The Raw Food Journey...

Well, it's been almost 2 weeks since my kitchen has gone 100% raw. I will have to admit I started out okay, but faded off at the end of the first week. I have a tendency to like snacky things when stressed and the last couple of weeks have been really busy and very stressful so chips and soda made their way back in. But that was the past, and today is a new day!

The dehydrator I ordered arrived today and I'm already making things to help with the munchies. I'm making flax seed crackers, salt and vinegar potato chips and lemon poppy seed cookies...awesome!! That will cover any craving that might pop up! The crackers are awesome with salsa or a slice of nut cheese.

The key to staying on this program is being prepared and having things that you can just grab quickly. Try to think out of the box. When you've eaten the same way for so long, you tend to gravitate to the same old things. When I think of a raw-only salad my mind automatically snaps to the traditional lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, onions and nuts, or maybe an apple and walnut salad but there's so much more! It's just becoming more mindful of options and trying something different instead of sticking with the tried-and-trues.

This is a week of new recipes. I wanted to make things as easy as possible when I started out, but quickly realized variety is going to be very important for me. So I found some neat meals to try...tomorrow it's gazpacho (never been a fan of cold soup, but this sounds pretty good so I'm game), then raw ravioli for Friday and I found a great kim-chi recipe that might just become a staple in my ice-box!!

Getting connected will also help keep you on track. It's so much better when you do things with others. My Mom and I have a friend who is thinking of joining us on this journey as well as a cousin who seems pretty excited about this! I've joined a raw food group at our local Earth Fare (natural grocery store/food co-op) and can't wait to learn from others who are eating this same way! Community is a great thing! Be well...

Miraculous Gifts and Talents...Gifted Hands - Are You Using Yours?

I watched the most amazing movie tonight on TNT..."Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story." It's based on the popular book by Dr. Ben Carson whose inspiring story tells of a frustrated inner-city kid whose faith in God helped him become director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital.

For those of you who cry at the drop of a hat, get the tissues ready. In the face of challenge after challenge Ben had the love of an encouraging Mother who told her boys they could do anything! Even in the midst of her own self doubt, she knew her children were destined for greatness.

As God's children we are all destined for greatness. He has blessed each of us with miraculous gifts and talents to give to this world we share. But how many of us allow the battles we face to drown out those callings? Those small nudges inside that say, "Yes, you can do this! Yes, you are a blessing! I have created you as a gift to the world...to make it a better place in My name."
I offer you a challenge...to listen to that small voice inside. To hear the calling that is resting in your heart. I challenge you to be bold enough to embrace your gifts and talents and use them to touch others in God's name. We never know how even the small gesture of a smile or encouraging word can utterly change the course of someone's life. Do you know how special you are? Do you know you have miracles just waiting to be performed through you? If you don't know this yet, I encourage you to watch Gifted Hands...and then begin using yours.