar during a good cartoon as well as adults!

According to the American Cancer Society, laughter has been use throughout history to bring about healing! “Humor has been used in medicine throughout recorded history. One of the earliest mentions of the health benefits of humor is in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. As early as the thirteenth century, some surgeons used humor to distract patients from the pain of surgery. Humor was also widely used and studied by the medical community in the early twentieth century. In more modern times, the most famous story of humor therapy involved Norman Cousins, then editor of the Saturday Review . According to the story, Mr. Cousins cured himself of an unknown illness with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins.”

Sometimes you can laugh so hard that it can bring tears to your eyes! Norman Cousins suffered from arthritis! Through love, using mega doses of vitamin C, faith, hope and humor he improved his condition! He actually watched the Marx Brother old classic films. He actually said, “I made the joyous discovery that ten minutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give me at least two hours of pain-free sleep,” he reported. “When the pain-killing effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion picture projector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-free interval.”

Like crying over spilled milk! You can’t put it back in the glass. Well let me see you could try… But it really is better if you just pour another one! Well what if it was your last glass. WELL! Hurry GO get a paper towel and wipe it up, now squeeze the milk back into your glass! Ha! Ha! Ha! We can not undo what has been done! But we can always TRY AGAIN!

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to ALL. The LORD is near. DO NOT be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your request to GOD. And the PEACE of GOD, which transcends ALL understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in CHRIST JESUS…” Philippians 4.

How much would laughter cost if we really could bottle it up and then pour it in a glass? It really is priceless!

How To Make “Great” Homemade Chicken Soup

Great Homemade Chicken Soup for your enjoyment!

Are you are looking for a quick  “Great” tasty light and healthy delicious  lunch or dinner?  Or appetite teaser? Try this one on for size! Winter or Summer, Spring or Fall, Chicken Soup is always a healthy welcomed treat for ALL!

Chicken Soup is good whenever you have a cold or ailing! Or when you need a quick “pick me up” or just want to eat something light and healthy! Try a nice refreshing bowl of homemade “Chicken Soup!” It’s great alone or just  as a side dish. ENJOY!

Things You’ll Need for Chicken Soup;

8-10 Potatoes
4-5 Cups of Water
3-4 Boneless Chicken Breast
3 Tablespoons Canola, Coconut or Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons Chicken Bullion
2 Tablespoon Cornstarch
2 Cups Frozen Vegetables

Butter to taste
Spices: Cilantro, Parsley, Pepper, Poultry Seasoning, Rosemary & Steak Seasoning to taste.

Top with;

Fresh Parsley, Cilantro  &  Fresh Parmesan Cheese.

Instructions:

1. Pare and clean 8-10 potatoes. Cut potatoes into generous bite size pieces.

2. Place in pot and cover potatoes with 4-5 cups of water. Cook until tender approx 15 min.

3. While potatoes are cooking; Take 3-4 Boneless Chicken Breast tenderize and cut into generous bite size pieces. Sauté in skillet until tender in 2-3 Tablespoons of  Oil of choice (or a combination of the three) add to potatoes.

4. Add 3 tablespoons of Chicken Bullion to ½ cup of water, along with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir until dissolved. Add and stir into potatoes. Add seasonings of: Parsley, Pepper, Poultry Seasoning, Rosemary & Steak Seasoning to taste. Cook  & simmer approx 5 min.

5. Immediately Add 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. After a few minutes turn off soup and allow flavors to gel. Gently fold in  butter. Soup is ready when vegetables of choice are tender. Top with Optional Fresh Parsley, Fresh ground pepper & Parmesan Cheese! As an *Option you can add milk if you desire a thicker creamier broth and additional spices of choice!

Great as a tasty side dish or hearty main entrée with  seasoned baked garlic bread! ENJOY!

SPIRITUAL Eating Disorders

SPIRITUAL Eating Disorders

Anorexia and Bulimia are very serious eating disorders that occur when one does not properly relate to food. Eating disorders are serious. They can and do result in physical and emotional turmoil. There are a lot of control issues related to eating disorders. An unbalanced spiritual diet will result in a spiritual eating disorder. If you go without spiritual food; you will lack the proper skills to navigate through the spiritual maze of life. Jesus came to this world to redeem us from the penalty of sin. He overcame sin in the flesh for us. He came so that the world would not be condemned but saved. It is through His love we have obtained grace.

To find out more about your purpose and the plan God has for your life it is important that you explore God’s Word. The Word of God is food for the soul. Have you ever thought about the side effects of a Spiritual eating disorder? When you do not have a consistent healthy spiritual diet it is difficult to comprehend spiritual things. Did you know that you can actually forever be in a learning mode and still not comprehend the spiritual things of God? In fact you will have a tendency to be misled. It is vitally important that you regularly read, study, digest and apply God’s Word in your daily life. You do not want to develop a spiritual eating disorder. It will result in serious spiritual consequences.

In order to grow properly one must consume a nutritious balanced daily diet. It is often said “we are what we eat.” Eating is a natural normal everyday occurrence. Without a proper daily diet one can become malnourished. It is a well known fact that in many third world countries thousands literally starve to death daily due to a lack of a proper balanced diet. It is difficult to reach your full potential when your body does not have its proper nutrients. Food for your body is what gas is to a car. Think about it? How far will your car go without gas? How can you make the journey? Food is fuel for the body.

God created a marvelous thing when He created man. We are created in His image. We are body, mind and soul. God has also provided the necessary resources for us to live healthy lives. In order to grow physically we need food. In order to grow intellectually we need to study and stimulate our brain cells. When we study we assist the building of dendrites. Okay what are dendrites? They are nerve cells that send impulses to the body. Intellectual growth without spiritual development is futile. You will never fully understand life and its true meaning without knowing God. Remember He created us with a soul. Our soul also has needs. We need to spiritually feed our mind and soul with the Word of God. The Word of God is spiritual “bread from heaven”. It is essential to our spiritual growth and development.Did you know that the Scriptures are considered “The bread of life?” They are essential for the proper growth and spiritual development for the believer. Just as food is necessary for the body; so is God’s Word for our soul. A proper spiritual diet is required if you truly desire to grow spiritually. A constant diet of religious junk food is unhealthy. Yes, it is possible to grow without God’s Word. But, you will not grow spiritually. You will grow carnally. It is even possible to grow religiously. This will cause you to be misled as well. You will be tossed to and fro by the various doctrines of man. Please know growing religiously is not the same thing as growing spiritually. Many people talk right and walk left. Remember Jim Jones and his followers? If one does not regularly participate in studying and applying the principles of God’s Word to life’s circumstances it is also possible to become stagnated. The Bible clearly tells us that God is a Spirit of Truth. When you know the Truth the Truth will set you free. This type of freedom leads you to be free to become who God wants you to be. It will give you a new lease on life.

Tasting the indescribable fruits of God’s Word is like putting on 3 D glasses. Meaning you will see things on a deeper level. God really is awesome! Spiritual warfare is at hand. Despite everything that goes on there is nothing that happens He is not aware of. Just think about that for a moment. That is really deep. Look around you and see all the things that are going on. The further we move away from God’s principles the worst things get. Many choose to live a life of misery and despair. Life presents many challenges.

God intended for His Church to carry on His Son’s mission. He Loved, trained, developed, nurtured and became a living example to His disciples. He even died and rose from the grave so they would see the scriptures being fulfilled. This was the ultimate demonstration of love. Did you know that He and His disciples were persecuted, misunderstood, lied on and mistreated by those He came to help? They even plotted secretly to discredit Jesus in spite of all the good He had done. The Bible tells us there were places He went that due to unbelief His power was not manifested. These are a few of the important facts you will discover when you study the scriptures.

Today we have the Word of God in Book form. His Word is our source ol food. Did you know that there is nothing written in the Bible that is less than 1800 years old? That fact is awesome in itself. The Bible’s Truth will forever be alive. It will and has stood the test of time. In Jesus’ time they did not have the Bible like we do. It had not been compiled into the Biblia 66 books as we have today. God really does supply all our needs. He did not leave us Comfortless. He left us His precious Holy Spirit as our internal Guide that we receive on the profession of our faith. We must daily ask for His infilling presence. We need His Holy Spirit to help us understand His Word. God does not want us to be spiritual anorexics. He wants you to know Him through His Word. How is your spiritual diet? How much time do you spend acknowledging God in your daily life? Do you ask Him to give you your daily bread?

This column is for you if you are reading this. Just take a personal inventory and see if you are really ingesting a balanced spiritual diet. You know and God knows. You should feed yourself spiritually in addition to being fed physically. When you attend a worship service it is the time for you to become spiritually nourished and energized as well. To praise God from whom all blessing flow!

God has given many gifts to HIS Church. The gifts were given to spiritually mature the body of Christ. (See Ephesians.) When junk food is served in lieu of the Word of God; many become spiritually codependent. This often makes it difficult for them to deal with life’s everyday challenges. When you attend service the pastor, preacher, evangelist, teacher, minister or appointee, are all charged to deliver a message from the Word of God. When one truly lays aside their own agenda this is possible. It is also very good when the messenger let’s the listeners know when they are using illustrations to make a point. This is helpful for those who are not as familiar with scriptures. This time should be consecrated; instead of used to personally say something to someone you do not have enough courage to confront. Only after praying and sincerely meditating on God’s Word this is possible. Some even see this as an opportunity to get someone else to say, what they can not say themselves to someone. What happens when you eat junk food? The proper delivery of a spiritual message will feed your soul. It will enlighten, convict as well as encourage you to grow spiritually. The Word is like a two edged sword it cuts both ways. There is something for the messenger or deliverer as well as the recipient. God has left no stone unturned to see that His children receive proper spiritual nourishment.

It is an arduous task to deliver God’s Word. But how will you know if something is from God? Good question. This is why you need to study. You need to be like the Bereans in the book of Acts, they knew the Word of God for themselves. This is why it is important that we too develop our personal relationship with Him. A healthy Spiritual diet is one of the most important assets you can acquire. As a Christian it should be a necessary priority. How important did I say spiritual food was? Life can be difficult. A proper balanced spiritual diet will help you weather the tempestuous storms of life. It will give you keen insight. When everyone is saying it’s alright when you know its all wrong, let His Word guide you. God never tells us to support something that is not right. A proper spiritual diet will help you to stand for what’s right when the majority falls for what’s wrong. A proper spiritual diet will allow the Fruit of God’s Spirit to flourish in your life when spiritual warfare is about you.

GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

He said He will never leave you nor forsake you. I can bear witness to this He won’t! He said He will supply all of our needs? He will! (This does not mean just getting or having what you want) He said He will be peace in the midst of a storm. He will! His Word tells us that “God is Love” He truly is! Love is a wonderful thing. Having someone to love and knowing others truly love you is a wonderful thing. Many really do not know what Love really is. Love really is a beautiful ever unfolding gift from God. In the midst of trials, tests and wickedness God’s love will be an anchor. But you must always remember that spiritual nourishment is essential. His Word tells us that, “God is Love.”

When you read, study, deliver or share God’s Word please be prayerful. There are so many that have gone shipwrecked. So many casualties due to an unbalanced spiritual diet. Much too much junk food and not enough substance. If I tell you to come to my house for dinner you are expecting a balanced nutritious meal, right? What if I give you a plate of raw carrots? That’s okay if you are a rabbit. You might even think its funny, but, when you get home how do you think you would feel? My point is. As human beings we need more that just carrots. Some foods are a little hard to digest. We need both balanced spiritual and rich nutritious diets for our spiritual and physical growth. God wants us to continuously grow spiritually. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” What does that mean? We must learn to embrace the Truth of God’s Word. God wants to be in every area of our everyday lives. He wants us to have a rich full spiritual diet, healthy marriages and sincere loving families.

I want to encourage you to make it a priority to spend some time with God. Really digest His Word. I assure you whatever is going on in your life He already knows. God wants you to live out the promises of His Word. God can and will make a way out of no way. He heals and He delivers according to His Will. Did you know Jesus also used very unconventional methods? The religious establishment was quite often opposed to His methods.

What are you saying? God will supply the road, direction, vehicle, people and resources when and if necessary for you to accomplish whatever He wants you to do. All you must do is step out on faith! Do not be surprised when someone does not understand you. Always keep in mind that what matters is that God knows and sees everything. Nothing can come our way unless He allows it. This is why He tells us to do whatever we do as you do it for Him. Remember His Church is supposed to be the pillar of Truth. The enemy is the father of lies. God is awesome. God is a “rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” He is truly worthy of our praise. Remember it is more important what God knows rather than what others think. Why do you think Jesus spent so much time getting away and spending time with His Father? Jesus remained constantly spiritual nourished. Did you ever think about the fact Jesus could have just said everyone be healed. He could have completely done away with poverty and famines. He had the power to do so. But that was not the plan. He was faithfully obedient. It is important to know that Jesus was terribly misunderstood, called evil and blacklisted too.

God also has a remedy for any case. God tells us to be happy when persecuted for righteousness. God really does have everything under His control. Knowing His Word is vitally important for your well being. Jesus really is coming back for His true Church. Some things will just not be understood on this side of Heaven. God will never lead you to do anything that goes against His principles. Really get to know God for yourself. You do intend to spend eternity with Him? This will prevent you from developing a spiritual eating disorder. Allow His Word to be “bread from heaven.” Let Him truly be your Shepherd. His Word has a bountiful table of blessings prepared for our spiritual nourishment. God will move or take you over any mountains or through the rough terrains of life when and if necessary. Begin to feast on the delicacies of His Blessed Word. This will result in you experiencing the fruit of His Spirit. Just remember you need a balanced spiritual diet to make the journey!

Be BLESSED & ENCOURAGED knowing that our LORD is ALWAYS near, HE is just a prayer away!

Tags: anorexia, balance, bulimia, diet, Eating disorder, emotional healing, Food, grace, hope, joy, navigate, nourishment, peace, prayer, proper, redeem, spiritual, walk, world

Rising Above EATING DISORDERS

June 19, 2009 by DeBorrah K. Ogans  
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health, Health & Diet

Leave a Comment

Tweet

EATING DISORDERS

Unhealthy View of Self

What’s eating You?

Anorexia and Bulimia are serious compulsive eating disorders that are life threatening. These compulsive behaviors if not properly attended can result in death. This is not to scare you but to inform you that eating disorders are quite serious. I would like to shed some light on a serious subject that many do not like to discuss. In order to reach spiritual wholeness we must be willing to look at all human behavior. Everyone has areas in which they need to grow. Some have a harder time harnessing harmful behaviors. Behavior displayed does not actually display a true indication of how someone really is. Personality is often a veneer that has developed in order to protect the real person. Personalities vastly differ on a multiplicity of levels. Behavior can actually be a plea for help. Compulsive behaviors need immediate attention.

 

Anorexia and Bulimia is not something that is usually openly discussed. Anorexia nervosa is a self induced starvation that results in a dramatic weight loss. Bulimia is when one binges on large amounts of food that is followed with self induced vomiting or laxative abuse. This can or may not result in weight loss. Both are extremely dangerous and harmful both mentally and physically. Food for many can bring to mind memories of pain, abuse, anger, failure, rejection and or conflict. Although women primarily develop eating disorders, there are approximately 10% of men who are also anorexic or bulimic and the numbers are growing. Eating disorders usually have their onset during adolescent or teens. They can also develop later on in life.

 

Anorexia and Bulimia origins are nested most frequently in dysfunctional families of varying social economical status. There are currently programs designed for children as well. This should inform you of the seriousness of eating disorders Denial is often an accompanying dynamic. Anorexics usually deny their feelings. They have been taught to suppress their feelings.

 

Let’s look at some of the symptoms. One of the first symptoms of Anorexia is when a person is focused on how they are too fat; when it is quite obvious that is not the case. They continually shift their desirable weight down. It is not unusual for an anorexic’s hands, feet, and head to appear far too big. They continually restrict food to lose dramatic amounts of weight. They often wear bulky clothes or sweaters to mask their actual body size. It is also accompanied by the over use of laxatives; and or diet pills. Low self esteem and being over perfectionistic. Maintaining rigid control and excessive exercise. Depression, deceitfulness, guilt and irritability are often present as well. Anorexics are proud of their ability to restrict and control the amount of food they do or do not consume. Voluntary starvation can lead to emaciation and sometimes death.   YOU NEED HELP!!!

 

Let’s look at some of the symptoms for bulimia. The person is caught up in a binge-purge pattern of eating. They can consume vast amounts of food and relieve themselves by self induced vomiting, They often observe food rituals. Low self esteem and being overly perfectionistic are apparent. The person looses control once they start eating. Food actually becomes a calming agent and somewhat of a companion. One common bond in anorexia and bulimia is the person really wants relationship and the approval of others. It is highly likely that there has also been sexual abuse. It is important that you lovingly confront someone with an eating disorder. It is important that you are honest about the way they look. You must be willing to take the risk at them being upset. You should also be willing to take part in their healing. It is important that they receive the professional help they need. You too will need support during their recovery process. It is most helpful to learn more about eating disorders.

 

There are cases when a person is a combination of the two. This is known as bulimarexic. They vacillate between the two disorders. It can be confusing because the individual does not acknowledge there is a problem. Denial is present since they do not actually fall into either category. Weight gain or loss, digestive problems, heart problems. anemia, forgetfulness, erosion of tooth enamel, glandular functioning, hypoglycemia, and impulse control order are some of the many side effects.

 

How does one BEGIN TO  HEAL? In severe cases an inpatient treatment program is best. A person’s weight must be closely monitored. In some cases initially treating them for depression is necessary. One thing that is necessary for healing is that they come to terms with the “Truth” of how they are feeling. One must make a conscious effort to look at their life, their family system and how they have been affected. In order to become whole they must learn to look at themselves, and others differently. Eating disorders are a family affair. Restructuring of the family interactions and dynamics are crucial. Obsessive compulsive issues to food and unrelated to food need to be addressed. Anorexia can affect major organ system functioning.  Love, diligent prayer, intmacy, transparency  and consistent accountability by all  involved with the HEALING PROCESS is very important!

 

The family system must be changed.  Creating a healthy environment of honesty, love and support will facilitate healing. Build a support buddy system. Become accountable and responsible for a proper diet. Replacing your void with healthy and fun activities and making a point to eat regularly with family. Just know that you also gain control by deciding to eat properly. Believe what the scale says when you can’t believe the mirror! Healing takes time. But putting forth the effort is worth the time. You are worth it! Dysfunctional dynamics have often become the norm for many. The unhealthy use of defense mechanisms, the lack of the ability to be who they are, the need to please others and the rageaholic and /or controlling family issues must be dealt with.

 

God wants us to be whole. Being whole does not mean being free of conflict or problems. Life will continually present challenges. Challenges brings about spiritual growth and development. God also wants us to be perfect. Godly perfection does not mean being free of flaws. Godly perfection companions are an inward peace of mind and accepting the fact that God has uniquely created you. It means learning how to embrace who you are. Who God intended you to be. Realize that “NO ONE CAN BE A BETTER YOU THAN YOU!” It means learning how to be content in the light of His Word. Then cautiously moving forward in life discovering who you are? To be perfect in Biblical terms simply means to be complete in Him. No it does not mean you have all the answers. But it does mean having a healthy relationship with God who does!

 

If you or someone you know has an eating disorder. Pray for or with them and care for them sincerely! I truly believe that as long or short as the Lord has us here it is to learn. When we learn all there is to learn, if you are His child He calls you home. Learning to relate to food, people, things, problems and situations is a lifetime learning experience. But you can start today if you have not already; living life differently. You can live life preparing for eternity. This will also relieve you of much unwarranted anxiety. God knows ever single solitary thing that has happened in your life and everyone else lives as well.   GOD LOVES YOU! God really does know your heart. God can and will teach you how to guard your heart properly. God wants you to have that abundant life His precious  Son, Jesus Christ died for. He wants you to enjoy and learn how to properly nourish your body both spiritually and physically. He wants you to live a balanced life. He wants you to be emotionally whole.

 

Yes you will continue to have sorrow, grief and disappointments. Yes, the world is getting worse. Yes, our country is in a recession! Yes, life is and will be difficult at times. Drugs, alcohol, sex, money, food and yes even hard work can be all used in an attempt to fill emptiness in your life. There must be a balance. We must learn to properly relate to life in a manner that pleases God.   God has a purpose for your life only you can fill! In the midst of this world you we are given the opportunity to have a Comforter! You see Jesus purpose was that we have life and have it more abundantly. This does not just mean materialistically. It means in every way. It is the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy……. You do not have to focus on the enemy when you know that your life is truly in the hands of the Lord. Yes, it is important that you know how he operates. You do not have to focus on what others think when you know that God’s knows the depth of your heart.  He knows why you do or do not do whatever! God can free you. He only can give you the PEACE  that surpasses the understanding of man.

 

Start anew today! God wants to fill the void in your life that only He can fill. Most important He loves us enough that He allows us the opportunity to choose. Allow His Holy Spirit, His Comforter to comfort and abide with you 24/7. I truly believe that there is absolutely positively nothing that is too big for God to handle. Begin today and everyday by allowing the Lord His place in your life, heart and home. He can help you and teach you how to properly physically, emotionally and spiritually nourish your body, mind and soul. God is your Maker and Creator. God has promised to work “all things” not some things which means even the bad things. God has said “all things work together for good. For those who love Him. For those who are called according to His purpose” When you are walking in the Spirit there is no condemnation. You can always trust, lean, depend, stand and count on God.

YOU CAN  rise ABOVE your EATING DISORDER?

Tags: anorexia, bulimia, compulsive behaviors, control, eating disorders, wholeness