Sunday Morning Coffee 03.20.16

Happy Spring Equinox from Virginia - the Love State! I am visiting my beautiful daughter and getting acquainted with my grand puppy!

I had the wonderful opportunity to be with my daughter when she chose her gorgeous wedding dress!  It was such a blessing to experience that together and be part of the moment when she realized the reflection she saw in the mirror was everything she envisioned!

My visit has also included going to Waterman's at Virginia Beach - eating crab cakes and drinking Orange Crush!  Today we head for Williamsburg and some shopping!  I am so grateful for this break in my hectic responsibilities, and for my dear friends and family at home cheering me on from the sidelines.

Enjoy your family and renew your soul for the adventures that await you!

Sunday 03.13.16

Happy Spring Forward into Daylight Savings Sunday!  Today begins an additional hour of daylight into our lives.  How will you choose to use that additional hour?

This weekend I attended a funeral service for a dear friend's mother.  Her mother, Mary Butler Meyers, was involved in her family's local funeral business.  Mary was well aware of the ministry that her career afforded her - to be a stretcher bearer to those grieving the loss of a loved one.  The service ended with the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth".

This experience reminded me to not drift through my life, but to live a life of purpose and intention - or living forward.  The beauty of a life plan is it can bring structure to your life while allowing for change and growth,

Below are some steps for creating a life plan:

1.  Consider your present roles - each day we give ourselves different labels through our actions.

2.  Consider the roles you want to play in your future - these are the nouns you would want someone to use to describe you at the end of your life.

3.  Write down your priorities - the why behind what you want to do and be in your life.

4.  Consider your physical and emotional needs - what you need to be the person you desire.

5.  Write down your goals - your personal "bucket list".

6.  Consider how to accomplish your goals - the steps needed to reach your goals.

7.  Review your life plan - life always changes, keep track of your accomplishments.

8.  Adjust your life plan - consider what is different and important to you now.

Enjoy your Sunday relaxing with family and friends!  Be thankful for the blessing of today!

Acid Reflux

Ginger is a flowering herb that originated from China.  The root is the commonly used part as a spice.  It can be used fresh, dried and powdered or as a juice or oil.  Ginger is aromatic, pungent or spicy, and adds a special zest and flavor.

Is Ginger Good for Acid Reflux?

Ginger is well known as the best remedy for digestion process and helps to reduce the back up of contents into esophagus.

• Ginger regulates the flow of juices in the digestive system for proper absorption of food.
• It has anti – inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and irritation.
• Ginger absorbs excess stomach acid.
• The shagoals and gingerols in ginger soothe stomach muscles.
• It aids in pushing the food through bowels and prevents the buildup of gas in the stomach.
• Ginger relieves nausea and vomiting.
• Ginger tightens the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent the back-flow of stomach acid.

Ways To Use Ginger to Treat Acid Reflux:

1. Ginger and Lemon Juice

• Peel a one-inch piece of ginger root.
• Crush it to extract its juice.
• Mix with a few drops of lemon juice.
• Stir well and drink daily to prevent acid reflux.

2. Plain Ginger

• Peel and grate ginger root.
• Eat 1 teaspoon daily.

3. Ginger with Bland Foods

Bland foods like oatmeal and yogurt settle the stomach.

• Peel and grate fresh ginger.
• Add this to bland foods and eat.
• Repeat daily.

4. Ginger Root Candy

• Wash, peel and mince ginger root.
• Place in frying pan with honey, cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of butter.
• Stir over low heat until all ingredients are combined.
• Place in oven for 10 minutes to get crystallizes.
• Take out of oven and allow it to cool.
• Break into chunks and eat to calm acid reflux.
• Eat this before meals for effective results.

5. Ginger as a Spice

Ginger tastes great in stir-fry, rice, quinoa, and soups. Use it as a spice in your cooking as often as possible to prevent acid reflux.

6.  Ginger Tea

Peel and mince one inch ginger root.

Boil a cup of water and add ginger pieces.

Boil if for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Cover with lid and let steep for20 minutes.

Strain and stir in ½ teaspoon honey and lemon juice to taste.

Drink 2 times daily before meal to get rid of acid reflux.

Optional: You can add 3 crushed green cardamom pods 

Sunday 03.06.16

The March winds have been blowing in changes in the Midwest region.  The temperatures have been warm inviting people outdoors.  Trees are beginning to bud out and flowers are beginning to break out of the dark cold earth. 

I have been off line from blogging for over a month, due to new responsibilities of helping my parents enter into the next phase of their lives.  Both of them are now living in a skilled nursing facility.  While they are receiving much needed care, it is somewhat daunting to have additional responsibilities - advocating for their needs and tending to their personal belongings.  And then there is the emotional aspect of witnessing first hand the continuous demise of your parents due to dementia.

On the flip side are all of the blessings that have been put in my path - supportive family members, friends beside me while I sorted their belongings, saving me boxes, calling me to tell me they were thinking of me and when I had questions - a person appeared with the answer. 

I know I am not the first person nor will I be the last person to walk this journey with their parents.  While my parents didn't prepare well for their demise, they did help me to prepare with the faith that they instilled within me.  That is the well that I draw from for strength, courage and peace.  For that - I am a Lucky Penne.

We are in the fourth week of Lent and we are encouraged to taste and see the goodness of the Lord:
Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,
and your faces may not blush with shame.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,
and from all his distress he saved him.  Psalms 34:6-7