The Thorn

A climbing red rosebush grew ,on the west side of the house, that my husband and I moved into June of 2005. The prior year of 2004 was a difficult year for us. My husband lost his job and started his own printing company. Financial stress sent him on an emergency trip to the hospital because his blood pressure skyrocketed. A few days later, he was released from the hospital and we had to make some major changes in our lives.

Over the next several months, a chain of events took place and I found myself living in a little house with the climbing red rosebush. The day we moved in I walked around to the side of the house where the bush was growing and counted sixteen roses. As I pulled one of the stems towards me, I noticed large thorns covering the long stems. I gently pulled one of the roses to my nose and inhaled, immediately my senses were engulfed in the delicate fragrance and a feeling of peace blanketed my weary soul. Life had been rough and it was time for some peace.

When springtime came the next year, I had fifty roses. I believe God was showing me His increase of blessings upon our lives. I spent time putting organic dirt and compost around the bush to give it some nourishment. I enjoyed cutting some of the roses to bring inside to put on my desk so I could admire their beauty. The next year of 2007 I was awestruck when I counted one hundred roses with their brilliant faces gazing at the sunshine. Our lives were blessed.

In the autumn of 2007 my precious husband suddenly passed from this life into eternity. My life was shattered and my heart was in need of great repair. A year has passed now and just a few weeks ago, during a time of prayer, I realized I had a lot of anger and fear about the future. I prayed and ask God what was wrong. He whispered in my heart, "you have a thorn." Oh, no! A thorn? Reluctantly I asked, "what is the thorn, Lord?" He answered, "unforgiveness." I fell asleep that night and didn't rest well. The next morning I shared the story with my sister and she prayed with me. I made a choice to forgive my husband and ask God to remove the thorn. He is always faithful. The fear and anger are completely gone and I have hope for the future.

Unforgiveness is a deadly emotion that can cause sickness and disease in our bodies if not dealt with properly. Before a beautiful rose can bloom, many thorns are formed. Our health depends upon making the right choices in this life. You too, may find some thorns in your own heart, but take courage by the hand and trust God to bring you through the jagged edges of your life. He will heal you. Life will be good and your rose will bloom again.

The Buddy System

One of the first things I recommend my clients to do, while transitioning from the Standard American Diet (SAD) to the raw food lifestyle, is to find a buddy. The act of eating is social and emotional. Food taste better when shared with people you love. The success rate will be much higher with a person you can count on at all times for support and encouragement. The highs and lows of the raw food lifestyle are balanced out with strong team work.

The transformation period is full of many changes. Your body undergoes shifts and roller coaster rides you are not really prepared for. Toxins and chemicals are purged and chased out of the body in many different ways. Headaches, nausea, body odors, depression, food cravings and facial changes are just a few of the detox symptoms you might encounter. A loyal friend to travel with down the bumpy journey can be a great asset.

I am deeply grateful for the person who held my hand and gave me a shoulder to lean on when I made the choice to choose this lifestyle. My sister, Marsha, has been my faithful raw food buddy. Her constant encouragement and prayers have carried me through times when I was feeling lonely and unsure of myself. Marsha helped me recognize detox symptoms as my body embraced the cleansing process. A trust worthy friend is more valuable than their weight in gold. Marsha has been one of the most valuable gifts God have ever given me. Thank you, Marsha, for being the awesome raw food princess warrior that you are in God's Kingdom. I love you with all of my heart.

A Heart Matter

This last year of 2008 has been the hardest year of my entire life. After my husband's sudden death, in November of 2007, I was face to face with many uncertainties and a boat load of fears. I loved my role as wife and mother because I believe this is one of the highest callings of a woman. My identity had been wrapped up in raising my five children and being his wife of thirty-eight years. His death left me feeling like a baby bird toppled from the nest by a torrent wind. I didn't know who I was apart from my husband. My role as a stay at home mom was changed in the blink of an eye. The monumental task of being the bread winner overwhelmed me day and night. What was I going to do with myself after all of these years?

God's unconditional love for me and the raw food life style have been two major pillars during this time of grief. There have been days when I felt like I did not have strength to carry on and God's strength held me together. The pain of grief was so intense I felt as though I couldn't draw another breath. God has been my breath. I know I would not have made it through this tough time spiritually or physically. Love, time and God's beautiful foods have been my friends daily.

My passion for life has brought me to share with others the raw food lifestyle. I believe I am called to help as many people who have ears to hear this message of healing and hope. My own life is a work in progress of how God can use His children no matter what the storms of life bring our way. My life is not over. I am awakening into a new life, just like the butterfly, who emerges from the secure cocoon. Freedom calls me to mount up with wings like eagles. I will run and not be weary. I will walk this earth and not be afraid.

The Healthy Green Chef

A Horse Tale

Today began by taking a morning walk in the vegetable garden with my son Jeremy. The crisp fresh air energized our lungs as we put one foot in front of the other, being careful not to step on the rows and rows of leafy greens. My son was in awe of the dark green cabbage unfolding it's perfect head. I think it was the first time he saw cabbage growing in a garden. It was so picture perfect we had to pause a moment and take in the garden magazine quality.

.As I glanced around the garden I noticed three horses grazing in the field. A barbed-wire fence separated the field from the garden. A quick click from my mouth and the horses came trotting over to the fence. The white horse came first, then the brown and the gray followed behind. As I approached the fence, the white horse fixed his eyes upon me and lifted his head over the top of the fence. I spoke soft and loving words to him as I stroked his forehead admiring his beauty. He gave a gentle snort and turned his head for me to stroke his neck. I imagined myself mounting him bareback and riding off into the wind. A few more gentle pats and I turned my attention back to exploring the garden. I looked back over my shoulder and noticed he was walking up and down the fence with my every turn. It was obvious to me he wanted more of my company. I knew not to encourage him too much because he might find a way into the garden and have an awesome raw food breakfast.

Jeremy and I returned home with bunches of fresh leafy greens for our green drinks. After enjoying our green drinks my thoughts returned to the garden. I realized Mister White horse was not afraid of me because he could tell by his sense of smell I was not a meat eater and I would do him no harm. Living the raw food lifestyle makes our bodies clean on the inside and beautiful on the outside. If you are contemplating making a change in your diet, I encourage you to explore living and raw foods. It will be the best choice you have ever made for a healthier you.

Sister Time

Marsha and I had an amazing vacation in Cozumel, Mexico this last October. We sailed over six hundred miles from Bayport, Texas on the fabulous cruise ship, Ecstasy, to the island of Cozumel. The sister time together gave us a five day vacation (first ever) and an opportunity to explore the island of Cozumel. The first day on the ship we pampered ourselves with a visit to the Time to Spa on board. We were given a luscious lime and ginger salt exfoliation body scrub. A ninety minute full body message removed all the stress and cares from our over worked bodies and minds. Aaahhh!

On Saturday morning we arrived in Cozumel, Mexico with perfect blue skies and lots of warm sunshine. Marsha and I put on our swimsuits and loaded our back packs with Marsha bars, flaxseed crackers and bananas. We took a forty minute bicycle ride to the beautiful beachfront of Uvas Beach. The afternoon was spent snorkeling and swaying from hammocks between coconut trees while stuffing our faces with fresh grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple, and watermelon. Later in the evening we strolled through the marketplace filled with various gift shops made of grass covered roofs.

We had excellent food choices on the cruise ship. We stayed %100 raw foodies the whole trip. Marsha brought her bullet blender and she made yummy raw cacao smoothies every morning in our cabin. She is the traveling raw food queen! The salad bar was open the majority of time so we could always grab bananas and lots of fruit to snack on when the urge hit. Dinner was served at 8:15pm with an elegant flair. Our waiter, Dennis, was from Croatia and he dazzled us with his bedside manner as he catered to our every need. Our maitor d, Eva, was from Croatia also and she was fascinated by our raw food lifestyle. Special attention was given to us as Eva told the chefs to prepare our food raw. They made us banana ice cream and made enough to serve our whole table of guests plus the chefs and wait staff! Everyone went bananas and could not believe it was so good and guilt free!

This was a much needed vacation for me after spending the year in mourning and grief of my precious Jimmy, who is now with Jesus. I want to personally thank Garry Bayer for all his generosity and special gifts he bestowed upon us to make this the best vacation ever for Marsha and myself.

Rest and relaxation are equally important to a healthy lifestyle. Be sure to take time on purpose to enjoy life with those you love because we only get one ride on this planet. A healthy lifestyle comes with choosing life and all the good things God has proved for us. I simply stand amazed as I look at all He has created for me to be strong and healthy. May His peace and knowledge guide you on the pathway to ultimate health.

Thinking green,
Mitzi

Thinking Green

I love the color green. Green comes in numerous shades and I find the color to be refreshing and tranquil. As I look at nature, I am amazed at how much green God used to paint His creation. Next time you take a walk outside in nature, take just a moment and look at how much green you can see. It is everywhere.

A few synonyms for green are emerald, sea green, seafoam, olive, olive drab, pea green, grass green, apple, mint, forest, lawn green, lime, spring green, leaf green, aquamarine, beryl, chartreuse, fir, kelly green, pine, moss, jade, sage, sap, and viridian.

Green symbolizes growth, freshness, fertility and harmony. There is sense of safety as I pass through a green traffic light. Hey, even as I look in the mirror my eyes are a beautiful green! I enjoy the soothing and cooling effects of green. It is the most restful color for our human eyes to behold.

Every morning I make a green drink for my breakfast. I cram bunches of green leafy vegetables with sweet and juicy fruits into my Vita-Mix..then give her a whirl. Whala! A beautiful luscious green smoothie for my sleepy eyes to behold. I pour my smoothie into a frosted glass from the freezer and slide in a drinking straw. As I sip the succulent elixer, a cooling sensation washes over my soul. In the next thirty minutes or less, my internal organs will be bathed in liquid sunshine that the plants took in during photosynthesis. A powerful antioxidant called chlorophyll will soon be racing through my bloodstream and empowering my immune system.

Now, I have fuel to run this incredible machine called the human body. No donuts and coffee to bog down this engine. I need live food for peak performance. I want the clean and lean effects of enzyme rich plant foods for my system.

Before you stop by the local coffee shop and grab a bagel to woof down on your way into work, take a moment to pause and think what you are putting into your body. Are you giving yourself what your body needs to make it through the day? Could it be you missing something in your diet and it is the reason you always feel sick and tired? Pause a moment and allow God's beautiful creation to bring solace and truth into your life. Green means life. I choose life.

Have a healthy green day!
Mitzi