The Rain Falls

How appropriate that it is storming outside. Drops of rain are beating down upon the framework of this house. And upon my heart. Yesterday morning, around four a.m., my dad left this world and was welcomed into heaven. His broken body could no longer fight. Most of my dad's life was spent striving, working so hard just to make it by each month...working himself harder and harder to make up for past mistakes. He has finally stopped working and now he can rejoice!

The past week has been a gift. The Lord orchestrated the details that we might spend the very last days of my dad's life by his side. Holding his hand, caressing his head, offering him love. I am still in shock and will continue to digest and grieve and weep for this loss. Thank you so much for your continued love and support.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Update

So I disappeared from the blog sphere for a bit and I am hanging out here tonight to escape, if only for a few minutes. For those who don't know, my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia two weeks ago. I have been in California for a little over a week and will be here for five more days. The rug has been somewhat swept out from under me. I find myself facing something I thought would come much later in life for me. It has been very overwhelming, and I can't quite find the words to describe it all. I just want to thank everyone for the wonderful outpouring of love and support for me and my family during this time. My dad has been especially blessed knowing there are so many people praying for him.

Though I am emotionally exhausted, I have had a tremendous amount of peace throughout this experience. God is so good. He is faithful. In His word, He tells us to "...be anxious for nothing, but in all things by prayer and supplication, make your requests known to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will be yours in Christ Jesus."

I am so thankful for that. I have found myself daydreaming about the possibility of rewinding the clock just a couple of weeks... when the regular daily routine was the occupation of my time and thoughts. Now I am here in the midst of this, seeking wisdom, praying often, holding my daughter tightly, telling people that I love them.

Tell someone you love them.

To Your Health

I often get questions from people about health products. People bounce things off of me, I guess, because I am "one of those". I am into preventative health care practices, like chiropractic and massage, I shop at the health food store, etc. But I am not a vegetarian! Not that there is anything wrong with that....it is just funny, because people often assume that I don't eat meat. I gave up processed sugar and starches years ago for health reasons, so people are a little shocked to find that I love a good burger (on sprouted grain bread, of course!).

So I decided to include a little healthy section in my blog as a way to share with others, some tips on healthy living and some of my favorite products. This first To Your Health is dedicated to my friend, Vanessa, who stayed with us for a few days recently. While eating a bowl of my new favorite ice cream, she asked if I had blogged about it. When I said "no", she (while licking her spoon) said, "You have to blog about it. The world needs to know about this." Okay V, it is pretty safe to say that the entire world is not reading my blog...but to the few who do, I bring......

Coconut Bliss! This is the best non-dairy ice cream I have ever tasted. And I have tried a lot. Now, I don't have a problem with dairy. But I do have a problem with sugar. I'm hyperglycemic so I avoid processed sugar. It is very difficult thing to do, but just so necessary for me to even function...without chronic fatigue and headaches, etc. And I am just healthier for it in the long run. Anyway, I have yet to find a sugar-free dairy ice cream that doesn't have a chemical sweetener in it. And lots of people are allergic to dairy. I mean, we are the only species who drink the milk of other animals.

Coconut Bliss is all natural and very yummy. It is definitely not low fat, but since it is made from coconut milk, it is rich in nutrients and healthy fat. It is sweetened with agave nectar (a delicious, low-glycemic syrup) and is perfectly creamy and smooth. Finally! My ice cream addiction will no longer be my demise! I can eat as much as I want.

If you want to try this yummy treat, you can find Coconut Bliss at Whole Foods and other health food stores. My favorite flavors are Vanilla Island, Cappuccino, and Chocolate Hazelnut Fudge.

Here's to your health!