Trendy & Natural

 

Isn't it funny that not everything has to be 'cured' by a drug? I am all for drugs - in the appropriate setting - but just like so many other elements of this society, we have really gone over board with forgetting how incredible our bodies are! After all, they were created by the GREAT physician Himself!!! Hellllllooooooo. Anyway, just in case you facing some sinus issues or ear aches - I give two thumbs up to both of these products.

Ear candling is by far my new best friend. I have been doing it for several years now and as an experienced ear ache queen (just ask my parents), I can testify that this has been the best thing to possibly happen to me when it comes to me and my hurting ears!

I have 'grown out' of most of my ear problems, but every now and again ear aches creep back into my life. Now, instead of dropping drops, meds, or surgery, I have been able to find extreme relief with ear candles. I am not one to follow "trendy natural" products, but maybe the "trendy natural" people don't have it all wrong..... There is probably a million different opinions on ear candling and other various activities that are similar and how each one is a hoax. All I can say is don't knock it until you try it! After one session, I was made a complete believer. Even if it is all in my head, I don't care - it is the only thing I have ever used to help find relief from nasty ear problems.

Also, with crazy weather, sinus issues galore, I am also a huge fan of the Neti Pot! When you need relief from your sinus cavities acting up, this is has come to my rescue several times.

*Please note, I am suggesting that these product "cure" or "heal" you - I am just merely suggesting, that they made a world of difference for me! :)

Perseverance

I have registered for the last time before I graduate with my Masters Degree!!!! It is really happening! I am really going to walk across that stage. :) I beyond pumped. While all the excitement  has kept me on cloud nine all week, reality has started to set in and the realization of what is ahead.... I have two classes this summer to complete (6 hours), and this fall I will conquer the task of completing four classes (12 hours). Yikes. Before I get too overwhelmed, I have to constantly remind myself how much we are getting off our plate....

David and I have significantly reduced our work load (for various reasons) so that way we can both focus more on studies. I can't wait!!! The hardest thing that I have ever had to learn, no matter the situation, has been patience... I still struggle with it today. However, I am learning and growing in ways that I haven't ever before, and so I have been much more accepting of life as we know it. :) Success isn't defined by how fast you get to a goal, but what you do to in between to accomplish that goal.

I am listening to, yep you guessed it, another audio tape - Between Sundays by Karen Kingsbury. Discovering and enjoying the journey is what this book is all about. That is exactly where David and I am right now. We both have big goals that we will accomplish, however, we are determined to enjoy the ride! December will be here before we know it and we will look back saying, "where did the time go?" or "wow! This season has just flown by!" It happens all the time right?

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Crawfish & Initiation

Thursday, April 7, 2011 I got to spend the day with David at Louisiana Tech, where this might not seem very exciting to some, it was an incredible day!

**I apologize ahead of time that the pictures aren't that great of quality as they were taken very quickly and with my cell phone... I was lucky to get the ones that I did!

The College of Business had a crawfish boil.

Enjoying our lunch.... Cajun style!

The reason why this day was so special was because David has officially completed initiation to become part of the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership and Honors Society! I was one proud wife! (Note: probably the only wife, but still!!!) He is SO smart. :)

Having a day shared with David, was exactly what the doctor ordered! After having some crazy past couple of weeks, spending quality time on a random weekday was perfect on so many levels. I know that David is destined for great things, and I am just thrilled that I get to be along for the ride!! Love you David! 

Just in case you were wondering about ODK please visit their website at http://www.odk.org/.



Be Kind

I am currently reading Karen Kingsbury's new book Unlocked. She tells a story about an autistic boy that is so far extreme on the spectrum of autism that he can not communicate on any level other than by "pex" cards, (basically like flash cards with pictures to associate meaning). His name is Holden. He is a junior in high school.


The story is all about how his private world becomes unlocked. Over and over again God continues to show His face through the miraculous workings of the progress being made by Holden. His mother is a devote follower of Christ and has never given up, even after 15 years of being with a non-communicative child - he wasn't autistic until after his 3rd birthday and a surplus of vaccines were given at one time. As you can imagine, all the friends this young couple had were gone when Holden started to digress and became lost in his own private world. At the beginning of the school year, Holden is walking pass the drama room where a gorgeous blonde headed girl has just been named the lead role of Belle for the school's spring musical. Through a series of events, he gets to join in watching the rehearsals and Belle, real name Ella, and his progress begins.

You have to read the book now. :)

This book got me thinking.....

Don't we all have an inner private world? Do you ever talk and feel like no one listening? How frustrating right? What about the people that are around you that don't understand you and in turn just make fun of you and your quirky actions? On some degree it seems as though we all battle with some kind of label. We have believed what the 'experts' and 'books' say, so nothing is done or we accept where or who we are, instead of challenging ourselves in what Christ has called us to be. Maybe you are a stay at home mom and you aren't fitting with the new moms group, or you have recently moved and can't seem to get connected or plugged in, or you have been defined by society as a 'homeless person' and that means there really isn't any hope for you.

I disagree.

As the person who is seeking to be understood, keep strong in your faith. Stick to the verse Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." You have to believe that God does in fact have incredible plans for YOUR life! As the person who is the moms group, community member, church member, etc - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving, just as God through Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:32. No one likes to be the person who isn't being understood, but the one that is accepted. This world is too cruel and mean as it is, you never know what people are going through and a kind deed of a simple smile, or "hello" could change everything. Everywhere all of us turn - life is a beat down - filled with drama and negativity. I challenge you today and everyday to be that kind person. The person you would want to randomly walk by you when you are having a hard time. Even though we are strangers to so many, a kind deed can unit us.

I am declaring that I will be the kind, tenderhearted person. I love the Lord and I refuse to allow the negativity and drama and beat down of this world to touch me. I hope you will do the same. You never know when you might get your chance to help change someone's life.

Happy Hump Day! :)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Jealous? I think so!

 As of March 31, 2011 - I, Anna June Adams, have officially 'read' every single Debbie Macomber audiobook that the Bienville Parish Library system has..... Am I cool or what?!

I blogged earlier in the year, that I had found a new friend - audiobooks. David thought I might like them, and when we took our trip to Indiana, I was hooked. He had recommended Debbie Macomber's books, and I so, my love of audiobooks began.

I have throughly enjoyed listening to the following books:

The Perfect Christmas

Back on Blossom Street

Twenty Wishes *listened to it twice, and sent a paperback copy to my mom! LOVED it. :)

A Good Yarn

Hannah's List

A Cedar Cove Christmas

Mrs. Miracle

Summer on Blossom Street

Susannah's Garden

Thursday's at Eight

The Shop on Blossom Street

These are not all the books Debbie Macomber has written, just the ones that are on audio in this parish. David does a couple of new Debbie Macomber audiobooks on order for me! Yes, I know you are probably rolling your eyes, but 90 miles of driving every day, gets lonely, and while it probably sounds like I am headed straight for the looney bin, I have come to love the characters in these books and I really love Debbie Macombers work. I feel like I know her, just because of how she writes. Is that weird? I am sure it is.

Regardless, I have acomplished one of my many goals for this year! I am completely and totally listening to a book a week. By the end of the year, I will have 'read' over 52 books! Isn't that neat? I think it is, that is 50 more books than I read last year. :)

Anyway, if you are ever in the mood for a light hearted, upbeat, feel good, easy read - anything that Debbie Macomber writes is incredible!

Enjoy.