Colonoscopy "Helper"

I got to repay a favor today in taking a friend home from her colonoscopy.  If you know me, I am not always good in the doctor's office.  I've lost count of how many times I've passed out, and well - send me home without the instructions and I'll call you if I notice a problem!  I just had to laugh though, because even though this trip to the doctor involved the removal of two polyps, she wasn't given a lot of dietary instructions on how to help prevent irritable bowel syndrome.  I think the meds could prove to work wonderfully, however, there are a lot of foods out there to help the colon do its work.  I passed on a recipe or two to her, and now I'll blog about them in case you wanted to include it in purposeful eating.  Do your own study on Vitamin A - as it is ESSENTIAL!  I like to consume it in carrots, however liver I've been cooking now (they sell it at Hy-Vee already prepped)...and I cook it and then grind it in the food processor and add about 2 T. to a beef dish (with hamburger).  More recipes below...

Sweet Carrots & Rutabaga

4 medium carrots, cut into 3 inch julienne strips

2 cups rutabaga, peeled and cut into 3 inch julienne strips

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1/4 teaspoon dill weed

In a large saucepan, combine the carrots, rutabaga and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook for 13-15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the remaining ingredients; cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until butter is melted. Drain vegetables; add butter mixture.

 

Some research indicates that diets including psyllium may lower the incidence or risk of colon cancer.

Crepes

½ c. sorghum flour

½ c. potato starch

packet Stevia

2 eggs

½ c. milk

2 T. butter

Combine dry – mix wet & stir into flour mixture. Melt butter & put ¼ c. batter into pan. Cook one minute and flip for another...edges will start to curl up.

Liver, which stores vitamin A is very rich in it: a whop-ping 30000 IU in 3 ounces.

Poetry Party Post

So if you do an image search for poetry you find a lot of flowers and hearts - blah!  I try to spring ahead of National Poetry Month with hosting a poetry party the last weekend in March.  This year I didn't have much planning to do as a friend who'd attended in the past thought of what we could do (make poems from Speed Scrabble words!)  I am going to be pitching a wall hanging of an older piece titled "A Home Blessing" written in verse - so before I do I thought I'd document it in honor of the joy poetry brings.

God's blessing rest upon this home

And all who dwell within;
May all who enter, too, be blessed,
Traveler, friend or kin.

Enrich this home with happiness,
Good fellowship, and cheer;
The comfort of His Presence rest
On all who sojourn here.

-- Now, to make a writing exercise out of this lovely work...try forming a poem that sounds old fashioned. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Savers

Today our family went through some of our bins prior to moving in April.  There was a bag of newspaper articles from my hometown of Algona that my Grandma Elisabeth Radig had saved through the years.  I thought about how she enjoyed submitting articles for the nearby small town of Lone Rock.  She was a creative person at heart as she loved to plan church events, piano recital pieces, and save clippings of the stories she wrote about her family.  There was definitely some bias going on!  However, it was very special to me to find several clippings and a program from "My Fair Lady."  I had been a part of the chorus during that musical, but was there because it was something to do that summer.  Now as I think about it, my grandma had taken me to several musicals in Algona, and she was probably very excited to see her grand-daughter for five minutes in the performance.

I scanned in a few of my favorite selections to share in this post.  As I sorted through bins today, I couldn't help but credit my stashes of scrapbooks and photo albums to both of my grandmas and of course my mother.  As a child, I remember sorting through my other grandma's collection of boxes for Christmas gifts.  My aunt Lisa and I sorted them by size and threw the junky ones away.  Of course, with cleaning, a lot has to be thrown away - but now, these articles can be kept for just a little longer!

My Grandma Elisabeth Radig is in the middle with the shopping cart

My mom is on the left - she loved being a Cadette!

This was my favorite one when I was admiring a 4-H award...such a big deal at the time.

Kid Life

Last night we finished Sierra's "ABC South Dakota Scrapbook!"  She values independent thinking so much that I have to act like I'm not interfering in the content whatsoever.  I say things like, "Maybe you could write something about the Extraordinary Avenue of Presidents being an adventure in history... Just put it in your own words."  Or, "I've given you three suggestions, if you have something in mind, go ahead and use it."   So since I haven't been able to express my opinion much with Sierra, I thought I might blog about it and feel better.  The Presidential statues are now in Rapid City, and I think they're a great addition to visiting Mount Rushmore!

The kids were with us through much of our house hunt.  There was one day I was trying not to look at anything on the computer, and I did well until Chad sucked me in with a question.  When I sat at the computer with a disgusted look on my face Olana was like, "What?"

There are thousands of photos like this online.

I said, "I'm not supposed to be looking at houses today."  She responded, "But it's so fun!"  So, glad we are further down that road at this point and onto decorating ideas.

Last, this book on multiplication is great - chronicles the struggles of the main character to pass his tables and his interest in caring for the class pet.  I checked out Claudia Mill's book for my 4th grader, but my son who has been trying to learn alongside his big sister (in 1st grade) was actually the one who took interest.  To Sierra's defense, the main character is a boy!  Boys - yuck!

3 Bowls Full

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup small pearl tapioca (you can usually find it in the baking section of the grocery store, do not use instant tapioca)
• 3 cups whole milk (or other milk with cream or 1/2 & 1/2 added)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of sugar (substitute 1/2 t. or one packet of Stevia + 1 T. agave nectar)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

METHOD

1 Combine tapioca, milk, and salt in 1 1/2 quart pan on medium high heat. Stir until boiling. Simmer 5 minutes, uncovered at the lowest possible heat, adding sweetener gradually.

2 Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Mix in some of the hot tapioca very slowly to equalize the temperature of the two mixtures (to avoid curdling) - this is why you also need a creamier milk.

3 Return eggs to pan with tapioca. Slowly bring mixture barely to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and stir several minutes at a low simmer, stirring constantly until you get a nice thick pudding consistency. Cool 15 minutes. Add vanilla. Serve either warm or chilled.

This recipe has been wonderful to enjoy the great comfort food of tapioca pudding without all the sugar.  Making it with Stevia and agave nectar cuts its grams in half as some sugar is present in milk.  You can also add a little cinnamon while the pudding is cooling for additional flavor.  This recipe took me about 20-25 minutes (practice helps!)  

Biblical Support for Herbs

After trying Neem, I've been completely astounded by herbs and their healing qualities in our bodies.  Girlfriends often talk hormones, and this article I found was rather lengthy.  I'd been thinking about trying to find biblical support on the different herbs/foods that are available worldwide - as God created them all, and I found it!  Follow the notes from what I read & you'll see it too (in bold print of course!)

It is reported that the African women kidnapped and brought to America during the American slavery period (1555-1863) did not have a menstrual cycle, but a period. Yes, they only had a little drop of blood the size of a small dot, which is why it was called a "period," the term "cycle" is now a synonym for the word "period." *And a shortened cycle can happen after following a better diet!!!

We find support of the disease nature of the menstrual cycle in the Bible in the story of Jesus healing the woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. Mark, Chapter 5, Verses 25-34, says the following: "And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse. When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up: and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitudes thronging thee, and sayest thou, who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what she done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, they faith had made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague."

Now why do you think this woman's issue of blood that lasted for twelve years was called a "plague?" Well, what is a "plague?" The word "plague" is defined as:

1. A widespread affliction or calamity. 2. A cause of annoyance; nuisance. 3. A highly infectious, usu. fatal epidemic disease, esp. bubonic plague. (The American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd edition, Office Edition, pg. 633).

Do not most American females feel afflicted, annoyed, or nuisanced during their menstrual cycle? The answer is yes! Why do you think they take drugs like Midol during their cycle? For fun? Heavens no! They are in pain or feel afflicted. Many or most of them (females) are not the same during this time, and they will tell you so, like they have told me so. They become very grouchy and irritated. Many will tell you during this time and to leave them alone and/or don't say a word to them, lest they slap you or punch you in the face. Why do they become like this? 

In analyzing the Mark 5:25-34 story or parable of the woman with an issue of blood for twelve years, we must apply spiritual or metaphysical hermaneutics and exigesis. Number one, the issue of blood lasting twelve years could be no other than the menstrual cycle. It could not be a form of blood cancer (leukemia) as cancer kills usually within six months to three years. It could not have been a bleeding sore on the body because nobody can bleed daily and nonstop for twelve years. The touching of Jesus' garments is a metaphor or spiritual symbolical meaning or action referring to Jesus' lifestyle. A garment is what protects or covers you. Likewise, a righteous and wholistic lifestyle covers and protects you (from sickness, disease, slavery, and premature death). The woman touching Jesus' garment meant that the woman touched (practiced) Jesus' way of living. 

What can a female do to offset the side effects of the "plague" as a follower of Christ? The answer is found in the Bible in Psalms 104:14. It states, "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth." 

To replenish the body of the necessary nutrients (minerals) in addition to having a great diet - consume herbs such as alfalfa, sheep sorrel, suma, rooisbos, rose hips, watercress, parsley leaf, moringa or karela seed, barley grass, wheat grass, nettle leaf, and spinach leaf. These herbs provide almost every mineral for the body. Also, consume sea weeds such as kelp, dulse, spirulina, chlorella, Irish Moss, bladderwrack, Blue-Green Algae, Iceland Moss, and red marine algae. Sea weeds are the best and most nutritious foods you can eat, and provide your body with everything you need (oxygen, minerals, protein, etc.) and are an excellent source of organic "iodine" (thyroid gland food).

Natural sources rich in "iron" include: yellow dock root, burdock root, dandelion root, elderberries, red raspberry leaf, rooibos, and mullein leaf. Green vegetables such as parsley, greens, chives, and spinach are also great sources of iron. Blackstrap molasses (unsulphured) also provides a good amount of iron.

Herbs to regulate and normalize the menstrual cycle and flow include: maca, black cohosh, blue cohosh, dong quai, mugwort, red raspberry leaf, wild yam root (best and highest source of natural progesterone), squawvine, false unicorn, chaste tree berries, lycii fruit, red clover tops (best and highest source of natural estrogen), licorice root, sarsaparilla, and angelica. It's the best all-natural formula on the market for all menstrual-related complaints and is far safer than 'Midol', a harmful man-made drug that is very toxic.

Now you can see this in the store & know what it's for - order it though please!

Herbs that counteract menstrual cramping and spasms include: beth or birth root, crampbark, fennel seed, anise seed, and wild yam root. Herbs that counteract menstrual related pain and headaches include: white willow bark, black willow bark, feverfew, meadowsweet, birch bark, wood betony, wild lettuce, peppermint, wintergreen, and woodruff.

I've personally tried fennel seed, nettles, peppermint, chlorella, parsley, rooisbos, and neem.  I intend to try dandelion root soon.  Fennel is great on tilapia and several teas are available to try these herbs. They can be mixed with Stevia; lemon or lime juice or another tea to add more flavor.  I order through www.vitacost.com & I can send a $10.00 referral for you to use by email if you're new to their website.  

Classical Music & Cookbooks

 Andrew's 1st grade class was connecting the characters of "Peter and the Wolf" to their assigned instruments.  It was a 2-week study, and at the end, I was wanting to hear additional versions of the story, especially since his teacher mentioned how in some versions some of the animals really do get eaten by the wolf.  The combination of a book with a classical CD is wonderful! My seven-year-old not only listened to the story, but hung in their for the music as well.  If you have young children in school, check in with them to see if they are studying any works like this in music class.  

Our classical music investigation has continued with "The Carnival of the Animals."  We were listening to a CD of selections to help Olana select something to work on for her spring piano recital.  "The Swan" seemed easy enough.  As I looked into the background of the piece, I was surprised to find it in a collection called "The Carnival of the Animals."  I was even more surprised to find a children's book written by Jack Prelutsky. His short 8-12 line poems about the different characters in the work really depicted the music beautifully.  Our favorites in his compilation were the elephant, piano instructor and fossils.  Such humor and artistry!

For myself, I've been reading cookbooks.  "Entice with Spice" has Indian recipes I'm excited to work on for our family.  I found ground coriander at Wal-Mart and that was the only store in Sioux Falls that carried it.  Evidently there are more worldly shoppers at Wal-Mart than its counterparts.  Anca's cookbook had several recipes I made including pizza crust, popovers, rice pilaf and blueberry crumble.  I was impressed with the nutritional information as well as the way the food turned out (sorry, no photos...we were hungry!)

Something 2 do with Records

Clocks...

Bookends...

Frames!   So adorable!

A-Z Attributes of God

http://www.4shared.com/office/JFVAGtlO/a-zGod.html

Found a great site called "Roadmaps for Worship" and I created a 1-page document that is attached above for the A-Z Attributes of God.  I don't know which letter I'm the most excited to praise God for driving to school- the kids always trump my list.  But good for them!

They did choose "Creator" for the letter "C," and this is where it's got to be one of the best ways to praise Him.  Starts everything off in the beginning, makes every person unique and wonderfully...

¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
   when I was made in the secret place,
   when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body;
   all the days ordained for me were written in your book
   before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
   How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
   they would outnumber the grains of sand—
   when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:13-18

Funny Search

Today I was looking for a list of qualities of God from A-Z for the kids.  I am still searching.  However, someone had started a list almost the opposite (fears)... I couldn't believe there was a name for being afraid of flutes.  They're so scary evidently.

Ablutophobia- Fear of washing or bathing.
Acarophobia- Fear of itching or of the insects that cause itching.
Acerophobia- Fear of sourness.
Achluophobia- Fear of darkness.
Acousticophobia- Fear of noise.
Acrophobia- Fear of heights.
Aerophobia- Fear of drafts, air swallowing, or airbourne noxious substances.
Aeroacrophobia- Fear of open high places.
Aeronausiphobia- Fear of vomiting secondary to airsickness.
Agateophobia- Fear of insanity.
Agliophobia- Fear of pain.
Agoraphobia- Fear of open spaces or of being in crowded, public places like markets. Fear of leaving a safe place.
Agrizoophobia- Fear of wild animals.
Agyrophobia- Fear of streets or crossing the street.
Aichmophobia- Fear of needles or pointed objects.
Ailurophobia- Fear of cats.
Albuminurophobia- Fear of kidney disease.
Alektorophobia- Fear of chickens.
Algophobia- Fear of pain.
Alliumphobia- Fear of garlic.
Allodoxaphobia- Fear of opinions.
Altophobia- Fear of heights.
Amathophobia- Fear of dust.
Amaxophobia- Fear of riding in a car.
Ambulophobia- Fear of walking.
Amnesiphobia- Fear of amnesia.
Amychophobia- Fear of scratches or being scratched.
Anablephobia- Fear of looking up.
Ancraophobia- Fear of wind. (Anemophobia)
Androphobia- Fear of men.
Anemophobia- Fear of air drafts or wind.(Ancraophobia) 
Anginophobia- Fear of angina, choking or narrowness.
Anglophobia- Fear of England or English culture, etc.
Angrophobia - Fear of anger or of becoming angry.
Ankylophobia- Fear of immobility of a joint.
Anthrophobia or Anthophobia- Fear of flowers.
Anthropophobia- Fear of people or society.
Antlophobia- Fear of floods.
Anuptaphobia- Fear of staying single.
Apeirophobia- Fear of infinity.
Aphenphosmphobia- Fear of being touched. (Haphephobia)
Apiphobia- Fear of bees.
Apotemnophobia- Fear of persons with amputations.
Arachibutyrophobia- Fear of peanut butter sticking to the roof of the mouth.
Arachnephobia or Arachnophobia- Fear of spiders.
Arithmophobia- Fear of numbers.
Arrhenphobia- Fear of men.
Arsonphobia- Fear of fire.
Asthenophobia- Fear of fainting or weakness.
Astraphobia or Astrapophobia- Fear of thunder and lightning.(Ceraunophobia, Keraunophobia)
Astrophobia- Fear of stars or celestial space.
Asymmetriphobia- Fear of asymmetrical things.
Ataxiophobia- Fear of ataxia. (muscular incoordination)
Ataxophobia- Fear of disorder or untidiness.
Atelophobia- Fear of imperfection.
Atephobia- Fear of ruin or ruins.
Athazagoraphobia- Fear of being forgotton or ignored or forgetting.
Atomosophobia- Fear of atomic explosions.
Atychiphobia- Fear of failure.
Aulophobia- Fear of flutes.
Aurophobia- Fear of gold.
Auroraphobia- Fear of Northern lights.
Autodysomophobia- Fear of one that has a vile odor.
Automatonophobia- Fear of ventriloquist's dummies, animatronic creatures, wax statues - anything that falsly represents a sentient being.
Automysophobia- Fear of being dirty.
Autophobia- Fear of being alone or of oneself.
Aviophobia or Aviatophobia- Fear of flying.
Bacillophobia- Fear of microbes.
Bacteriophobia- Fear of bacteria.
Ballistophobia- Fear of missiles or bullets.
Bolshephobia- Fear of Bolsheviks.
Barophobia- Fear of gravity.
Basophobia or Basiphobia- Inability to stand. Fear of walking or falling.
Bathmophobia- Fear of stairs or steep slopes.
Bathophobia- Fear of depth.
Batophobia- Fear of heights or being close to high buildings.
Batrachophobia- Fear of amphibians, such as frogs, newts, salamanders, etc.
Belonephobia- Fear of pins and needles. (Aichmophobia)
Bibliophobia- Fear of books.
Blennophobia- Fear of slime.
Bogyphobia- Fear of bogeys or the bogeyman.
Botanophobia- Fear of plants.
Bromidrosiphobia or Bromidrophobia- Fear of body smells.
Brontophobia- Fear of thunder and lightning.
Bufonophobia- Fear of toads.
Cacophobia- Fear of ugliness.
Cainophobia or Cainotophobia- Fear of newness, novelty.
Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women.
Cancerophobia or Carcinophobia- Fear of cancer.
Cardiophobia- Fear of the heart.
Carnophobia- Fear of meat.
Catagelophobia- Fear of being ridiculed.
Catapedaphobia- Fear of jumping from high and low places.
Cathisophobia- Fear of sitting.
Catoptrophobia- Fear of mirrors.
Cenophobia or Centophobia- Fear of new things or ideas.
Ceraunophobia or Keraunophobia- Fear of thunder and lightning.(Astraphobia, Astrapophobia)
Chaetophobia- Fear of hair.
Cheimaphobia or Cheimatophobia- Fear of cold.(Frigophobia, Psychophobia)
Chemophobia- Fear of chemicals or working with chemicals.
Cherophobia- Fear of gaiety.
Chionophobia- Fear of snow.
Chiraptophobia- Fear of being touched.
Chirophobia- Fear of hands.
Cholerophobia- Fear of anger or the fear of cholera.
Chorophobia- Fear of dancing.
Chrometophobia or Chrematophobia- Fear of money.
Chromophobia or Chromatophobia- Fear of colors.
Chronophobia- Fear of time.
Chronomentrophobia- Fear of clocks.
Cibophobia- Fear of food.

Goji Berry Cider

Today I was loving my homemade goji berry cider.  I'm traditionally a fan of apple cider, but because of the high sugar content, I've been avoiding apple juice these days.  I started off adding goji berry juice to tea, but I think the cider will be replacing that mixture for a few days at least!  With 2 g. of sugar per serving, but a lot of flavor in that tablespoon - I'm set to go.

Recipe:

Mix 1 Tb. goji berry juice + 1/4 t. ground cinnamon in a food processor or blender *add Stevia or vanilla if desired

Add 1/2 c. boiling water and mix

• 

  $32.16 from Vitacost.com, it will last a month and expires after a month

  Goji berry juice is a juice derived from the goji berry, of course. The goji berry is found in the Himalaya and other mountain ranges in China and have become the antioxidant powerhouse they are thanks to the news that they cure a number of ailments and prevent a host of others. Goji berries rank extremely high on the antioxidant scale, boasting of more antioxidant value than blueberries, strawberries and spinach put together. It's believed that goji berry juice can help prevent cancer, improve vision and heart health, improve sexual health, regulate blood pressure, and counter premature aging

This fruit is good to consume because you won't find preservatives and other additives in them. So, you'll have a healthy regimen, even when you're away from home. However, more people prefer to consume the healthy beverage instead. Why? Well, one reason is that everyone doesn't care for the taste of dried fruit. This fruit, in particular has a twangy, bitter sort of taste. It has a mixture of sweet and sour flavor in it.

In addition to adults, children also consume this health beverage. Some children are not too keen about consuming something that has a bitter twang. It may also take them longer to chew and digest this fruit as opposed to drinking a portion of the juice within seconds. With the dried fruit, all you have is the taste from that and nothing else. On the other hand, with the juice, you have more options. Even though both are good to consume for health purposes, the juice can be combined with other juices. This will help to dilute and lessen the bitter taste that comes from the dried fruit.  According to sources citing the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute analysis, the fruit contains more beta carotene than carrots, the fruit also contains over 18 amino acids, 21 trace minerals, and substantial amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. The analysis also apparently discovered the berries to contain essential fatty acids and to be an incredibly rich source of carotenoids (more than any other known food). 

The essential oil component of Cinnamon has anti-coagulant properties, which helps to thin blood and improves circulation. (Caution is advised for those already on blood thinning medication). It also exhibits anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. The anti-microbial action helps to preserve food and can be used in place of common food preservatives. It not only helps to prevent food spoilage by common bacteria, but also by yeasts. Cinnamon is one of the few herbs that can used to treat fungal growths like candida.

Cinnamon is a warming aromatic tonic that stimulates the digestive system and can help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Recent studies have found it to be quite effective for 'metabolic syndrome' a 'pre' stage of insulin resistant type 2 diabetes. As little as 2 teaspoons of the spice have shown a marked effect in people who were not on insulin medication. It achieves this effect by delaying emptying of the stomach content after a meal, which prevents blood sugar peaks. It also sensitizes insulin receptors and inhibits an enzyme that inactivates these receptors, thus making a significant impact on glucose uptake. This is great news as Cinnamon can so easily be added to foods and drinks as part of a normal diet. Another study has shown that Cinnamon can have a benefits in cognitive function. 

Two Pairs of Shoes

Right now I have black boots and black shoes.  They gave me something to think about.  You see, I am the type of person that tries to take good care of my possessions so they last as long as possible.  Good stewardship I'd like to say.  Yet the reality is that everything does eventually wear out much to my dismay.  If we have a newer clothes and old shoes, the whole thing doesn't really mesh.  However, I'm aware there's a difference in pursuing beauty verses meeting needs.  But, let's just say the black shoes we own wear out and we do need to replace them.  The following insights are the food for thought I'm wanting to pass along to my daughters.

1.  Buy what is on sale and will be durable.  If you put my sale priced shoes alongside someone who invested a lot of money in their shoes, if they get scuffed or lost, who is going to be more upset?  Did you ever notice how people that spend a lot of time shopping and finding products can sometimes go on and on?  I think this is a result of how much they've invested in them on the front end.  It became a hunt instead of a gather.  (for a look at obsession balanced with truth, watch Amy Adam's movie!!!)

2.  Recognize when you're buying something for the beauty of it and find beauty somewhere else.  For me, at one point I realized I had WAY more stationery than I'd ever use.  I told myself I was going to use up my stationery before buying anymore.  It was great!  I could look at the different beautiful papers, but I didn't need to buy them.  I used up paper that I didn't care for as much, telling myself that the message I was writing was more important than the pretty paper.  To find beauty, start a collection of clippings of ideas and colors and look at them for fun.  Not every idea has to turn into a purchase - it can be an artistic expression and be just as satisfying.

3.  The thing that has helped me squash materialism the most is the song, "The Wondrous Cross" (contemporary version :)  There's a part in the song that says,

"When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride."

Contempt means WORTHLESS!  I thought about my pride, what I took pride in, and it was sad.  I focused on so many things other that Jesus, God's love, prayer, etc., and I identified that pride did come from some worldly things in my life.  I wanted to pour contempt on them at that point.  It was a challenge for me then, and it can still challenge me now.  However, I can look beautiful and try to make sure I connect with people - isn't that the goal of looking beautiful, to attract attention (and then give attention!)  It's a surface expression of the joy that's inside... and if you step on my shoes, it's likely I'll be forgiving.  That's the story of two pair of shoes - it's enough and not too much, and hopefully you'll consider what's too much for you.  I'm sure contentment in the Lord will prove to be of greater value and blessing than you ever imagined.

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