Do You Know What it Takes to Have a Good Marriage? I Must Admit…I Didn’t

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We got married on Dec 7th, 1974.  I’d just turned 20 years old six weeks earlier on Oct. 14th.  My husband had just turned 20 the day before.  Back then you didn’t really get a lot of marital advice.  I think their mentality was you either do it or you don’t.

We were young, very much in love and extremely optimistic.  We had our whole lives ahead of us and we were determined to live it and to do all that we had to, to stay married and in love.

After all, “it can’t be that hard,” is what we thought…as long as we love each other.  We thought love was a cure all for anything and just knew staying married would be like a cake walk.

Especially since both our parents (who were great examples) had been married for at least 30 years at the time.  They made it look easy and we figured, if they can do it, we KNOW we can.

Oh, how things change.  When you’re young and bright eyed, you feel as if things will always be the same, not knowing that everything and anything will change with time.  You have to work at marriage and work hard.  And it doesn’t come with a “how to” manual, you have to figure it out for yourself.

First of all, having children is going to change the dynamics of the relationship and you should really think about that before you have any.  They can and do make life better but you should be ready for the change, mentally and physically.

And even though we had our first child a year and a half earlier, there was still a change. No more just jumping into the car and going somewhere.  Whether to a night club, a movie or even down the street, we had someone else to consider.

Even your sleeping pattern changes.  I was still living at home with my parents when I had my son and it wasn’t hard at all.  I had all the help in the world and didn’t have to worry about a thing, not even a babysitter.

My parents wouldn’t even take the money my husband (at the time my boyfriend) tried to give them for our son.  We take care of our own is how they thought.  Thanks be to God my family was doing alright financially because a lot of people at the time wasn’t.

We were so hopeful in the beginning of our marriage, but you know what, that’s how you should be.  Slowly but surely things are going to change.  You get to know the other person and all of their little intricacies and you start viewing everything a little differently.

You both have a lot to learn and as long as you’re willing participants things could go a lot smoother.  I had to learn that and so did my husband.  You can’t have the mind set of “it’s my way or no way,” or be unwilling to change (as you mature) because it won’t work.

You’re going to have disagreements, different ideas and opinions about things…you’re two different people.  As long as the both of you are striving for one goal, you can make it.  But you have to have God in your life and you have to put Him first.

We both came from Faith based families but at that age we didn’t put our faith to work and as a result we had a tumultuous relationship.  Not in the beginning of the marriage but eventually it got there.

As I look back I see so many instances where if we’d only taken the time to read God’s word and asked Him for guidance, things would’ve been a whole lot easier.  Or even asked someone with more experience.  We thought it was a sign of weakness or even failure if we’d asked for help.  After all we’d never heard of anyone else asking for help.

I thank God that our eyes were opened as we got older.  And even though we hadn’t heard of it (people kept it to themselves for some reason), a lot of people needed help.  It would make married life a lot easier if someone lets you know that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone, we’ve gone through that too and here’s how we resolved it.

It’s now August 2017.  On December 7th of this year we’ll celebrate our 43rd Wedding Anniversary.  We’re still together and in spite of some very tough times, still very much in love.  It hasn’t been easy, at times it was down right hard but we persevered.

We’re friends and partners in this game called life.  And it’s like they say, anything worth having you have to work at it.  The same energy you put into your job when you go there everyday, you have to put it into your marriage as well.  That’s the only way to come out a winner…and isn’t that what you want?

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to Stay Young Inside and Out? By Eating This Ancient Superfruit You Can

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

Natural cures are nature’s way of healing our bodies, minds and souls.  No drugs, no side effects, and no down time.

Well staying and feeling youthful are also benefits of natural foods and cures and today we’re going to focus on one and a few of it’s health benefits.  It’s called a superfruit and the advantages of eating this superfruit are staggering.

After reading this article by Dr. Glenn S. Rothfeld, M. D. I’m sure you’ll agree.  It guarantees that by eating this ancient superfruit you’ll stay young.

It says…Beauty may be skin deep…but aging isn’t!

There are so many companies focusing on the OUTSIDE of your bodies — trying to sell you everything from creams, scrubs, and peels to injections and surgeries –but I’m much more concerned with what can slow aging on the INSIDE.

Because the cells of your organs and other tissues can take just as much abuse as the skin on your face or the hair on the top of your head — if not more!

Now, just because you can’t see the aging doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do about it.

A recent study has discovered that the key to staying young on the inside may be pomegranate, an ancient superfruit that’s chock-full of antioxidants.

When you eat pomegranate, your body produces a compound called urolithin A — and researchers from Switzerland have found that it can turn back the clock in three major ways:

  1. Making your muscle cells regenerate
  2. Clearing out the parts of the cells that don’t work anymore (usually the mitochondria, or the “power house” of the cells)
  3. Putting the parts that still do work to use.

When they gave the compound to senior mice, the critters were able to run 42 percent longer.

Imagine having the strength and endurance to last longer — bringing you right back to the days when you were at your peak, and you felt like you could keep going — forever!

What’s more, the fruit of the pomegranate tree is also known to reduce inflammation and can even destroy parasites in your body.

Researchers in Oxford looked at clinical trials over a year and findings have reignited interest in the effects of superfruits – especially pomegranates.

Latest studies show a promising impact on the management of the body’s glycaemic index – a key issue in Type 2 diabetes.  There is also a link between pomegranate and a slowing down in the spread of prostate and bowel cancers.

So, get plenty of pomegranate — but beware of juices and other processed foods with added sugars.  Fresh, organic pomegranates are still exotic in some parts of the country, so if you can’t find them (or at least a package of the seeds), you should be able to get pomegranate supplements in capsule form at your local health food store.

But why stop with pomegranate?  Bulk up on other antioxidant foods that your body can use to produce urolithin A, including black and red raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, and almonds.

Other fruits and vegetables getting worldwide attention are blueberries, cranberries, avocados, beetroot, mangosteen, acai berries, kiwi fruit, goji berries and noni fruit.

Eat them all, and you’ll slow the aging and damage to the inside of your body, cut your heart disease risk, fight infection, and even improve your vision and memory.

Just make sure they’re organic.

And remember…1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

20 you were bought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your bodies.

 

 

Want To Stay Healthy as You Age? With These 3 Bacteria in Your Gut I’m Betting You Can Do Just That

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

Our health…it gets more important to us as we age and harder to maintain.  At 16 or 17, or even 24 or 25, eating healthy is the last thing on our minds.

Usually at that age we’re at our best weight and in the best of health.  It’s critical that we maintain that health as best we can.

Heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure can be kept at bay if we do what it takes for it to stay that way.

So how do we stay healthy?  Well, for one thing we have to have a made up mind that that’s what we really want, and we must remember that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, died so that we may have life and health and have it more abundantly.              John 10:10

We must do our part and do what we can.  For ourselves and more importantly for Christ, whose death and resurrection made it available for us.

Thankfully there’s help…help that can insure we stay as healthy as possible.  Yes those illnesses threatens our lives as we age but did you know that certain bacteria in our bodies can actually help us to fight against them?

Newsmax.com gives us 3 gut bacteria that could bring heart disease, diabetes and HBP to it’s knees.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Lactobacillus reuteri.  This is one trifecta of probiotics that betting on delivers a payoff everyday.

Making sure you have the right balance of these good-for-you bacteria in your intestines (that’s where they live!) can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce your risk for Type 2 diabetes and its complications while keeping your cardiovascular system healthy.  They thrive in foods you love (really!), and you can take them as supplements.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is in probiotic yogurt and fermented soy products like miso and tempeh.  Most often thought of as a digestive aid, it’s good for treating vaginal yeast infections.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus act as anti-inflammatory in your gut and helps fight obesity and insulin resistance.  You can enjoy it in probiotic yogurt, fermented soy and fermented milks.  Remember: Diary products help probiotics survive through stomach acid, but make sure you choose nonfat, no-added-sugar dairy.

Lactobacillus reuteri reduces lousy LDL cholesterol and your risk of coronary heart disease.  You can get it in supplements, and it’s in breast milk (just FYI) and even chewing gum designed to control dental plaque and gingivitis.

I’m betting this lacto-trifecta will show you good bacteria in the right place, and that’s a big health win!

So even though it gets harder as we age to stay healthy, it can be done…and with this trifecta the payoff is huge.

 

 

 

 

How Independent Are You?

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

On this day in 1776 this country’s Declaration of Independence was signed.  What comes to your mind when you think about this day?

Is it the thought of being free?

Is it the thought of the sacrifices that were made for that freedom?

Is it the thought of being independent of someone or some thing ruling over you?

Whatever it may be, I pray you spend this day and everyday being the best you, you can be.  I pray you keep your mind and thoughts stayed on God and his love for you and you can’t go wrong.

He helps us to be thoughtful and courteous.  And to be loving and kind to our family and friends and even our enemies.  We can not do this without God.

Our independence was given to us first by Him…he doesn’t force us to do anything, he gives us free will to do whatever we’d like.  And to accept and believe on him.

Put God first always and you can’t and won’t go wrong.  If you haven’t already…why don’t you on this day give him a try!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY to you all and may God Bless You and America!!!

My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

Is this the way you feel sometimes?  Like God is so far away?

You feel like He can’t possibly know what’s going on in your life because if He did this or that wouldn’t be happening.

We’ve heard it a million times before.  If God is real, why is this happening?  Or the daddy of them all…how could God allow that to happen to good people?

That’s expected from the world.  But as a child of God we should know the answer to that question and others like it.  Even though our feelings get in the way sometimes (we are human), we already know the answer.

Because of the disobedience of Adam, the first man, sin came into the world.  And because of the fall of man, good and evil are known.  He didn’t know good and evil before his disobedience.  Genesis 3 vs 22

The bad things that happen in the world are a direct result of sin.  There are consequences for every action, sometimes good and sometimes bad.  For example if you stick your finger in a fire it’s going to get burned.  That’s a consequence of an action.  You made the decision to stick your finger in the fire not God.

He gives us free will to make choices, we’re not robots so therefore things are going to happen.  He allows us to make the decision to come to Him, He doesn’t force us.  Some of us choose to accept Him and walk the straight and narrow and others don’t.

Diseases and ailments are also a result of sin.  Man having to work a job (Genesis 3 vs 19)and even woman giving birth (Genesis 3 vs 16) are results of sin.  Eve was beguiled by the serpent and disobeyed God but Adam ate knowingly.

Now sin, with all it’s dreadful consequences are entered into the human race and the world in general.

God hasn’t forsaken you, He’s there with you at all times.  Our decisions, sometimes good, sometimes bad are what drives us.  And if we know God we’re more apt to make the right decision because we look to Him.

 

 

Family…Are You Stuck With Yours?

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

Our family…I know sometimes we wish we had a choice in the matter but we don’t.  We can’t pick and choose our family.  We get who we get and we have to be satisfied with that.

I think when we’re young, especially when we’re teenagers, we constantly wish for new parents.  And why is that? It’s the same answer everywhere you go.  Because they won’t let us do what we want to do.  Or, and this is a big one, “they don’t understand us.”

We think they’ve never been kids before so they can’t possibly know what we’re going through.  Or even when they try and talk to us we think they don’t know the first thing about being a kid.  We also have siblings that constantly get on our nerves.  There’s just no end to it, and we wish we had a new family or better still, for some, no family.

As we age we realize that family’s the first place we’re shown unconditional love.  It’s the first place we’re shown how to love.  We’re taught to show respect and give respect.  We’re also taught sharing and manors, and hopefully a work ethic through chores.

We learn that this was our parents instilling good morals into us and preparing us to go out into the world.  And regardless of how they view you as a parent we must train up a child in the way he or she should go.

We also learn that a loving family is a gift from God.  That even our crazy uncle or the cousin who’s on drugs, is all a part of God’s plan for the family.  And that we should do whatever we can to love and nurture the one we have.

We should be there for each other whether one of them is on drugs or not.  We should show love and kindness and remind them that God loves them too.  At the end of the day God put you in that family.

Right now the family’s under attack.  It’s under attack by an enemy that will do anything to disrupt God’s order.  We can’t and shouldn’t allow the enemy to have his way.  That is not the will of God.

We have to see our family in a different light.  The way we treat each other in our family reflects in the way we operate in the world.  Others will see it and recognize that you’re a part of something that’s admirable…and that’s family.

Whether we like it or not we’re stuck with the one we have.  Good or bad, different or indifferent.  We can make the most of it and even help to make it better…because at the end of the day we’re all that we have.

1 Corinthians 13:7  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anything Good Has to be Nurtured and That Includes Marriage

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

When many people think of marriage today, they don’t.  They don’t take it seriously and they don’t give it a second thought.

Because when they do take that step, half the time they’ve already told themselves that if it don’t work out they’ll get a divorce.  Nine times out of ten they’ve already said that to someone else as well.

Marriage should not be taken lightly.  It is and should be viewed as a covenant between two people who has chosen to become one.  One heart and one flesh with one goal.  Not as a contract, which is what divorce is all about.  You go into it with the mind set, if it don’t work out I’ll just get out.

A covenant is a binding agreement.  Something that you vow to honor forever and a day and when you go into your marriage thinking of it that way, your marriage will be the better for it.

Marriage should be viewed like a beautiful flower that blooms each spring.  And like green blades of grass growing out of the ground.  In order for flowers to bloom and grow and in order for grass to be healthy and green, they have to be nurtured and cared for.

if your flowers or your grass is not watered and fertilized, they will wither and die.  A marriage is the same way.  Think about it…you have to nurture and take care of it or it will wither and die as well.

Marriage is give and take and we learn that as we mature.  It’s not only about us, it’s about us two.  Sometimes you make sacrifices and sometimes you don’t but if you look to God and his holy word it will be alright and that little sacrifice you made is not a big deal.

As we age our appearances change and so does our health, and if your marriage is rooted and grounded in the word you won’t have to worry about your spouse leaving because of that change or because it got a little hard.

One thing is constant and will always happen and that’s age and change.  As God fearing people we know that and accept it with pride and joy.  Because to age is a Blessing from God.

None of us are experts at marriage.  We take what we have and work with it.  And if we follow God’s word and will for our lives, we’ll be the better for it.  We’ll have love, peace and happiness and divorce will be the last thing on our minds.

Nurture your marriage by doing what you have to do to have a healthy, happy marriage.  Not looking at what someone else is doing but looking at what God would have you to do and divorce will be the last thing on your mind.

Nurture it and it will Grow!

 

 

 

 

Raise a Glass Today to Keep the Cardiologist Away

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

By now you know that I’m interested in Preventative measures in order to stay healthy.  Rather than getting sick and having to cure it, it’s best to, at least try and prevent illness.

We, as Christians know that God’s plan for us is to be healthy but he won’t and don’t make us do anything,  We’d be his robots.  He gives us free will to decide for ourselves.  And for every decision, rather good or bad, there’re consequences.

Dr. Glenn S. Rothfeld, M.D. wrote these words.  Who would’ve thought that enjoying a cold beer on a hot day…relaxing with a nice glass of wine…or even enjoying a little nightcap could be the secret to a healthy heart?

He stated that the latest research confirms: An occasional cocktail, glass of wine, or beer could lower your risk of heart disease.

A new study just published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) reveals that drinking in moderation reduces your risk of several life-threating heart conditions — especially when compared to not drinking alcohol at all.

Over the course of six years, British researchers analyzed the medical records of nearly two million people around the UK, all of whom were at least 30 years old at the start of the study, and none of whom had prior heart problems.

To the cheers of every Englishman who’s ever had a pint in a pub, the results showed that when compared with teetotalers, it was the moderate drinkers who were less likely to be diagnosed with several conditions–including chest pain, heart failure, stroke, and peripheral artery disease ( which reduces the circulation to your arms and legs).

He said that these things echoed what he’d said in the past, particularly as it relates to heart health and drinking.  He says that the medical community knows that some alcoholic beverages, like red wine, are loaded with antioxidants like resveratrol that are great for your heart; and they also learned that beer can boost your levels of “good” cholesterol and prevent you from having a heart attack.

But don’t start knocking ’em back just yet, because they say it was the heavy drinkers who were most likely to be diagnosed with these heart conditions as well as with cardiac arrest.

Now, if you’ve already quit drinking completely, there’s no reason to start again.  He states that according to the study, drinking again after you’ve already quit won’t improve your heart’s health.

But if you don’t drink at all…if you always abstain and find yourself toasting with a glass of water…now may be a good time to try a little tipple.

Just don’t go overboard by making up for all those toga parties you never went to in college.

According to the experts, moderate drinking means no more than 14 units of alcohol a week.  That translates into about five to seven glasses of beer or wine in a seven-day period…and less if you’re drinking hard alcohol like whiskey or vodka.

The heart is the center of our being, so let’s at least, if we can, raise a glass in a preventative measure to have a happy, healthy heart.

To our Good Health…

 

 

 

 

Do You Have the Victory as a Christian and How Do You Know?

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

How do we know that we have the Victory?  Is it a feeling we get or some kind of sign that’s presented to us?  Is it something we do?  How do we know?

Before I tell you what I think it is let me tell you this.

I came to Christ as a child.  One of my sisters who’s closer to me in age, I’m the youngest of four total and one of my brothers who’s also closer to me in age, I have six all total, my best friend and some of my cousins all came at the same time.

Even though it was a step in the right direction, did we have the Victory?  Did we even know what having the Victory was?  No, we didn’t.

We were all brought up in Christian homes so we knew about God, but how many elementary school kids really think about Him except on Sundays.  Sunday school and church was suppose to be our guide to help us through the week.  But as children playing and hanging out with friends is what’s important.  You don’t really have a concept or know the importance of what’s being taught to you about God.  Well, let me rephrase that, we didn’t.

But one summer day we all made a pact to get serious and join the church.  That day was a turning point for us.  Another sister of mine gathered us all together and read some of the passages out of the book of Revelations.  She kind of put her own spin on the part about the beast with the seven heads and the four horsemen.  Needless to say it got our attention.  Later we found out that’s what it was designed to do.

We were all ready and eager after then to take that step and learn more about Christ and what it takes to become true believers.  My sister told us we needed to be baptized and that’s what we did.  In order to join the Baptist church you have to profess your belief verbally and then be baptized with water.  Which is an outward symbol of an inward change.  Which as kids we still didn’t quite comprehend…but it was a start.

Even though it was step in the right direction, did we have the Victory?  That question is one, I think, that’s been asked of a lot of Christians.  It’s a fair question and something we truly need to think about.

Are you being all that you can be as a Christian?  And if you were to die today do you think you’d be going to heaven?

Well, this is my take on it.

As Christians we have the Victory through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  If we’re born again and believe that Jesus is the son of God we have the Victory.

Once we’ve confessed Christ with our mouth and accepted him in our hearts, we have the Victory.  We have the Victory over the enemy and over the world.  Christ gave it to us over 2,000 years ago when He got up from the grave.

It’s not a particular way you feel and it’s not what you do.  It’s what you know in your heart and believe.  So if anyone ever ask you if you have the Victory…tell them Yes, because Jesus gave us the Victory over everything when he got up from the grave.

So through Him, we have the Victory!  I Corinthians 15 vs 57

 

 

 

 

What You’re Eating Could Be Making You Sick

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Posted on by rvjohnsonwriting4u

Being healthy and living a healthy life should be the number one goal in our lives.  Before we get to the point of taking pills to control a situation we should have determination.

Determination to keep our bodies, which are temples of God, free of illness and disease.  Prevention is the key!

Preventative Healthcare consists of measures taken for disease prevention, as opposed to disease treatment.

If we maintain healthy eating habits and exercise regularly we can decrease the chances of us getting ill.  But we have to have a made up mind.  We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and he can help us if and when we’re ready.

We must set our minds the same way we set a clock to incorporate these new lifestyle changes.

According to the Journal of Health and Social Behavior 1990, Vol 31 (September): 240-259, habitual modes of behavior, like other habits are very difficult to change.  They require a period of time to develop, but change can be done.

As Christians we know to look to God for all things, our health and well being is one of those things.

There’s a massive amount of foods out there that are both healthy and tasty.  We don’t have to fear that healthy food won’t taste good.

Almost all fruit is healthy.  Apples, oranges, blueberries, bananas, etc. I can’t list them all.

Eggs are nutritional too.

It’s a myth that all meat is harmful.  Unprocessed, gently cooked meat is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods you can eat.  Lean beef, chicken breast and lamb just to name a few .

Despite being high in fat and calories, studies suggest that nuts and seeds can help you lose weight, if eaten in moderation.  Nuts and seeds are a great natural source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are associated with many health benefits, and they’re easy to carry with you as a snack.

Calorie for calorie, vegetables are among the world’s most concentrated sources of nutrients.  There’s a wide variety available, and it’s best to eat many different types of vegetables every day.

There’s also fish and seafood, grains and even dark chocolate is healthy.

Prevention saves money and improves health.

So you see there’s no reason why we can’t be mindful of our health and what we eat.  We must take action and move towards a healthier lifestyle….before our food makes us sick.

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