Health Coaching

 It’s interesting how the direction of a person’s life can shift and change.  I never imagined becoming a Health Coach, but after years of studying food and health, last year I enrolled in an Integrative Nutrition program through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.  It has been a true joy and blessing to have discovered even more knowledge of what ails so many people and what can change the trajectory of one’s life.  

I am thankful to already be helping people with health and wellness and it fits well with my background in personal training.  

Recently, I also got certified to be a gluten-free practitioner.  Gluten is now linked to numerous autoimmune diseases and there are over 20,000 papers written on this topic alone.

While 30% of disease is genetic, the other 70% is related to the microbiome.  This means there is a significant amount of hope to heal if we can fix our guts!

Are you Gut Wrenched?  Is Convenience killing you?  My guess is yes!  Fast foods chains are notoriously non-nutritional and highly processed gut wrenchers killing off the healthy and good bacteria that are so vital to our health and wellness.  Lets not forget to mention, most of those foods are highly addictive! Yes, addictive!  If they have gluten in them, they are binding to the same opioid receptors as drugs!  Ok, enough of my soap box for now!

My passion for helping people live quality lives has gone up exponentially greater this year!  Education is a top priority to me.  

My goal is to blog more often on this topic, and hopefully in the near future, host a brunch and learn, lunch and learn and do very short videos on key topics.  

I have always loved to cook but feel there are enough instructional videos already out there and that is not going to be my top priority.

Stay tuned as I transform my current website www.Winit4you.com and post on Facebook and occasionally Instagram.

It's been a very long time since my last blog.  It's funny how life experiences can change a person's direction and focus.  My special interests have been narrowed down to researching and studying food.  The goal is to educate people by becoming a Health Coach.  Food plays a critical role in our vitality and with hundreds of diet options and philosophies out there, I would like to break them all down and explore the theories behind each one.  We are unique individuals with different needs and react very differently to the foods we ingest.  The Institute of Integrative Nutrition offers exactly what I need to learn in order to help others realize their vitality.  It's a one year program.  I believe my experience and certification in personal training will also be an added benefit to the services and education I can offer others.  Millions of people have ailments and health problems that are mysteries to the medical field.  Most of medicine doesn't relate food to many of these issues.  It's worth an investigation.  Hopefully, I will be able to enroll this fall and get the tools and critical information I need to help others discover a better life.

I've been intrigued by Anthony William and have ordered his book Medical Medium.  He has a great deal to say about the health benefits of putting the right kinds of foods in our bodies to not only prevent disease but heal our bodies with the right nutrient rich foods.  I may not agree with his spirituality side but he does intrigue me with his food knowledge.  He believe Epstein Barr is a major cause of many health problems that get misdiagnosed.

He recommends many foods for removing neurotoxins and restoration:

Wild Blueberries
Cilantro
Parsley
Fennel
Sprouts
Celery Juice
Asparagus
Spinach
Apricots
Raspberries
Ginger

Supplements:

Silver
B12
Zinc
Lemon Balm
Vitamin C
Licorice Root
Selenium
Red Marine Algae
L-eyesine

Reflections

A gentle and quiet spirit is how I would express my daughter's character qualities.  She is a true friend, dependable, service oriented, and absolutely loving.  If God allowed me to make a wish list of all the characteristics in a human being, she would exceed all of them.  Blessed with intelligence, beauty, and an exceptional athletic ability, she doesn't elevate herself.  She considers others better and picks people up when they are down with her gift of encouragement.  She is not boastful in her demeanor.  She seeks to honor and please God.  Recently, she was awarded a gift of honor from her Lacrosse coach as being the most valuable player.  She was honored with words that will soon not be forgotten.  She was told she was the heartbeat of Westminster and everything Westminster represents.  Truly outstanding!  Every time I look at her, I realize God's abundant grace and couldn't be more proud as a parent for the great things he hath done in her and through her.  So often, I have felt like a failure as a parent or have felt like I am not doing enough to equip my kids for their future.  It takes a village to raise a kid, and I am thankful for all the people that helped her along the way that have made an impact and difference in her life.  My greatest wish is for my kids to make a difference in the lives of others, and it is clear she certainly on the right track.  My reflections for today are blessed beyond measure.

Happy 16th Birthday!

Since the day I found out I was pregnant with you, I tried to imagine what life would be like with a baby, toddler, preschooler, elementary schooler, middle schooler, and high schooler.  Never in my wildest dreams could I have known what the next 16 years were about to bring.  

We have enjoyed adventures beyond imagination.  From the time you were a few months old, we would explore everything St. Louis had to offer.  Then, we broadened our horizons and traveled to New York, Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Texas, California, and many more states to explore and enjoy God’s creation.  You have grown up in a sports fanatic family.  You have been to spring training games, professional baseball games, football games, basketball games, and hockey games.  I have witnessed you succeed in every sport you have tried to play.  You have grown up with an amazing athletic ability.

God has allowed you to experience some challenges along the way that allowed me to see your unfailing perseverance and character that would have never been revealed without them.  I will never forget your determination to learn about the U.S. transcontinental in the hospital as you were regergitating barium after your multiple x-rays.  You have lived through a horrific sickness, many broken bones, more than a few concussions all with a better than average attitude. You have been challenged academically in a few areas and have proven to remain on the honor roll despite the setbacks, all on your own merit.  You have an amazing spatial ability and can practically navigate any city.  You know stats and can commentate any sport.  You are a hard working student with a great work ethic and give 110% of yourself in every aspect of your life.  

You have had an amazing privilege most kids in the U.S. will never have - growing up with your cousins and grandmother living next door.  You have also enjoyed extended family on both sides caring about you, celebrating you, and watching your many activities over the years.  You have grown up in a loving home with two parents and a sister who admires and looks up to you.  

You have been the recipient of a church family that has prayed over you many, many times over the last several years.  These are people in the community who genuinely care for you. You have inherited an independent spirit, so I hope you know the gifts that have been bestowed on you.  I pray you will not boast in accomplishments, but use them to benefit others, especially those who are less fortunate.  My wish is for you to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul and mind and to seek his wisdom in all things.  Secondly, my wish for you is to love others as you love yourself.  Treat others as you wish to be treated.  To love boldly and forgive quickly, as Christ has forgiven you is the ultimate calling.  We have failed you many times, but hope you will remember the great sacrifices we have made on your behalf and remember all the family celebrations, love and family time we have enjoyed together.  You have filled my days with pleasure, pain, worry, joy, pride, anger and impatience.  Thank you for bringing out the best and worst in me and for keeping me humbled and on my knees.

You are a natural born leader with a strong will and a strong sense of what you want. My hope for you is to use your talents wisely.  Treat others with respect, care and kindness all the days of your life.  Never take anything for granted.  Everything in your life is a precious gift that can be taken at any moment.

You are a hardworking, rule-following, ethical young man.  You seek fairness and justice and are a protective spirit by nature.  You are a loyal, true, and honest in your dealings.  

I pray your 16th year will bring new friendships, laughter, joy and continued fellowship with God.  I pray you will make moral decisions based on principles, not feelings.  I pray you will respect, honor and cherish all those that cross your path in the years to come.  You are a unique and special gift from God.  I pray the next few years should prove to be the best in making the passage into adulthood before plunging into the challenges and responsibilities you will face in the future.  Remember, to always give it your best and at least try to take risks, no matter how big the projects may seem.  Pain of failing passes quicker than the regret of never trying.

I hope you know how much I love you and how thankful I am that God allowed me to earnestly enjoy the last 16 years with you.  You are a true delight with a great sense of humor (when you are not being too serious!)  You have a sensitive and loving spirit, and I hope you will remember how abundantly loved and cherished you are in my eyes and in God’s kingdom.

Love,

Mom

Betrayal

If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it; if a foe were raising himself against me, I could hide from him. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend. - Psalm 55:12-13

Betrayal is nothing new.  In most cases, our deepest pains and heartaches come from those closest to us and often times from other believers.  I have discovered that my expectations are higher for those in the church.  As the expectations are higher, so are the disappointments.  Lowering expectations and assuming the worst does sound extreme, but surprisingly yields the most happiness.  Expecting others to fail us can be a source of great comfort when dealing with difficult people or circumstances.  Leadership takes guts and along with leadership comes hardship, hurts, and discouragement, but if you are focused on serving and pleasing the only one that matters, true joy can result.  If you are going to focus on things you can't control (other people or what they say behind your back) you are inviting pain and suffering.  In the end, the only thing that really matters is what God thinks, not others.  Betrayals are difficult, however, Jesus was betrayed and so were Joseph and David.  The people closest to them were the ones that turned their backs on them. Modeling their reactions to horrible situations can take your spirituality to a whole new level.  None of us are perfect.  If we are able to move to a place of forgiveness in our hearts despite what others say or do, it is a freedom that transcends all understanding but a great source of comfort during trials.  The vindicator will come to judge the quick and the dead and eventually make all things right.

Competition within the Church/Walls of Division

These thoughts and post are from Prime Time with God.  I have felt compelled to write about unity for many months, but these few thoughts sum up why unity cannot be obtained within the church when competition and walls of division are present.

The walls of division and competition among his body are a stench in God's nostrils.  He sees the competition and pride of ownership and weeps for the lost who cannot come to him because they cannot see him in his body.  When his body is one, the unbelieving see that Jesus was sent by God.  The key is in the hand of the church.  When there is unity, there is power.  Scripture tells us 5 will chase 100 but 100 will chase 10,000 (see Lev. 26:8.)  We are 100 times more effective when we are in unity.  Jesus prayed that we might be one, as the Father and he are one.  When this love is in us, we are drawn to each other with a common mission. The walls fall down.  The independent spirit is broken.  Competition is destroyed.  Satan's accusations are thwarted.  Our love for one another is manifested to the world around us.  Lost souls seek the love!

Well, that about sums it up if we would just be obedient and stop comparing ourselves.

Misunderstood

There are few things more frustrating than being misunderstood.  Communication is key, but what do you do when details in speech are not part of your genetic makeup or you don't fully complete thoughts and sentences to perfect accuracy.  Even the best communicators are sure to fall short of a never ending load of information.  Juggling multiple tasks can get complicated and overwhelming.  Every person is beating to their own drum in dealing with  issues, idols, and problems which makes communicating to others even more difficult.  Some people are sensitive and others can roll anything off their shoulders without thinking twice.  We all have fears, certain insecurities, and doubts about ourselves and others.  What happens when you are not clear when trying finish a thought or express a feeling or situation?  Immediately, assumptions play in on the other person's end making conversation confusing.  Subconsciousness becomes active and guards are in full operation.  Sometimes, I wish there was a heart monitoring device that spoke evidence of authenticity.  The worse feeling in the world is being misunderstood.  Even the best intentions are typically shot down by other's collected and evaluated opinions.  I wish more people with give the benefit of the doubt to other's motives without being judgmental. I often think of that word in an interesting way...judge=mental - because when we judge others or have paranoid feelings, it can drive us mental.  Often times, we take matters into our own hands and try to make decisions based on false accusations, hear say or misunderstandings.  This is so painful and wrong.  Relationships take time and effort and a willingness to sit down and discuss matters one on one to clear the air.  Sadly, most people have already made their decisions about others instead of making a real attempt to have authentic relationships.  I feel like a pretty deep person and dear friend to others, but often times am clearly misunderstood.  This may be one of the most painful experiences to endure when trying to build meaningful relationships.  Most of us have that deep longing to be known and be accepted but very few are willing to get vulnerable and expose it all.  Without risks there are no returns.  The only way to build a foundation of trustworthy relationships is to continually put yourself out there boldly for others to accept or reject.  Being misunderstood is hard, but I have found the best way to personal growth and happiness with others is to be a risk taker and communicate likes, dislikes, fears, and frustrations.  We take the chance of being hurt, but we also take a chance of being known and being loved.  However, we can be assured, the true friends will shine through and the others will be pruned out.  It is a blessing to learn true friendships.  When you reveal weaknesses, and others go for the juggler, you know you can move on and not waste any more time trying to build a foundation.  In a way, the pain is actually an avenue to for growth and development of character to rise above the ones who are not authentic and cling to the people who treat you right!