I feel like I have been on a roller-coaster ride these last few weeks. Trouble started when my computer suddenly started to display random messages and Kaspersky - our super-duper virus checker opened up its Viral Page with instructions on how to deal with an infection!
Yes, my computer was under attack - and apparently I gave Kaspersky permission to let the pesky little critters in. What a struggle to get it fixed. My first attempt was to take it to a place called Laser Interactive where the "expert" did a Safe Restore, charged me £35.00 and sent us on our merry way.
Of course, this did not solve the problem at all, so we contacted someone from a local church that we met last year. It took a week or two, but I finally got my computer back - minus all my information. It ahs taken quite a while to re-build, restore and replace things like my contact list, my favourite sites on the net and so on.
Something good has come from this, though. We found out that there are a few things that we can do to minimize our exposure to viral attacks and hackers and other things like trojans and worms and other kinds of spyware.
Here is my list of recommendations:
1. Use AVG as a virus scanner - it is free and very effective.
2. Run Zone Alarm with it - this acts as a buffer against any attacks and effectively blocks intrusions.
3. Spybot - the best Search & Destroy program available.
4. Spyware Blaster
5. Download all this for free from www.download.com
6. Download Ubuntu's Linux Program and use it instead of Windows - far less likely to be a target!
7. Switch off 'Automatic Updates' on Windows! ! ! Apparently a lot of Trojans disguise themselves as Windows components and you innocently download trouble onto your computer.
Trojans, I am told, sends your personal data to a remote site when you go on-line - I don't want to even go there... we all know about Identity Theft etc, etc.
Well, that is my contribution for the day. I do hope it helps someone, as I know how incapacitated I felt without my connection to the big, wide world!
Stay Healthy and Be Well,
Salome
Thursday, 23 October 2008
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
WHY CAYENNE PEPPER
Recently, while speaking to someone on the phone, I mentioned I was drinking cayenne pepper to help my heart. I could literally hear the horror in her voice at the thought of downing a glass of the hot stuff.
Now for most people, hot curries, hot Mexican or hot Thai immediately conjures up trouble - because of sensitive bowel issues. However, not many people know that cayenne pepper is a wonderful superfood. And, it could be a life-saver if someone around you has a heart attack.
When we drink cayenne pepper dissolved in a glass of water like tea, it instantly dilates the blood vessels - "What did you expect? I hear you cry" - and causes blood to rush through the body. When a person has a heart attack it is normally because of a restriction in the blood flow somewhere due to a clot of some sorts. This means that parts of the heart do not get blood supply and that part of the heart "dies".
But, if the blood flow is restored as soon as possible, it gives the heart an excellent chance to recover. Indeed, some reports from America have confirmed that heart attack victims that were treated with liquid Cayenne on the scene were virtually fully recovered by the time they got to hospital.
I have started taking cayenne on a fairly regular basis. Now, some of you might think I just like the adrenaline rush, but really it is to prevent blood clots - a real threat for someone with Valvular Heart Disease. At the first sign of chest pain or "stars" in my vision, I haul out the bottle of cayenne and it works wonders.
I sprinkle it in my smoothies, I have lashings of it with houmous, and I love it over oven roasted potatoes - I celebrate the burn because I know how good it is for me.
So until my next post,
Have a red HOT time.
Salome
Now for most people, hot curries, hot Mexican or hot Thai immediately conjures up trouble - because of sensitive bowel issues. However, not many people know that cayenne pepper is a wonderful superfood. And, it could be a life-saver if someone around you has a heart attack.
When we drink cayenne pepper dissolved in a glass of water like tea, it instantly dilates the blood vessels - "What did you expect? I hear you cry" - and causes blood to rush through the body. When a person has a heart attack it is normally because of a restriction in the blood flow somewhere due to a clot of some sorts. This means that parts of the heart do not get blood supply and that part of the heart "dies".
But, if the blood flow is restored as soon as possible, it gives the heart an excellent chance to recover. Indeed, some reports from America have confirmed that heart attack victims that were treated with liquid Cayenne on the scene were virtually fully recovered by the time they got to hospital.
I have started taking cayenne on a fairly regular basis. Now, some of you might think I just like the adrenaline rush, but really it is to prevent blood clots - a real threat for someone with Valvular Heart Disease. At the first sign of chest pain or "stars" in my vision, I haul out the bottle of cayenne and it works wonders.
I sprinkle it in my smoothies, I have lashings of it with houmous, and I love it over oven roasted potatoes - I celebrate the burn because I know how good it is for me.
So until my next post,
Have a red HOT time.
Salome
Sunday, 24 August 2008
SMOOTHIES RULE!
Oh yes, I'm feeling the positive effects of the increase in greens already! Yesterday I started with a special mixture of assorted seeds, goji berries, raisins and raw cacao which I soaked overnight to soften the seeds - this helps to release the vital omegas and other nutrients. I had half the bowl in the morning and the other half in the evening. This really helps to get the system moving and sets you up for a wonderful, natural colonic...
I also snacked on gojis and raw cacao nibs during the day. Both of these are superfoods and help to control appetite, improve the immune system and increase the metabolism. Forget snacking on chocolate bars and crisps - this is the real thing. Snack food as our Creator intended.
Lunch was a truly zingy affair with a green smoothie (spinach, romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, raw, cold-pressed, unpasteurized olive oil and lashings of cayenne pepper - boy, did that give me a rush!). I also took a walk to the nearest Post Office to catch the last post and get some fresh air. We had a beautiful day to enjoy. A blue sky with patches of fluffy white clouds and a cool breeze. Life is blessed!
Keep the faith,
Salome
I also snacked on gojis and raw cacao nibs during the day. Both of these are superfoods and help to control appetite, improve the immune system and increase the metabolism. Forget snacking on chocolate bars and crisps - this is the real thing. Snack food as our Creator intended.
Lunch was a truly zingy affair with a green smoothie (spinach, romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, raw, cold-pressed, unpasteurized olive oil and lashings of cayenne pepper - boy, did that give me a rush!). I also took a walk to the nearest Post Office to catch the last post and get some fresh air. We had a beautiful day to enjoy. A blue sky with patches of fluffy white clouds and a cool breeze. Life is blessed!
Keep the faith,
Salome
Friday, 22 August 2008
HAVING A GREEN SMOOTHIE WEEK-END
So it's Friday, and this week-end is going to be a major detox event. For a while now, I have veered from the RAW and FABULOUS path, but that is all about to change.
With a fridge stocked up with dark greens, deep reds, potent purples, yummy yellows and those must-have oranges, I am all set for a Hallelujah Week-end. In fact, as I speak I am enjoying a spinach, Romaine Lettuce, vine-ripened Tomato, Avocado, Garlic and Lemon Juice Delight. I bung all these into my cup, whizz it all up in the Magic Bullet, and voila! A feast for my cells.
What is so wonderful about raw food, you may ask. Well, our bodies consist of live, living cells. As you may well know, these cells are maintained and fed by nutrients that arrive via the feeding tubes called veins and arteries. Now, our wonderful bodies extract nutrients from the food we eat.
What we eat really becomes our fuel. It gives our bodies energy, it keeps our immune system strong and healthy, and it helps our body to repair and replace the cells that we are made up of. The only problem is, because most people live on nutrient deficient, over-processed, over-refined dead food, their bodies do not receive the vital living foods needed to ensure strong, healthy bodies.
Living food contains the vital phyto-nutrients, chlorophyll, minerals and vitamins which we need for health, healing and wholeness. When we microwave or cook vegetables, for instance, a lot of the vital nutrients in our food is lost. Which means that our bodies do not have the building blocks to repair any damage.
Because our bodies are fantastically created, we can often go along for years without any major health problems. We might suffer from allergies, or aches and pains every now and again. Some people develop tummy problems and it might be in the form of IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or skin breakouts. There are a myriad of "little" problems that could be a strong indication that our immune system is struggling because of a poor diet.
Most people enjoy their lifestyle - "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" was a well-known phrase when I growing up. We only really take our health seriously when something starts to go wrong.
Why not be pro-active? Increase your intake of living food - salads, smoothies, fruit and seeds and nuts are all packed with goodness. Join me as I go for optimal well-being and make a green concoction for yourself - every day.
Soon your body will be shouting "Yippeee" when you get out of bed in the mornings and you will find those little aches and pains disappear miraculously.
With Green Gusto,
Salome
With a fridge stocked up with dark greens, deep reds, potent purples, yummy yellows and those must-have oranges, I am all set for a Hallelujah Week-end. In fact, as I speak I am enjoying a spinach, Romaine Lettuce, vine-ripened Tomato, Avocado, Garlic and Lemon Juice Delight. I bung all these into my cup, whizz it all up in the Magic Bullet, and voila! A feast for my cells.
What is so wonderful about raw food, you may ask. Well, our bodies consist of live, living cells. As you may well know, these cells are maintained and fed by nutrients that arrive via the feeding tubes called veins and arteries. Now, our wonderful bodies extract nutrients from the food we eat.
What we eat really becomes our fuel. It gives our bodies energy, it keeps our immune system strong and healthy, and it helps our body to repair and replace the cells that we are made up of. The only problem is, because most people live on nutrient deficient, over-processed, over-refined dead food, their bodies do not receive the vital living foods needed to ensure strong, healthy bodies.
Living food contains the vital phyto-nutrients, chlorophyll, minerals and vitamins which we need for health, healing and wholeness. When we microwave or cook vegetables, for instance, a lot of the vital nutrients in our food is lost. Which means that our bodies do not have the building blocks to repair any damage.
Because our bodies are fantastically created, we can often go along for years without any major health problems. We might suffer from allergies, or aches and pains every now and again. Some people develop tummy problems and it might be in the form of IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or skin breakouts. There are a myriad of "little" problems that could be a strong indication that our immune system is struggling because of a poor diet.
Most people enjoy their lifestyle - "Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" was a well-known phrase when I growing up. We only really take our health seriously when something starts to go wrong.
Why not be pro-active? Increase your intake of living food - salads, smoothies, fruit and seeds and nuts are all packed with goodness. Join me as I go for optimal well-being and make a green concoction for yourself - every day.
Soon your body will be shouting "Yippeee" when you get out of bed in the mornings and you will find those little aches and pains disappear miraculously.
With Green Gusto,
Salome
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
YOUR WORDS RULE YOU!
We learnt years ago that you are today, what you thought, said and spoke out of your mouth yesterday! The Bible says it so well: "You are ensnared by the words of your mouth."
The funny thing is that people are ooh-ing and aah-ing over "The Secret" as if it is something new, but really, the information in there has been written in one of the most ancient Books on the planet! How sad that in this agnostically atheistic, intellectually over-cultivated, scientifically orientated, God-forsaking society we are in, man has tried to explain away the very Word that brings life, light and truth to the human heart, mind and soul.
But when that same truth is presented in a non-threatening, all-encompassing manner without involving God as the One Who orchestrates the very "universe" which they claim to be the supplier of all needs, everyone hails it as the new "thing".
Now, I am not discounting the value of the principles put forth in the DVD. In fact, I agree that it is so important that we watch what we say, because it does becomes our reality. "Life and death is in the power of the tongue." We can choose to speak life over ourselves, our circumstances and those around us, or we can speak death, destruction, hatred, enmity, sickness, poverty and disease - we have that choice.
I believe that one of the things that saved my life 9 years ago was the fact that I constantly confessed: "I shall live and not die and proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Every time I felt weak or as if I was not going to make it, I spoke those words out. Sometimes loudly, sometimes just on the inside - in my heart. By doing this, you allow the truth of the Word of God to counteract the lie, and instead of dying, I am living. Instead of being bed-ridden and slowly fading away, I have picked up my life and even started ministering again.
About 5 years ago, when a pastor-friend of mine lost his wife, he said to me in a conversation: "It won't be long now before I join her." When he said it, I felt a check in my spirit. I remember noting it in my head, thinking that he should not have said that. Within months he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and it wasn't a year before he had joined her. Our words are powerful and therefore it is important to carefully consider how we use them.
Today, let your words be what you desire your life to become. Speak life, healing and wholeness over yourself. Thank God for his provision in your life, for meeting every need you have, and for healing and restoring your physical body to complete health and wholeness.
Until next time, rejoice and be happy!
Love ya all,
Salome
The funny thing is that people are ooh-ing and aah-ing over "The Secret" as if it is something new, but really, the information in there has been written in one of the most ancient Books on the planet! How sad that in this agnostically atheistic, intellectually over-cultivated, scientifically orientated, God-forsaking society we are in, man has tried to explain away the very Word that brings life, light and truth to the human heart, mind and soul.
But when that same truth is presented in a non-threatening, all-encompassing manner without involving God as the One Who orchestrates the very "universe" which they claim to be the supplier of all needs, everyone hails it as the new "thing".
Now, I am not discounting the value of the principles put forth in the DVD. In fact, I agree that it is so important that we watch what we say, because it does becomes our reality. "Life and death is in the power of the tongue." We can choose to speak life over ourselves, our circumstances and those around us, or we can speak death, destruction, hatred, enmity, sickness, poverty and disease - we have that choice.
I believe that one of the things that saved my life 9 years ago was the fact that I constantly confessed: "I shall live and not die and proclaim the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Every time I felt weak or as if I was not going to make it, I spoke those words out. Sometimes loudly, sometimes just on the inside - in my heart. By doing this, you allow the truth of the Word of God to counteract the lie, and instead of dying, I am living. Instead of being bed-ridden and slowly fading away, I have picked up my life and even started ministering again.
About 5 years ago, when a pastor-friend of mine lost his wife, he said to me in a conversation: "It won't be long now before I join her." When he said it, I felt a check in my spirit. I remember noting it in my head, thinking that he should not have said that. Within months he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and it wasn't a year before he had joined her. Our words are powerful and therefore it is important to carefully consider how we use them.
Today, let your words be what you desire your life to become. Speak life, healing and wholeness over yourself. Thank God for his provision in your life, for meeting every need you have, and for healing and restoring your physical body to complete health and wholeness.
Until next time, rejoice and be happy!
Love ya all,
Salome
Saturday, 16 August 2008
Never Quit...
I have just spent about 1/2 hour editing my last post. I read it out loud to some friends yesterday, and apparently I needed to clarify some things, and tone down others, so I hope it reads easier now that I have tweaked it. I agree it was a bit heavy, but I got it out of my system anyway. I guess that is what I needed to do.
Now, as I am sitting here at the computer with the curtains drawn I can hear the sound of rain and wind outside. I love this kind of weather - it cools the air and blows away the oppressive, muggy heat that August in the Thames Valley brings. While everyone else bemoans the lack of sunshine and heat, I quietly send up 'Thank You' prayers because it makes it so much easier to survive the summer here in England. Perhaps I will decamp to milder climes next year.
All this hot weather reminds me of something that I learned very recently. Growing up in a hot country, it was common knowledge that we needed to make sure that we had enough salt to replace lost minerals through excessive sweating - especially if you were as sporty as I was. In fact, South Africans are known to smother their food in salt, and when I first came to the UK, I had these horrified comments about it not being good for you.
Now in Africa, salt was the remedy for dehydration. Salt was also the cure for muscle cramps.
Thankfully I never suffered from muscle cramp. That is, until about 5 years ago. I started to get cramps in my legs, and I realized that it could be a result of taking diuretics every day of my life.
Medically speaking, diuretics do a fabulous job. They get rid of the fluid that builds up around your heart as your body tries to protect the organ that is not functioning properly. The only trouble is, they also wash out vital minerals that are needed for the proper functioning and maintenance of the body. Hence the cramps.
Some year ago, a dear friend told me about Himalayan Rock Salt. She also gave me a write-up on a mineral solution called "Sole", which is basically a saturated solution of Himalayan Rock Salt in pure water. When you dissolve enough salt crystals in water overnight so that you have some salt left at the bottom of your container the next morning, you have a stable, saturated mineral solution that contains all the 62 minerals that our bodies need for optimal health and wholeness in the correct balance that our bodies need it.
I started drinking 1 teaspoon of this Sole solution in a glass of water every day. Within weeks I noticed that the terrible thirst I had - I was told it is a 'heart thirst' - just disappeared. Oh, and no more cramps! Do I know exactly why the thirst and the cramps disappeared? No. But I sure know that by replacing the minerals, these 'symptoms' just disappeared. You can draw your own conclusions from that...
Apparently, there are remote tribes that live routinely live to a 120 years of age or more, and they drink a mineral-rich glacier milk - this is the melted ice that comes down from the mountains, which ensures that they constantly replace the minerals their bodies need.
With our modern farming methods, with over-cultivation and resultant mineral deficient soil, we are not getting the necessary minerals in our food anymore. Therefore I would recommend that everyone replaces the lost minerals in order to prevent mineral deficiencies that can lead to all kinds of diseases.
With Healthy Hopes,
Salome
Now, as I am sitting here at the computer with the curtains drawn I can hear the sound of rain and wind outside. I love this kind of weather - it cools the air and blows away the oppressive, muggy heat that August in the Thames Valley brings. While everyone else bemoans the lack of sunshine and heat, I quietly send up 'Thank You' prayers because it makes it so much easier to survive the summer here in England. Perhaps I will decamp to milder climes next year.
All this hot weather reminds me of something that I learned very recently. Growing up in a hot country, it was common knowledge that we needed to make sure that we had enough salt to replace lost minerals through excessive sweating - especially if you were as sporty as I was. In fact, South Africans are known to smother their food in salt, and when I first came to the UK, I had these horrified comments about it not being good for you.
Now in Africa, salt was the remedy for dehydration. Salt was also the cure for muscle cramps.
Thankfully I never suffered from muscle cramp. That is, until about 5 years ago. I started to get cramps in my legs, and I realized that it could be a result of taking diuretics every day of my life.
Medically speaking, diuretics do a fabulous job. They get rid of the fluid that builds up around your heart as your body tries to protect the organ that is not functioning properly. The only trouble is, they also wash out vital minerals that are needed for the proper functioning and maintenance of the body. Hence the cramps.
Some year ago, a dear friend told me about Himalayan Rock Salt. She also gave me a write-up on a mineral solution called "Sole", which is basically a saturated solution of Himalayan Rock Salt in pure water. When you dissolve enough salt crystals in water overnight so that you have some salt left at the bottom of your container the next morning, you have a stable, saturated mineral solution that contains all the 62 minerals that our bodies need for optimal health and wholeness in the correct balance that our bodies need it.
I started drinking 1 teaspoon of this Sole solution in a glass of water every day. Within weeks I noticed that the terrible thirst I had - I was told it is a 'heart thirst' - just disappeared. Oh, and no more cramps! Do I know exactly why the thirst and the cramps disappeared? No. But I sure know that by replacing the minerals, these 'symptoms' just disappeared. You can draw your own conclusions from that...
Apparently, there are remote tribes that live routinely live to a 120 years of age or more, and they drink a mineral-rich glacier milk - this is the melted ice that comes down from the mountains, which ensures that they constantly replace the minerals their bodies need.
With our modern farming methods, with over-cultivation and resultant mineral deficient soil, we are not getting the necessary minerals in our food anymore. Therefore I would recommend that everyone replaces the lost minerals in order to prevent mineral deficiencies that can lead to all kinds of diseases.
With Healthy Hopes,
Salome
Friday, 15 August 2008
Now where was I?
So much time has passed since my last blog - it feels like I have lost my thread just ever so slightly. Today is my own Father's yarzheidt - the day that he passed away 9 years ago.
Losing my father-in-law so suddenly, so unexpectantly last month, has brought enormous stress and sadness upon us. And also, as could be expected, this inner fight because we believe things could have turned out differently if only he hadn't been so stubborn. We have been telling him for years about nutritional products that could help his body repair itself, but he poo-pooed anything we said and declared himself a "traditionalist". Whatever the doctors told him, he would adhere to religiously and this meant an increasing amount of highly toxic medication to control the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, And now we are all dealing with grief!!!
I know what it is like to deal with chronic disease. When my heart failed at 38, I thought my life had come to an end. I am just thankful that I had the medical attention at the time which saved my life. My Dad had just died and I flew back to South Africa for the funeral. Mom noticed that I was coughing 24/7 and insisted that I went to my sister's doctor for anti-biotics. To make a long story short, after a month the cough had gotten worse - not better and I duly traipsed back to the same GP's Surgery. They immediately hooked me up for an ECG, then sent me for X-Rays at a nearby clinic.
My older sister took time off work to drive me there. It seemed like ages that we had to wait for the results. Eventually the Radiologist brought the X-Rays with a long letter for the GP. He also sat me down and explained that they discovered that I did not have Tuberculosis or Asthma - something to be grateful for, but that my heart was totally enlarged and probably in failure.
Whether it is chronic illness or death, we still go through the different stages of dealing with the trauma. There is the denial - "This isn't happening to me" or "Why is this happening to me?".
I was just numb. I could not even speak to tell my sister what the radiologist had said. I guess I was in total denial! The GP actually pulled in a favour and got me an appointment with a Cardiologist the very next day! Thank God I was in South Africa, because, with the NHS in England, the process might have taken anything from 7 to 9 months to even see a Cardiologist.
I also had the most wonderful angel - my Mom - who allowed me to rest for nearly 7 months which I believe gave my heart time to at least get stronger again.
Not only did Mom let me sleep when I needed to (I would wake up in the morning, have a bath, get dressed and within 1/2 hour I had fallen asleep on top of my bed again), but she also did not judge me when I lost my temper with frustration, hurt, anger and pain. One of the results of heart failure seems to be the inability to cope with any stress or pressure, and boy, did I fall into that category!
During this time, the events that lead up to heart failure played in my mind over and over again. I thought about the struggles, the lack of appreciation, the pressure of full-time minstry, the way I had been treated, etc etc. Inevitably, I had to start dealing with the grief and the next step was the anger. Anger because we cannot change what has happened. Anger because we feel that things would have turned out differently if ... And so often we turn this rage towards those closest to us - brothers, sisters, mothers, husbands, wives. It is all a part of the grieving process, and it is so important to get that rage out of our systems, before it destroys us - and those around us!
I spent months speaking forgiveness over and over again. As a situation or incident popped into my head, I spoke forgiveness. Even though it was the hardest thing to do, I knew that unforgiveness would hurt me more than it would hurt those that tried to destroy me. So I persevered.
Once we have raged out the pain and anger, we can start to move towards the stages of acceptance and resolution which we all eventually come to. Healing takes time, and even though, at the time, it seems that the pain will not go away, eventually it does.
I have never cried so much, hurt so badly, despaired so deeply as when I decided to resign from my position as Dean of a Bible Institute because I intuitively felt it was killing me, then lost my Dad, within a month found out my heart was failing and subsequently had to sell my home and my car because I was too ill to go back to doing revival meetings or to make rational decisions. I also thought I probably would not make it anyway, and had no help or support from anyone in order to be able to keep my home or perhaps re-mortgage - which would have released some of the increased capital value.
The fact is, in seven months I lost everything! My life, my career (ministry), my Dad - whom I loved so very much, my home, my car and ultimately my reputation as a minister - and that is a story I never, ever wish to repeat, so we will leave it at that!
For several years I just existed. Too unwell to have a life, I felt as if my life had come to an end. Looking back now, I realize that I had fallen into a deep, deep depression which was brought on not only by my the events that had led to my heart failing, as well as my desperate circumstances, but also clinical depression due to my medical condition.
In the midst of this despair, God had a few angels who stood by me - Adonna and Steve, then Angelo and Yvette, and finally my dearest friend Pam. These awesome ones were there for me when I needed them, and that means more to me than life itself! Admittedly, I was going through such pain and grief that I was not easy to be with, so it is so much more of a testament to their friendship and love.
And this is the greatest test of true friendship - when all is going well and you are the superstar, many are drawn to your success. But only your true friends will stand by you when times are tough. And my God, how tough they have been!
But, as with all things, there are seasons in our lives and eventually, even after the most severe winter, springtime comes and tiny little blossoms start to bud. And hope springs forth. Soon, every part of your life that seemed to have died forever begins to bloom with new life, and joy and gladness breaks out like the sun from behind a dark sky. And life goes on...
Until next time, let me leave you with this thought : Every valley we experience today helps us to truly appreciate the glory of the mountaintops ahead!
Love always,
Salome
Losing my father-in-law so suddenly, so unexpectantly last month, has brought enormous stress and sadness upon us. And also, as could be expected, this inner fight because we believe things could have turned out differently if only he hadn't been so stubborn. We have been telling him for years about nutritional products that could help his body repair itself, but he poo-pooed anything we said and declared himself a "traditionalist". Whatever the doctors told him, he would adhere to religiously and this meant an increasing amount of highly toxic medication to control the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, And now we are all dealing with grief!!!
I know what it is like to deal with chronic disease. When my heart failed at 38, I thought my life had come to an end. I am just thankful that I had the medical attention at the time which saved my life. My Dad had just died and I flew back to South Africa for the funeral. Mom noticed that I was coughing 24/7 and insisted that I went to my sister's doctor for anti-biotics. To make a long story short, after a month the cough had gotten worse - not better and I duly traipsed back to the same GP's Surgery. They immediately hooked me up for an ECG, then sent me for X-Rays at a nearby clinic.
My older sister took time off work to drive me there. It seemed like ages that we had to wait for the results. Eventually the Radiologist brought the X-Rays with a long letter for the GP. He also sat me down and explained that they discovered that I did not have Tuberculosis or Asthma - something to be grateful for, but that my heart was totally enlarged and probably in failure.
Whether it is chronic illness or death, we still go through the different stages of dealing with the trauma. There is the denial - "This isn't happening to me" or "Why is this happening to me?".
I was just numb. I could not even speak to tell my sister what the radiologist had said. I guess I was in total denial! The GP actually pulled in a favour and got me an appointment with a Cardiologist the very next day! Thank God I was in South Africa, because, with the NHS in England, the process might have taken anything from 7 to 9 months to even see a Cardiologist.
I also had the most wonderful angel - my Mom - who allowed me to rest for nearly 7 months which I believe gave my heart time to at least get stronger again.
Not only did Mom let me sleep when I needed to (I would wake up in the morning, have a bath, get dressed and within 1/2 hour I had fallen asleep on top of my bed again), but she also did not judge me when I lost my temper with frustration, hurt, anger and pain. One of the results of heart failure seems to be the inability to cope with any stress or pressure, and boy, did I fall into that category!
During this time, the events that lead up to heart failure played in my mind over and over again. I thought about the struggles, the lack of appreciation, the pressure of full-time minstry, the way I had been treated, etc etc. Inevitably, I had to start dealing with the grief and the next step was the anger. Anger because we cannot change what has happened. Anger because we feel that things would have turned out differently if ... And so often we turn this rage towards those closest to us - brothers, sisters, mothers, husbands, wives. It is all a part of the grieving process, and it is so important to get that rage out of our systems, before it destroys us - and those around us!
I spent months speaking forgiveness over and over again. As a situation or incident popped into my head, I spoke forgiveness. Even though it was the hardest thing to do, I knew that unforgiveness would hurt me more than it would hurt those that tried to destroy me. So I persevered.
Once we have raged out the pain and anger, we can start to move towards the stages of acceptance and resolution which we all eventually come to. Healing takes time, and even though, at the time, it seems that the pain will not go away, eventually it does.
I have never cried so much, hurt so badly, despaired so deeply as when I decided to resign from my position as Dean of a Bible Institute because I intuitively felt it was killing me, then lost my Dad, within a month found out my heart was failing and subsequently had to sell my home and my car because I was too ill to go back to doing revival meetings or to make rational decisions. I also thought I probably would not make it anyway, and had no help or support from anyone in order to be able to keep my home or perhaps re-mortgage - which would have released some of the increased capital value.
The fact is, in seven months I lost everything! My life, my career (ministry), my Dad - whom I loved so very much, my home, my car and ultimately my reputation as a minister - and that is a story I never, ever wish to repeat, so we will leave it at that!
For several years I just existed. Too unwell to have a life, I felt as if my life had come to an end. Looking back now, I realize that I had fallen into a deep, deep depression which was brought on not only by my the events that had led to my heart failing, as well as my desperate circumstances, but also clinical depression due to my medical condition.
In the midst of this despair, God had a few angels who stood by me - Adonna and Steve, then Angelo and Yvette, and finally my dearest friend Pam. These awesome ones were there for me when I needed them, and that means more to me than life itself! Admittedly, I was going through such pain and grief that I was not easy to be with, so it is so much more of a testament to their friendship and love.
And this is the greatest test of true friendship - when all is going well and you are the superstar, many are drawn to your success. But only your true friends will stand by you when times are tough. And my God, how tough they have been!
But, as with all things, there are seasons in our lives and eventually, even after the most severe winter, springtime comes and tiny little blossoms start to bud. And hope springs forth. Soon, every part of your life that seemed to have died forever begins to bloom with new life, and joy and gladness breaks out like the sun from behind a dark sky. And life goes on...
Until next time, let me leave you with this thought : Every valley we experience today helps us to truly appreciate the glory of the mountaintops ahead!
Love always,
Salome
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Dealing with Dangerous Toxins
I've made a very important discovery, which I think might be of interest to others. In the early 1990's, I noticed what looked like a mole in my left armpit. It seemed to sprout from nowhere, and I was a little bit concerned about it so I went to see my GP about it. She said I was being unnecessarily concerned and it was nothing.
Oh well, the doctor knows best, so I left it at that. However, over the years I have noticed that this new "mole" just kept on growing. And apart from it being unsightly, it did not bother me much.
Some years my hairdresser mentioned that she was using a different kind of deodorant - one that had no harmful toxins in it. Research has shown that some of the ingredients in normal deodorant can contribute to the development of breast cancer. At that time, the "C"-word, as I heard people describe it, was a frightening concept, and I bought one of these very expensive items.
Unfortunately, it did not work for me at all, and I quickly went back to one of the commercial deodorants because it was important for me to control any body odour since I often prayed for people and it could be a real turn-off if you smell someone's armpits when you are trying to receive a blessing from the Lord!
So, for the last decade or more, I used a potent cocktail of harmful substances which blocked the pores and certainly did not solve the problem. Recently, I noticed that the "mole" was getting larger and it became a real concern for me.
I found out that there was a natural deodorant that works wonders. I was sceptical about it at first, thinking that nothing would be able to solve my sweaty problem. When a friend of mine mentioned that this deodorant was now available at Boots, I decided to go for it.
I bought my first stick of natural, mineral deodorant and have been using it now for about 5 months. I can honestly say that the result has been remarkable. The minerals kill off the bacteria that causes body odour, yet it allows the skin to breathe naturally. Within a month or so I noticed that the "mole" was reducing in size, and body odour is a thing of the past!
When I mentioned this to a friend of mine that is a trained reflexologist, she told me that the body has an awesome way of isolating dangerous substances in order to protect our bodies from their effect. I can only assume that, if I had done nothing about this matter, I could eventually have developed a cancer in that area.
There are several different types of mineral deodorants available now which you can find on the net or perhaps your nearest Health Food Store. If you haven't switched yet, please, please, please do so as a matter of urgency.
Let's do what we can at the very least, to give our bodies the best chance of health and well-being. God has blessed us with such amazing bodies, with such an amazing capacity to heal itself. Don't overload it with unnecessary burdens, and you will enjoy a better life!
With love and peace,
Salome
Oh well, the doctor knows best, so I left it at that. However, over the years I have noticed that this new "mole" just kept on growing. And apart from it being unsightly, it did not bother me much.
Some years my hairdresser mentioned that she was using a different kind of deodorant - one that had no harmful toxins in it. Research has shown that some of the ingredients in normal deodorant can contribute to the development of breast cancer. At that time, the "C"-word, as I heard people describe it, was a frightening concept, and I bought one of these very expensive items.
Unfortunately, it did not work for me at all, and I quickly went back to one of the commercial deodorants because it was important for me to control any body odour since I often prayed for people and it could be a real turn-off if you smell someone's armpits when you are trying to receive a blessing from the Lord!
So, for the last decade or more, I used a potent cocktail of harmful substances which blocked the pores and certainly did not solve the problem. Recently, I noticed that the "mole" was getting larger and it became a real concern for me.
I found out that there was a natural deodorant that works wonders. I was sceptical about it at first, thinking that nothing would be able to solve my sweaty problem. When a friend of mine mentioned that this deodorant was now available at Boots, I decided to go for it.
I bought my first stick of natural, mineral deodorant and have been using it now for about 5 months. I can honestly say that the result has been remarkable. The minerals kill off the bacteria that causes body odour, yet it allows the skin to breathe naturally. Within a month or so I noticed that the "mole" was reducing in size, and body odour is a thing of the past!
When I mentioned this to a friend of mine that is a trained reflexologist, she told me that the body has an awesome way of isolating dangerous substances in order to protect our bodies from their effect. I can only assume that, if I had done nothing about this matter, I could eventually have developed a cancer in that area.
There are several different types of mineral deodorants available now which you can find on the net or perhaps your nearest Health Food Store. If you haven't switched yet, please, please, please do so as a matter of urgency.
Let's do what we can at the very least, to give our bodies the best chance of health and well-being. God has blessed us with such amazing bodies, with such an amazing capacity to heal itself. Don't overload it with unnecessary burdens, and you will enjoy a better life!
With love and peace,
Salome
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Getting the Balance Right
Life has suddenly taken a very unexpected turn. We are staying in Suffolk with my mother-in-law for the time being, to make sure she is alright and to just be here for her. In the meantime, I am also under enormous pressure to start up a new business. All that, together with the heatwave we've been experiencing is not helping.
But what can you do when life throws you these curve balls? You simply have to adapt and roll with the punches, as they say. It might also help to look on the bright side - we are in a lovely, rural setting with little country lanes, a village church and fields of golden wheat waving in the breeze right outside the window of the room I am working in. Fresh country air - just what I needed!
So, in between hours of computer-bound work and quick meals, a brisk walk is a pleasure. The lanes are lined with trees and hedgerows and stinging nettles and pretty pink and purple wild flowers. And I welcome the shade from the overhanging trees which gives some relief from the relentless heat. People here think I should be used to it since I come from South Africa, but the truth is that we were used to a dry heat, and this heat is oppressive and clammy and makes it difficult to breathe. Richard suggested we go and live in the Arctic. Now that would bring a whole lot of other challenges!
My first trip to the Arctic circle was to a town called Pitea in Sweden in the middle of winter. I had been invited to do a three week revival at a local church, and it was a wonderful experience. In winter, the sun never really rises higher than the tops of the trees. The sky just lightens up for about three to four hours a day, and the rest of the time it is pitch dark.
Although we were snug and warm indoors, with temperatures at -40C everything was frozen solid. We took a trip to a popular tourist spot where they enjoy river rafting and hiking in summer. The river was frozen solid, and even the rapids seemed to have frozen in mid-air. It was beautiful, but perhaps a little too cold for my liking.
Well enough of the reminiscing. Here I am, trying to remind myself to keep a balance in my life. I guess I should start by going to bed at a reasonable time... before tomorrow is here!
So, I am off to bed now.
Until next time,
Salome
But what can you do when life throws you these curve balls? You simply have to adapt and roll with the punches, as they say. It might also help to look on the bright side - we are in a lovely, rural setting with little country lanes, a village church and fields of golden wheat waving in the breeze right outside the window of the room I am working in. Fresh country air - just what I needed!
So, in between hours of computer-bound work and quick meals, a brisk walk is a pleasure. The lanes are lined with trees and hedgerows and stinging nettles and pretty pink and purple wild flowers. And I welcome the shade from the overhanging trees which gives some relief from the relentless heat. People here think I should be used to it since I come from South Africa, but the truth is that we were used to a dry heat, and this heat is oppressive and clammy and makes it difficult to breathe. Richard suggested we go and live in the Arctic. Now that would bring a whole lot of other challenges!
My first trip to the Arctic circle was to a town called Pitea in Sweden in the middle of winter. I had been invited to do a three week revival at a local church, and it was a wonderful experience. In winter, the sun never really rises higher than the tops of the trees. The sky just lightens up for about three to four hours a day, and the rest of the time it is pitch dark.
Although we were snug and warm indoors, with temperatures at -40C everything was frozen solid. We took a trip to a popular tourist spot where they enjoy river rafting and hiking in summer. The river was frozen solid, and even the rapids seemed to have frozen in mid-air. It was beautiful, but perhaps a little too cold for my liking.
Well enough of the reminiscing. Here I am, trying to remind myself to keep a balance in my life. I guess I should start by going to bed at a reasonable time... before tomorrow is here!
So, I am off to bed now.
Until next time,
Salome
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Life Is Fragile
The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster! It has brought home to me how fragile life is. And it definitely has impressed me how important it is to do whatever I can to give my body the maximum chance for health and well-being.
Last week, my father-in-law went into hospital for what he thought would be a fairly minor operation. He had some adhesions in the bowel which caused him a lot of pain, and he decided he wanted them dealt with.
Even thought the doctors recommended him not to have surgery, he insisted they went ahead. On Tuesday they did key-hole surgery on his bowel, and on Wednesday morning he collapsed and had to be resuscitated. They operated again to find out what was going on, and found that his small intestine had perforated. This caused scepticaemia, and although he was given excellent intensive care, he passed away on Thursday evening.
It has been a very difficult time, and both my husband and I have said that we need to be even more diligent in keeping our general health and well-being in excellent shape. God created our bodies to be the most marvelous wonders of nature, but so many times we simply take it for granted!
Before I was told that my heart was in failure, I kept a gruelling schedule and worked 20 hours a day, seven days a week, ate over-processed, nutritionally-deficient, toxin-loaded junk food nearly every day of my life. With that kind of overload it is no wonder that my heart finally could not cope with the stress I was under.
Even just one thing could have ensured a completely different outcome: sufficient sleep! Our bodies repair and heal during our sleep. Most of this repair goes on between 10pm and 2am in the morning. By going to bed between 1am and 4am every night, I missed out on the optimal repair-sleep. And 4 hours of sleep is not nearly enough to keep the body healthy.
These days I cannot function without at least 8 hours of sleep. I have learnt to listen to my body and respect its needs. It helps me cope so much better with stress and with life in general.
I get really upset when I see how some youngsters overload their bodies with alcohol and drugs and late-night boozy-sessions without a thought for tomorrow. I guess it is because I have realized how precious our health is, and how it can impact us when we get older. Perhaps I can't save eveyone, but hopefully I can reach a few!
Last week, my father-in-law went into hospital for what he thought would be a fairly minor operation. He had some adhesions in the bowel which caused him a lot of pain, and he decided he wanted them dealt with.
Even thought the doctors recommended him not to have surgery, he insisted they went ahead. On Tuesday they did key-hole surgery on his bowel, and on Wednesday morning he collapsed and had to be resuscitated. They operated again to find out what was going on, and found that his small intestine had perforated. This caused scepticaemia, and although he was given excellent intensive care, he passed away on Thursday evening.
It has been a very difficult time, and both my husband and I have said that we need to be even more diligent in keeping our general health and well-being in excellent shape. God created our bodies to be the most marvelous wonders of nature, but so many times we simply take it for granted!
Before I was told that my heart was in failure, I kept a gruelling schedule and worked 20 hours a day, seven days a week, ate over-processed, nutritionally-deficient, toxin-loaded junk food nearly every day of my life. With that kind of overload it is no wonder that my heart finally could not cope with the stress I was under.
Even just one thing could have ensured a completely different outcome: sufficient sleep! Our bodies repair and heal during our sleep. Most of this repair goes on between 10pm and 2am in the morning. By going to bed between 1am and 4am every night, I missed out on the optimal repair-sleep. And 4 hours of sleep is not nearly enough to keep the body healthy.
These days I cannot function without at least 8 hours of sleep. I have learnt to listen to my body and respect its needs. It helps me cope so much better with stress and with life in general.
I get really upset when I see how some youngsters overload their bodies with alcohol and drugs and late-night boozy-sessions without a thought for tomorrow. I guess it is because I have realized how precious our health is, and how it can impact us when we get older. Perhaps I can't save eveyone, but hopefully I can reach a few!
Monday, 14 July 2008
NOTHING WITH A FACE - ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Man, that must have been the toughest part of changing my lifestyle - cutting out the meat! I grew up in a household where barbeques (or "braais" as we South Africans call them) were a regular happening. And I mean regular.
My Dad was a real hard-core South African. He worked hard, and he played hard. And he loved the South African 'veldt' - that is the 'sticks' for you Aussies out there, or the 'wild outdoors' for some of you. Winter time was hunting time and every year, Dad and about 3 of his buddies would set off to a game farm somewhere remote to replenish the freezers for the year.
We usually joined the party of six "Big Game Hunters" after two weeks of men-only hunting. It was the greatest time for us as children. The campsite consisted of these large, comfortable tents set up in a clearing in the bush, a central spot for the campfire where all the cooking, socializing and story-telling took place, and just on the outskirt - away from the hustle and bustle - was the little creature comforts that no South African lady would do without. It was a Bush Shower rigged on the biggest tree around, with tarpaulin to preserve our modesty and of course the "portaloo" which worked with chemicals and magically dissolved any deposits made therein.
The set-up was ever so exciting. The adults all had their own tents, and all the girls congregated in one tent, while all the boys occupied another on the other side of the camp. Our tents were kitted out with stretchers and sleeping bags which kept us ever so snug in the freezing cold winter nights.
At night, sound traveled really far in the bush, and we could often hear a pride of lions roar in the distance. Even though they might have been a few miles away, the sound was still frightening! On one of these camping trips we had feline visitors to the campsite. My uncle heard scratching noises around the tent. He crawled out and walked around the tent but saw nothing. The next morning, upon inspection, he found leopard prints that followed him all the way round. What excitement for us all!
My biggest treat was to be allowed to go out on a days shoot with my Dad and a few others. I had very keen eyesight and was quick to spot the elusive Kudus as they flitted through the undergrowth which provided the perfect camoflage for their dark, striped skins. Kudus were prized for their delicious meat, and the best bilting and Kudu steak was a special treat.
Springbok and Thompson's Gazelle was more prolific, so we often had that on the menu. But once a buck had been shot down, it was taken back to the campsite and skinned and hung to dry in order to preserve the meat. The skin was then salted and tanned and used for all kinds of things.
My Dad was extremely skilled when it came to cutting up the meat. Once we got home, he would string the carcass up on the patio and I loved helping him cut the meat into its different sections. He made biltong by curing and hanging strips of meat to dry, he cut shoulders and legs for the most delicious venison dishes, and cut tender steaks made sausages from other portions.
Whenever I returned home for a visit, Dad would haul out a prized piece of venison, simmer it for days in his special recipe until the meat simply fell off the bone, and we feasted on this for days.
We had barbeques at least 4 or 5 days of the week. These were great social events, and my Dad's skills with a good braai were widely revered. So the consumption of meat was a deeply ingrained in our culture.
And now I had to stop eating meat? This was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. It took me years to get to the place where I could actually stick to this resolution - and the crunch came when I had a health scare that gave me the wake-up call of my life.
In March, 2007 my Cardiologist looked concerned when he checked my blood pressure at one of my follow-up visits after a valvuplasty which relieved the symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease. At this point, I was feeling so unwell I did not think I could carry on living anymore, and I actually asked him if they would consider me for a valve replacement.
Now, I knew what this would mean : I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life, and the valve would only last 20 years. I was frightened and desperate and sad and angry all at the same time, but I simply felt too ill to cope.
When he asked my why I wasn't on Warfarin, I simply told him that no-one had ever suggested I should be on it. In the back of my mind something registered that Warfarin was not good, and that it would change my life for the worst forever! When my Mom told me it was essentially rat-poison, I made the decision there and then that I will not do that to myself. The cardiologist also put me on blood-pressure tablets which had the most awful side-effects. After 3 weeks I stopped taking them and decided to take responsibility of my own health and well-being.
I had learned enough over the years to know that conventional medicine just treats symptoms with medicine that is often toxic to the body and which always has some negative effect as a "bonus". Now I'm not against doctors. If it hadn't been for these wonderful people I probably wouldn't have survived the St. Vitus Dance that ended my dreams of Olympic gold. But these days I am far more discerning about the treatment I accept for problems that could be sorted out by natural means.
From my research and personal investigations into the reasons and causes of high blood pressure and strokes etc, I had found out that eating meat has a very negative effect on a person's blood. If you compare the blood of raw vegans to the blood of vegetarians and carnivores, you will make an amazing discovery. The blood of a regular meat eater is slow-moving and clumps together. The blood of a vegetarian that includes cooked pastas and rice and potatoes etc, is less sluggish and moves a bit more freely. In contrast, the blood of raw vegans flows freely and quite effortlessly.
It appears that a raw, vegan lifestyle has a positive impact on the blood flow through our system. The first big change I made was to stop eating meat immediately. For three months I had power-smoothies for breakfast, and I made green smoothies for lunch and dinner. These green smoothies consisted of lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, spring onions, carrots, beansprouts, Flax Seed oil, lemon juice and garlic.
The impact on my health was phenominal. Within three months my blood pressure was back to normal, and I felt great! Every morning I woke up without as much as a pain anywhere in my body, and my energy levels were through the roof.
I literally woke up and shouted "Yippeeee". Instead of feeling tired - constantly tired without any rhyme or reason, I felt alive and well!
When I saw my cardiologist earlier this year, he was mega impressed that I had managed to come off all my medication and that my blood pressure was normal! "Whatever you are doing, keep on doing it because you are doing great!" was his parting words.
Now I don't know about you, but for me, it was worth it. Changing my lifestyle to get my life back - it's a No-Brainer" for sure.
So, on this note, I will sign off and say :
Be Healthy and Be Raw!
My Dad was a real hard-core South African. He worked hard, and he played hard. And he loved the South African 'veldt' - that is the 'sticks' for you Aussies out there, or the 'wild outdoors' for some of you. Winter time was hunting time and every year, Dad and about 3 of his buddies would set off to a game farm somewhere remote to replenish the freezers for the year.
We usually joined the party of six "Big Game Hunters" after two weeks of men-only hunting. It was the greatest time for us as children. The campsite consisted of these large, comfortable tents set up in a clearing in the bush, a central spot for the campfire where all the cooking, socializing and story-telling took place, and just on the outskirt - away from the hustle and bustle - was the little creature comforts that no South African lady would do without. It was a Bush Shower rigged on the biggest tree around, with tarpaulin to preserve our modesty and of course the "portaloo" which worked with chemicals and magically dissolved any deposits made therein.
The set-up was ever so exciting. The adults all had their own tents, and all the girls congregated in one tent, while all the boys occupied another on the other side of the camp. Our tents were kitted out with stretchers and sleeping bags which kept us ever so snug in the freezing cold winter nights.
At night, sound traveled really far in the bush, and we could often hear a pride of lions roar in the distance. Even though they might have been a few miles away, the sound was still frightening! On one of these camping trips we had feline visitors to the campsite. My uncle heard scratching noises around the tent. He crawled out and walked around the tent but saw nothing. The next morning, upon inspection, he found leopard prints that followed him all the way round. What excitement for us all!
My biggest treat was to be allowed to go out on a days shoot with my Dad and a few others. I had very keen eyesight and was quick to spot the elusive Kudus as they flitted through the undergrowth which provided the perfect camoflage for their dark, striped skins. Kudus were prized for their delicious meat, and the best bilting and Kudu steak was a special treat.
Springbok and Thompson's Gazelle was more prolific, so we often had that on the menu. But once a buck had been shot down, it was taken back to the campsite and skinned and hung to dry in order to preserve the meat. The skin was then salted and tanned and used for all kinds of things.
My Dad was extremely skilled when it came to cutting up the meat. Once we got home, he would string the carcass up on the patio and I loved helping him cut the meat into its different sections. He made biltong by curing and hanging strips of meat to dry, he cut shoulders and legs for the most delicious venison dishes, and cut tender steaks made sausages from other portions.
Whenever I returned home for a visit, Dad would haul out a prized piece of venison, simmer it for days in his special recipe until the meat simply fell off the bone, and we feasted on this for days.
We had barbeques at least 4 or 5 days of the week. These were great social events, and my Dad's skills with a good braai were widely revered. So the consumption of meat was a deeply ingrained in our culture.
And now I had to stop eating meat? This was the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. It took me years to get to the place where I could actually stick to this resolution - and the crunch came when I had a health scare that gave me the wake-up call of my life.
In March, 2007 my Cardiologist looked concerned when he checked my blood pressure at one of my follow-up visits after a valvuplasty which relieved the symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease. At this point, I was feeling so unwell I did not think I could carry on living anymore, and I actually asked him if they would consider me for a valve replacement.
Now, I knew what this would mean : I would have to be on medication for the rest of my life, and the valve would only last 20 years. I was frightened and desperate and sad and angry all at the same time, but I simply felt too ill to cope.
When he asked my why I wasn't on Warfarin, I simply told him that no-one had ever suggested I should be on it. In the back of my mind something registered that Warfarin was not good, and that it would change my life for the worst forever! When my Mom told me it was essentially rat-poison, I made the decision there and then that I will not do that to myself. The cardiologist also put me on blood-pressure tablets which had the most awful side-effects. After 3 weeks I stopped taking them and decided to take responsibility of my own health and well-being.
I had learned enough over the years to know that conventional medicine just treats symptoms with medicine that is often toxic to the body and which always has some negative effect as a "bonus". Now I'm not against doctors. If it hadn't been for these wonderful people I probably wouldn't have survived the St. Vitus Dance that ended my dreams of Olympic gold. But these days I am far more discerning about the treatment I accept for problems that could be sorted out by natural means.
From my research and personal investigations into the reasons and causes of high blood pressure and strokes etc, I had found out that eating meat has a very negative effect on a person's blood. If you compare the blood of raw vegans to the blood of vegetarians and carnivores, you will make an amazing discovery. The blood of a regular meat eater is slow-moving and clumps together. The blood of a vegetarian that includes cooked pastas and rice and potatoes etc, is less sluggish and moves a bit more freely. In contrast, the blood of raw vegans flows freely and quite effortlessly.
It appears that a raw, vegan lifestyle has a positive impact on the blood flow through our system. The first big change I made was to stop eating meat immediately. For three months I had power-smoothies for breakfast, and I made green smoothies for lunch and dinner. These green smoothies consisted of lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, spring onions, carrots, beansprouts, Flax Seed oil, lemon juice and garlic.
The impact on my health was phenominal. Within three months my blood pressure was back to normal, and I felt great! Every morning I woke up without as much as a pain anywhere in my body, and my energy levels were through the roof.
I literally woke up and shouted "Yippeeee". Instead of feeling tired - constantly tired without any rhyme or reason, I felt alive and well!
When I saw my cardiologist earlier this year, he was mega impressed that I had managed to come off all my medication and that my blood pressure was normal! "Whatever you are doing, keep on doing it because you are doing great!" was his parting words.
Now I don't know about you, but for me, it was worth it. Changing my lifestyle to get my life back - it's a No-Brainer" for sure.
So, on this note, I will sign off and say :
Be Healthy and Be Raw!
Friday, 11 July 2008
ENJOYING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
It's summer time here in the northern hemisphere and I just love it. It's hot, it's uncomfortable but it's summer!
There is no better time in England when the days drag on until 10pm and the nights are sultry and hot and we can sleep with all our windows wide open. I love the fresh air, the slight breeze moving the curtains just ever so slightly and the sound of birds waking up at about 3:30, 4:00am when the sky starts to lighten up after the night hours.
It also means that we get to make lots and lots of Vitamin D. Yipppeee! Our bodies need vitamin D - it is one of the best ways that our bodies fight cancer. It is so important that we get some exposure to the sun every day. Now I don't mean hours and hours until you look like a lobster and feel like a sizzled sausage. It is important to be sensible about our exposure to the sun, but at the same time we need to get a certain amount of sunshine on as much of our skin surface as possible. A good excuse to strip down to your swimsuit and let the sun kiss your skin! One last thought here : be careful with those sunscreens. They are toxic to the body and are best avoided. It is far better to simply stay covered up or in the shade at the height of the sun's strength during the day. The best time to get exposure to the sun's rays is early in the morning (perhaps before 10 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm).
The second great benefit of the hot summer weather is most definitely the opportunity to get active. There is this one spot on our walking trail where these huge old chestnut trees line the path and fill the whole sky above us. Every time we walk down that path, I imagine myself in a great big natural cathedral. I love walking in my "Cathedral of Green Trees" where I can breathe in and enjoy the fresh air and talk to the Lord about anything and everything that comes up.
Sometimes I will take a little break and catch my breath, and just take the time to absorb my surroundings. I long for open spaces and wide blue skies, and this is the closest I can get to it. There is something so healing to be out in nature - the smell of fresh earth, the sounds of birds chattering away in the safety of the trees high above and the rustle of leaves as the wind rushes through them.
So, next time you want to veg-out in front of the television, pack a picnic and head for the forest or the seaside and do your health a great, big favour - enjoy yourself and have fun!!!
With love and joy,
Salome
There is no better time in England when the days drag on until 10pm and the nights are sultry and hot and we can sleep with all our windows wide open. I love the fresh air, the slight breeze moving the curtains just ever so slightly and the sound of birds waking up at about 3:30, 4:00am when the sky starts to lighten up after the night hours.
It also means that we get to make lots and lots of Vitamin D. Yipppeee! Our bodies need vitamin D - it is one of the best ways that our bodies fight cancer. It is so important that we get some exposure to the sun every day. Now I don't mean hours and hours until you look like a lobster and feel like a sizzled sausage. It is important to be sensible about our exposure to the sun, but at the same time we need to get a certain amount of sunshine on as much of our skin surface as possible. A good excuse to strip down to your swimsuit and let the sun kiss your skin! One last thought here : be careful with those sunscreens. They are toxic to the body and are best avoided. It is far better to simply stay covered up or in the shade at the height of the sun's strength during the day. The best time to get exposure to the sun's rays is early in the morning (perhaps before 10 am) or late afternoon (after 4 pm).
The second great benefit of the hot summer weather is most definitely the opportunity to get active. There is this one spot on our walking trail where these huge old chestnut trees line the path and fill the whole sky above us. Every time we walk down that path, I imagine myself in a great big natural cathedral. I love walking in my "Cathedral of Green Trees" where I can breathe in and enjoy the fresh air and talk to the Lord about anything and everything that comes up.
Sometimes I will take a little break and catch my breath, and just take the time to absorb my surroundings. I long for open spaces and wide blue skies, and this is the closest I can get to it. There is something so healing to be out in nature - the smell of fresh earth, the sounds of birds chattering away in the safety of the trees high above and the rustle of leaves as the wind rushes through them.
So, next time you want to veg-out in front of the television, pack a picnic and head for the forest or the seaside and do your health a great, big favour - enjoy yourself and have fun!!!
With love and joy,
Salome
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Cutting The Toxins
Today, there is very little we can buy from an ordinary grocery store that can be called food in the true sense of the word.
Nearly everything is treated, pasteurized, filled with preservatives, nutritionally blasted with microwaves, sprayed with poisonous toxins and packaged and sold as "FOOD". It is no wonder that we have seen such an increase in auto-immune diseases in the last 50 years.
Cancer is at epidemic rates, a huge amount of children suffer from asthma, diabetes is becoming a real problem in adults and children, ADHD, ADD, Multiple Sclerosis, cardio-vascular heart disease, Aids, the list goes on and on. Most of the "new" diseases that have become a problem in our modern society are known as auto-immune diseases.
What are these auto-immune diseases? Basically, when the immune systems breaks down to the point that it cannot protect the body and fight disease or cellular abnormalities anymore, the body starts to attack itself. How can we help our immune system to recognize new cells as our own - thus protecting, feeding and fixing them? By making sure we give our cells the right building blocks. Live cells need live food - vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phyto-nutrients. All of these are obtained from uncooked, living, organic food.
The shocking truth is that most of these diseases can be avoided by eating the right foods, supporting the immune system properly, combined with a regular exercise program. I know what you are going to say, "I don't have the time" or "I am too tired at the end of the day" or even "I simply couldn't be bothered.
When I was younger, I was an exercise junkie. I loved just swimming for hours and hours - to get lost in the rhythm of the strokes, and the solitude as you glide through the water without the world encroaching on your thoughts or your space. These days, I exercise because I have learnt that it is imperative to get the lymphatic system moving so that it can clear out any toxins from the body. That's why we go out come rain or shine and walk at our favourite spot here in south-west London - Nonsuch Park!
Why aren't more people taking care of themselves? Because no-one has told them that they can take control of their own well-being. They simply do not know that the "fastfood" they consume as a treat is actually feeding their body with zero-nutrient foods. It might be easier to take the kids out for a quick meal at the local drive-in restaurant, but the long-term consequences are not worth the dollar-savings.
In order to cut the toxins from processed food, I had to have a c-change myself. I have never had any confidence in the kitchen. For years I traveled the world, eating out in hotels, restaurants, invited to other people's homes for delicious meals and sharing evenings at a friend's home being cooked for. I never had to spend time in the kitchen. Combine that with a sister who is a gourmet cook, my confidence in the cooking department was below zero!
But, here I was, learning to cook from scratch. Lentils and brown Basmati rice, sweet potatoes and nut pate's, wonderful salads with everything that I would normally have cooked or steamed before eating. The RAW-revolution in my kitchen was in full swing.
When I look at preprepared food now, I scan the list of Ingredients and you would be shocked to find how many E-Numbers are lurking in there. It reminds me of the "Twinkies" in America that has a shelf-life of about 300 years ! Does that mean if you eat loads of those, you won't decompose for 100's of years after you go to a better place?
Food for thought, isn't it.
Until next time,
Stay healthy!
Nearly everything is treated, pasteurized, filled with preservatives, nutritionally blasted with microwaves, sprayed with poisonous toxins and packaged and sold as "FOOD". It is no wonder that we have seen such an increase in auto-immune diseases in the last 50 years.
Cancer is at epidemic rates, a huge amount of children suffer from asthma, diabetes is becoming a real problem in adults and children, ADHD, ADD, Multiple Sclerosis, cardio-vascular heart disease, Aids, the list goes on and on. Most of the "new" diseases that have become a problem in our modern society are known as auto-immune diseases.
What are these auto-immune diseases? Basically, when the immune systems breaks down to the point that it cannot protect the body and fight disease or cellular abnormalities anymore, the body starts to attack itself. How can we help our immune system to recognize new cells as our own - thus protecting, feeding and fixing them? By making sure we give our cells the right building blocks. Live cells need live food - vitamins, minerals, enzymes and phyto-nutrients. All of these are obtained from uncooked, living, organic food.
The shocking truth is that most of these diseases can be avoided by eating the right foods, supporting the immune system properly, combined with a regular exercise program. I know what you are going to say, "I don't have the time" or "I am too tired at the end of the day" or even "I simply couldn't be bothered.
When I was younger, I was an exercise junkie. I loved just swimming for hours and hours - to get lost in the rhythm of the strokes, and the solitude as you glide through the water without the world encroaching on your thoughts or your space. These days, I exercise because I have learnt that it is imperative to get the lymphatic system moving so that it can clear out any toxins from the body. That's why we go out come rain or shine and walk at our favourite spot here in south-west London - Nonsuch Park!
Why aren't more people taking care of themselves? Because no-one has told them that they can take control of their own well-being. They simply do not know that the "fastfood" they consume as a treat is actually feeding their body with zero-nutrient foods. It might be easier to take the kids out for a quick meal at the local drive-in restaurant, but the long-term consequences are not worth the dollar-savings.
In order to cut the toxins from processed food, I had to have a c-change myself. I have never had any confidence in the kitchen. For years I traveled the world, eating out in hotels, restaurants, invited to other people's homes for delicious meals and sharing evenings at a friend's home being cooked for. I never had to spend time in the kitchen. Combine that with a sister who is a gourmet cook, my confidence in the cooking department was below zero!
But, here I was, learning to cook from scratch. Lentils and brown Basmati rice, sweet potatoes and nut pate's, wonderful salads with everything that I would normally have cooked or steamed before eating. The RAW-revolution in my kitchen was in full swing.
When I look at preprepared food now, I scan the list of Ingredients and you would be shocked to find how many E-Numbers are lurking in there. It reminds me of the "Twinkies" in America that has a shelf-life of about 300 years ! Does that mean if you eat loads of those, you won't decompose for 100's of years after you go to a better place?
Food for thought, isn't it.
Until next time,
Stay healthy!
Monday, 7 July 2008
DID MY PRE-CONCIEVED IDEAS STOP ME?
For years I walked around thinking that "vegans" are people who walk around in 'Jesus' sandals and long, flowing, floral skirts with long matted dreadlocks which haven't seen a bottle of shampoo in years, and banners that proclaim, "Don't Eat Fluffy" or "Stop Wearing Fur"!
This was definitely not the category that I would put myself into. I certainly did not fit the "anarchistic" profile that I associated veganism with. All my friends and associates were as "normal" as I was. There was nothing that could beat a good roast dinner. And salad was always a side-dish to bowls of utterly delicious-smelling pasta with chicken and bacon sprinkled with cheese and baked in the oven.
It took a series of very sad events to give me the wake-up call I needed! I was ministering in the south-west of England for a wonderful pastor-friend of mine. His wife was a cancer survivor of seven years, but while I was doing meetings in their church over the period of a few years, the cancer returned and this time she did not make it. Even though we had prayed for her and she was determined to receive her healing miraculously, our efforts were in vain.
Within a year, this friend of mine had been diagnosed with bowel cancer and died as well. But that was not all. There was a third person that I was asked to pray for that also lost the battle with cancer. I was devastated, because I had learned that cancer was a winnable war, that there were things we could do to prevent the development of this disease and I also knew that people like Dr. Malkmus had been healed of cancer completely by following the original diet as described in the Bible in the Book of Genesis.
I was determined to find out all I could about the prevention of disease and to help those that I had failed to help through prayer. My biggest frustration was that, even though I had shared my knowledge about natural cures with these people involved, they did not take it on board. The old saying about a "horse" and "water" really is true.
At the same time I was battling my own health issues. My body did not respond very well to the daily medication I was on. The two heart operations knocked me for six, and I can only guess that it was the radiation from the x-ray machine they use to see what they are doing while they are fiddling about in my heart through key-hole surgery that weakened my system as it did. Perhaps it was the amounts of anastheatic they had to administer during these marathon sessions. I don't know. All I know is that it took me at least a year to feel better, even though they had managed to open the Mitral Valve to a 50% capacity!
I started to take radical action! Someone had introduced me to some nutritional products that work on a cellular level and I started taking massive amounts of these supplements which improved my health slightly.
The next step was to cut out all milk and milk products. I changed to Soya Milk, and used that for a while. I still drank coffee from time to time, and Soya Milk was tolerable in coffee. Stopping cheese was a problem, but I started to cut down on my intake of cheese. Eventually I switched from Soya to Rice Milk, and that is what we have most of the time now.
Coffee and tea is a thing of the past. It is really an eye-opener to realize what a social event coffee or tea is in this country. We mostly drink pure, re-mineralized water which we take with us wherever we go. If someone doesn't know us, we get strange looks because we always arrive with our neoprene-bag with two glass bottles of water which we have instead of coffee or ordinary tea.I sometimes have green tea or Rooibos tea, which we used to drink in South Africa and I find quite delicious.
Until next time,
Be well and be blessed!
This was definitely not the category that I would put myself into. I certainly did not fit the "anarchistic" profile that I associated veganism with. All my friends and associates were as "normal" as I was. There was nothing that could beat a good roast dinner. And salad was always a side-dish to bowls of utterly delicious-smelling pasta with chicken and bacon sprinkled with cheese and baked in the oven.
It took a series of very sad events to give me the wake-up call I needed! I was ministering in the south-west of England for a wonderful pastor-friend of mine. His wife was a cancer survivor of seven years, but while I was doing meetings in their church over the period of a few years, the cancer returned and this time she did not make it. Even though we had prayed for her and she was determined to receive her healing miraculously, our efforts were in vain.
Within a year, this friend of mine had been diagnosed with bowel cancer and died as well. But that was not all. There was a third person that I was asked to pray for that also lost the battle with cancer. I was devastated, because I had learned that cancer was a winnable war, that there were things we could do to prevent the development of this disease and I also knew that people like Dr. Malkmus had been healed of cancer completely by following the original diet as described in the Bible in the Book of Genesis.
I was determined to find out all I could about the prevention of disease and to help those that I had failed to help through prayer. My biggest frustration was that, even though I had shared my knowledge about natural cures with these people involved, they did not take it on board. The old saying about a "horse" and "water" really is true.
At the same time I was battling my own health issues. My body did not respond very well to the daily medication I was on. The two heart operations knocked me for six, and I can only guess that it was the radiation from the x-ray machine they use to see what they are doing while they are fiddling about in my heart through key-hole surgery that weakened my system as it did. Perhaps it was the amounts of anastheatic they had to administer during these marathon sessions. I don't know. All I know is that it took me at least a year to feel better, even though they had managed to open the Mitral Valve to a 50% capacity!
I started to take radical action! Someone had introduced me to some nutritional products that work on a cellular level and I started taking massive amounts of these supplements which improved my health slightly.
The next step was to cut out all milk and milk products. I changed to Soya Milk, and used that for a while. I still drank coffee from time to time, and Soya Milk was tolerable in coffee. Stopping cheese was a problem, but I started to cut down on my intake of cheese. Eventually I switched from Soya to Rice Milk, and that is what we have most of the time now.
Coffee and tea is a thing of the past. It is really an eye-opener to realize what a social event coffee or tea is in this country. We mostly drink pure, re-mineralized water which we take with us wherever we go. If someone doesn't know us, we get strange looks because we always arrive with our neoprene-bag with two glass bottles of water which we have instead of coffee or ordinary tea.I sometimes have green tea or Rooibos tea, which we used to drink in South Africa and I find quite delicious.
Until next time,
Be well and be blessed!
Saturday, 5 July 2008
FROM RAGING CARNIVORE TO FULLY FLEDGED VEGAN
It is a well-known fact that South African children cut their teeth on Biltong. What on earth is that, you may well ask. Biltong is a delicacy, one of those things that makes a true, blue South African's mouth salivate. It is basically dried, cured meat that used to be served up with pride as a starter, a snack or just simply a treat at every and any occasion when I was growing up as a youngster.
It was Dad's privilege to cut the strips of dried meat into manageable slices and then share these precious cuts around the room as we all sat around enjoying an evening's banter.
Of course, once I had moved to the UK there was definitely no way of getting my hands on any biltong, unless it was smuggled in, in someone's hand luggage to avoid confiscation. The first thing I would do when I arrived back in South Africa on any trip home, was to buy R10.00 worth of Biltong and spend the next few hours consuming it.
When, about 10 years ago, a wonderful couple called Kevin and Barbara Finlay came over to minister at the Bible Institute where I was teaching it was difficult to accept that they did not WANT any meat because they had adopted the "Hallelujah Diet". This was incomprehensible to all of us and we did not want them to miss out on the lovely meals that we cooked up for them, and they graciously obliged and ate whatever we served up.
It was while lecturing at this Bible School that my heart failed. I did not know that I had a valve that was 95% closed up. I had no idea that the irritating cough I had developed was actually fluid that had accumulated around my heart to try and protect it. I certainly was not aware that my heart had totally enlarged due to the build-up of blood-flow behind the valve as it failed to push the blood through to the rest of my body. And I had no idea that the overwhelming tiredness I felt all the time was my body's desperate cry for a rest!
From that first introduction to the "Hallelujah Diet" to my own total surrender took a bit longer than it should have. Over the years I tried to "Go Veggie", but every time I had the opportunity to eat meat I would gladly and willingly partake.
The important thing was that it started to register in my consciousness somewhere that certain foods were not good for my. According to Dr Malkmus who has helped thousands of people with the Hallelujah Diet, we must
The good news is: I did it! Slowly, incrementally, over the years I have made the changes that made the difference. Join me as I walk through my journey in the next few weeks.
With many blessings to you all,
Salome
It was Dad's privilege to cut the strips of dried meat into manageable slices and then share these precious cuts around the room as we all sat around enjoying an evening's banter.
Of course, once I had moved to the UK there was definitely no way of getting my hands on any biltong, unless it was smuggled in, in someone's hand luggage to avoid confiscation. The first thing I would do when I arrived back in South Africa on any trip home, was to buy R10.00 worth of Biltong and spend the next few hours consuming it.
When, about 10 years ago, a wonderful couple called Kevin and Barbara Finlay came over to minister at the Bible Institute where I was teaching it was difficult to accept that they did not WANT any meat because they had adopted the "Hallelujah Diet". This was incomprehensible to all of us and we did not want them to miss out on the lovely meals that we cooked up for them, and they graciously obliged and ate whatever we served up.
It was while lecturing at this Bible School that my heart failed. I did not know that I had a valve that was 95% closed up. I had no idea that the irritating cough I had developed was actually fluid that had accumulated around my heart to try and protect it. I certainly was not aware that my heart had totally enlarged due to the build-up of blood-flow behind the valve as it failed to push the blood through to the rest of my body. And I had no idea that the overwhelming tiredness I felt all the time was my body's desperate cry for a rest!
From that first introduction to the "Hallelujah Diet" to my own total surrender took a bit longer than it should have. Over the years I tried to "Go Veggie", but every time I had the opportunity to eat meat I would gladly and willingly partake.
The important thing was that it started to register in my consciousness somewhere that certain foods were not good for my. According to Dr Malkmus who has helped thousands of people with the Hallelujah Diet, we must
- Eat nothing with a face
- Stop consuming all milk and milk products
- Avoid all refined, white flour
- Banish all refined, white sugar from our diets
- As far as possible, eat everything in it's raw, organic, uncooked state
The good news is: I did it! Slowly, incrementally, over the years I have made the changes that made the difference. Join me as I walk through my journey in the next few weeks.
With many blessings to you all,
Salome
Friday, 4 July 2008
The Value of Words
We have known for years how important our words are. Words create life or death, words can build up or break down. Really, our words are a reflection of our soul, our deepest innermost being.
The Bible says that we can have whatsoever we say. Think about this principle. Our words are so powerful that they create our reality! A few years ago, someone I respect and admire tremendously as a wonderful man of God, a mentor and true example as a man of faith, Gordon White, experienced some health problems. Even though he was very poorly in the natural, Gordon's confession was that he was getting better.
He continually spoke the Word of God concerning his healing, and today, he is traveling the world again with his wife Barbara, changing lives and impacting people with their prophetic message. It was wonderful to see the improvement in Gordon's well-being following major surgery. He just kept on getting better and better.
It really brought it home to me that I had to watch what I said. When my heart failed, I struggled to rise above the events that happened around it, and I have to admit, my confession slipped! It was only when my darling husband started challenging me on my negativity that I realized that I was digging a hole for myself.
Even though I was confessing healing on the one hand, I was still complaining about how tired I felt, how difficult it was for me to get through the day, how breathless I got, how much I have lost. The list is endless.
On the positive side, I spoke these words of prayer every day: "Father, I thank you that your miracle working power is flowing in me and through me". It was no surprise when people started to experience miraculous healing when I prayed for them at a Healing Seminar a few years ago. That miracle-working power was not only touching my physical body but it was starting to flow through me to others. What an awesome God we serve, Who uses broken vessels to pour His glory through.
Scientists are even now saying that the Bible was right all along about speaking out what we believe!
Not only is it important to watch what we say, but we also need to be aware of what we want for our future. My confession now is so very different. I am aware that every word counts. We cannot speak one idle word over ourselves, our circumstances or even our loved ones!
I am healed and made whole by the power of Almighty God.
I walk in His blessings and His abundance for my life.
All my needs are met and the Lord supplies more than I can even ask or think.
I live in a beautiful home by the sea in the best environment for me.
I am happy and fulfilled in my marriage.
I eat the best organic foods ever.
I enjoy abundance in every area of my life.
I am a blessing to everyone that comes into contact with me.
I enjoy giving of my material good to meet the needs of those around me.
I travel the world to share this abundance of God's grace in my life.
Isn't it wonderful to know that we can change our circumstances by agreeing with God's Word.
Let's do it!
Salome
The Bible says that we can have whatsoever we say. Think about this principle. Our words are so powerful that they create our reality! A few years ago, someone I respect and admire tremendously as a wonderful man of God, a mentor and true example as a man of faith, Gordon White, experienced some health problems. Even though he was very poorly in the natural, Gordon's confession was that he was getting better.
He continually spoke the Word of God concerning his healing, and today, he is traveling the world again with his wife Barbara, changing lives and impacting people with their prophetic message. It was wonderful to see the improvement in Gordon's well-being following major surgery. He just kept on getting better and better.
It really brought it home to me that I had to watch what I said. When my heart failed, I struggled to rise above the events that happened around it, and I have to admit, my confession slipped! It was only when my darling husband started challenging me on my negativity that I realized that I was digging a hole for myself.
Even though I was confessing healing on the one hand, I was still complaining about how tired I felt, how difficult it was for me to get through the day, how breathless I got, how much I have lost. The list is endless.
On the positive side, I spoke these words of prayer every day: "Father, I thank you that your miracle working power is flowing in me and through me". It was no surprise when people started to experience miraculous healing when I prayed for them at a Healing Seminar a few years ago. That miracle-working power was not only touching my physical body but it was starting to flow through me to others. What an awesome God we serve, Who uses broken vessels to pour His glory through.
Scientists are even now saying that the Bible was right all along about speaking out what we believe!
Not only is it important to watch what we say, but we also need to be aware of what we want for our future. My confession now is so very different. I am aware that every word counts. We cannot speak one idle word over ourselves, our circumstances or even our loved ones!
I am healed and made whole by the power of Almighty God.
I walk in His blessings and His abundance for my life.
All my needs are met and the Lord supplies more than I can even ask or think.
I live in a beautiful home by the sea in the best environment for me.
I am happy and fulfilled in my marriage.
I eat the best organic foods ever.
I enjoy abundance in every area of my life.
I am a blessing to everyone that comes into contact with me.
I enjoy giving of my material good to meet the needs of those around me.
I travel the world to share this abundance of God's grace in my life.
Isn't it wonderful to know that we can change our circumstances by agreeing with God's Word.
Let's do it!
Salome
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
LIFE'S A ROLLERCOASTER...
I can hardly believe that it is already Wednesday - we spent the week-end in a village near Brighton, where Richard attended a conference, and I got to read and enjoy the sunny weather and see old friends.
What a treat to find out that they are as into a healthy lifestyle as we are! Water filters everywhere, nuts and seeds galore, as well as regular visits to the local farm shop not far from them.
The biggest testimony to the healthy lifestyle that we aspire to was to meet the 4 1/2 year old that has never had any sweets, sugar, junk food etc. She was gorgeous! No tantrums, no bad behaviour, just the sweetest, best behaved and highly intelligent child I have seen in a long time. Way to go, Mom!
So, I guess today my soliloque will have to be about the value of raising a child the natural way. What are we allowing our children to become, by feeding them cheap and nasty pre-packaged, nutrient-deficient junk food? It breaks my heart to think that most children are growing up today, thinking that certain chain-food restaurants are a "treat".
To see this beautiful young little girl drink her goats milk with acidopholous in to improve digestion, then lick a spoonful of Manuka honey as a treat after dinner was simply heart warming.
Now there is an example to follow!
What a treat to find out that they are as into a healthy lifestyle as we are! Water filters everywhere, nuts and seeds galore, as well as regular visits to the local farm shop not far from them.
The biggest testimony to the healthy lifestyle that we aspire to was to meet the 4 1/2 year old that has never had any sweets, sugar, junk food etc. She was gorgeous! No tantrums, no bad behaviour, just the sweetest, best behaved and highly intelligent child I have seen in a long time. Way to go, Mom!
So, I guess today my soliloque will have to be about the value of raising a child the natural way. What are we allowing our children to become, by feeding them cheap and nasty pre-packaged, nutrient-deficient junk food? It breaks my heart to think that most children are growing up today, thinking that certain chain-food restaurants are a "treat".
To see this beautiful young little girl drink her goats milk with acidopholous in to improve digestion, then lick a spoonful of Manuka honey as a treat after dinner was simply heart warming.
Now there is an example to follow!
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Speaking Words of Life
I am still amazed at how well I feel these days. Who would believe that my heart failed when I was just 38 years old?
"You're far too young to be in this ward" was the refrain from all the other patients who were mostly in their 70's and 80's.
And I agreed! But with a heart valve that was 90% closed up, believe me I felt like I was 86 and my life was over.
Thank God for advances in modern medicine, and of course - I thank Him daily for His healing power.
I was just reading in the week that scientists have now discovered that what we really, really believe about ourselves, our circumstances, our future and our capabilities affects our DNA, which affects our health in a big way.
They call it "EPIGENETICS". Apparently our bodies respond to our words, our attitudes and our faith - whether it is in the negative or positive. That means, if we feel that we are not going to make it, or even if we have a fear deep inside that we might get the same sickness our parents had, our DNA changes and it happens to us.
So, if we change our thoughts and our words to be positive, Word based - speak LIFE not death - we can change the outcome of our lives.
My confession is: "My heart is normal. It functions perfectly, as God created it to function. I have a strong and healthy heart, and I am healed and made whole by the Life of God flowing through every fibre of my being."
I am well!
"You're far too young to be in this ward" was the refrain from all the other patients who were mostly in their 70's and 80's.
And I agreed! But with a heart valve that was 90% closed up, believe me I felt like I was 86 and my life was over.
Thank God for advances in modern medicine, and of course - I thank Him daily for His healing power.
I was just reading in the week that scientists have now discovered that what we really, really believe about ourselves, our circumstances, our future and our capabilities affects our DNA, which affects our health in a big way.
They call it "EPIGENETICS". Apparently our bodies respond to our words, our attitudes and our faith - whether it is in the negative or positive. That means, if we feel that we are not going to make it, or even if we have a fear deep inside that we might get the same sickness our parents had, our DNA changes and it happens to us.
So, if we change our thoughts and our words to be positive, Word based - speak LIFE not death - we can change the outcome of our lives.
My confession is: "My heart is normal. It functions perfectly, as God created it to function. I have a strong and healthy heart, and I am healed and made whole by the Life of God flowing through every fibre of my being."
I am well!
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Have You Heard Of Glacier Mylk?
No, it's new to me too. A good friend of mine told me about something called "Sole" about two years ago. We promptly ordered some Himalayan Rock Salt over the net and set about making our own Sole.
Now what on earth is that, I hear you ask. Well, basically it is a saturated solution made by dissolving Himalayan Rock Salt crystals in purified water (we distill our own in order to get rid of any hormones, chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, human excrement etc that is found in our tap water) to form a stable new substance which is known as Sole.
This mineral-rich solution contains all the minerals and trace-minerals which our bodies need to function properly in the correct balance in which it is found in our bodies. We mix 1 teaspoon of this Sole in a glass of water and swig it down while pulling funny face!
Yes, it is like drinking sea-water, but who cares? Our bodies are getting what it needs! Apparently, all kinds of diseases are a direct result of a lack of nutrients in our diets, and that is why we are pulling out all the stops to find out how to replace these nutrients effectively and also how to restore perfect health to our bodies at all and any cost.
And it is working! Every day I get up and say, "I feel great!"
Now what on earth is that, I hear you ask. Well, basically it is a saturated solution made by dissolving Himalayan Rock Salt crystals in purified water (we distill our own in order to get rid of any hormones, chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, human excrement etc that is found in our tap water) to form a stable new substance which is known as Sole.
This mineral-rich solution contains all the minerals and trace-minerals which our bodies need to function properly in the correct balance in which it is found in our bodies. We mix 1 teaspoon of this Sole in a glass of water and swig it down while pulling funny face!
Yes, it is like drinking sea-water, but who cares? Our bodies are getting what it needs! Apparently, all kinds of diseases are a direct result of a lack of nutrients in our diets, and that is why we are pulling out all the stops to find out how to replace these nutrients effectively and also how to restore perfect health to our bodies at all and any cost.
And it is working! Every day I get up and say, "I feel great!"
Summer, Sun and Fun!
Well I am finally back again. And it is summer out there. Yes, officially and literally, summer has arrived here in the UK. I just love it. It's not too hot, and not too cool. We have beautiful blue skies with white, fluffy clouds that glide along peacefully in a cool breeze which is keeping us from overheating.
So why am I so enthralled with this weather? Firstly, the sun helps our bodies make Vitamin D - that essential nutrient that is so important in helping us fight cancer. Yes, the big C-word that most people are so frightened of. The sun is our first defence in keeping our bodies healthy.
Which brings me to the second benefit of these long, summer day - fresh air and exercise, and lots of it. We just love to take long walks in a beautiful park not too far from where we live, which gets our lymphatic system s moving. Yes, we need to move around to get our lymph system activated so that it can clean up our systems. This is our second defense against disease. Get moving and enjoy your exercise!
Of course I haven't forgotten that summer is absolutely perfect for lots and lots of healthy, raw, living foods. Yes, the salad is BIG and we enjoy ours loaded with everything that is packed with enzymes and vitamins and phytonutrients and vibrant, deep colours, and nuts and seeds which are packed with Omega's and protein which our bodies really need.
So, for a health-filled, life-filled summer, I'm getting out there and getting healthy! Whose up for it?
So why am I so enthralled with this weather? Firstly, the sun helps our bodies make Vitamin D - that essential nutrient that is so important in helping us fight cancer. Yes, the big C-word that most people are so frightened of. The sun is our first defence in keeping our bodies healthy.
Which brings me to the second benefit of these long, summer day - fresh air and exercise, and lots of it. We just love to take long walks in a beautiful park not too far from where we live, which gets our lymphatic system s moving. Yes, we need to move around to get our lymph system activated so that it can clean up our systems. This is our second defense against disease. Get moving and enjoy your exercise!
Of course I haven't forgotten that summer is absolutely perfect for lots and lots of healthy, raw, living foods. Yes, the salad is BIG and we enjoy ours loaded with everything that is packed with enzymes and vitamins and phytonutrients and vibrant, deep colours, and nuts and seeds which are packed with Omega's and protein which our bodies really need.
So, for a health-filled, life-filled summer, I'm getting out there and getting healthy! Whose up for it?
Thursday, 24 January 2008
STARTING ALL OVER
This year has seen the fulfilment of our Raw Journey. Even though we have been mostly raw last year, the acquisition of a Dehydrator has meant a serious shift away from cooked foods - ie bread !
Between making sure we have enough Distilled Water and dehydrated snacks - apples are the favourite - and making salads, smoothies and juicing, days seem to be planned around food.
Best to start a business around it, I figured out, so here goes...
Raw Food Lectures.
No, maybe Well-being Instruction.
Or perhaps just: Designer Living !
Yes, as our Designer intended.
There we go - back to the Garden of Eden and all those yummy raw food in its original state.
Yummmmmmmmm !
Between making sure we have enough Distilled Water and dehydrated snacks - apples are the favourite - and making salads, smoothies and juicing, days seem to be planned around food.
Best to start a business around it, I figured out, so here goes...
Raw Food Lectures.
No, maybe Well-being Instruction.
Or perhaps just: Designer Living !
Yes, as our Designer intended.
There we go - back to the Garden of Eden and all those yummy raw food in its original state.
Yummmmmmmmm !
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