The Toxicity in a Mick’s up of Deficiency

“When you're feeling down, help someone else, volunteer, and give (time, talents, energy).

It's harder to be sad when you are serving!”

Kimberly Roberto

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time.  However, some of our friends and neighbors are dealing with more than we realize.  There are sicknesses, hurts, sadness, and depression.  A sermon I heard this week mentions the pain some feel during this time.  That reminds me to pray for the hurting people in the world, especially to remember to stop my celebrating long enough to look beyond myself to others around me.

It’s no fair feeling down during a season of joy, but it’s a reality for some of us.  If you find yourself getting this way, try some of the precautions mentioned in “Is Your Food Stressing You Out?”  Dr. Eric Slead and Dr. Justin Moseley point out some deficiencies that are most likely part of the cause:

• Increase your protein intake.  “Protein-rich foods contain… alertness chemicals… like beans, chicken, and lean grass-fed beef.”
• Increase your Vitamin D3 intake, because “Vitamin D levels are very low in those who suffer from depression and heart disease.”  The reason for a Vitamin D3 supplement is “Vitamin D levels are linked to melatonin levels.  Melatonin is secreted as we sleep normally and increases during seasonal changes in daylight.  Melatonin increases appetite, decreases alertness, and affects mood.”
• Increase your Essential Fatty Acids, such as your omegas.  “Proper balance of these fatty acids matters for both physical and mental health.  The deficit of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to depression.”  Kimberly Roberto adds, “Perfect Ratio Omega improves brain function, helps fight depression, stabilizes blood sugar, and lowers blood pressure.”
• Increase your number of chiropractic adjustments.  “The physiological impact, the relief of nerve stress, and the subsequent relaxation of muscles and associated organs makes a Chiropractic adjustment not only a great way to reduce stress short term, but long term allows your body to live in a state of health.”

Granted, this looks like I’m belittling the severity of these feelings.  Please understand I am not. 

The truth is…
For some of us, it’s more than just a mood.  There are people dealing with a more serious issue, namely depression.  Mark Hyman, MD states in his article Why Antidepressants Don't Work for Treating Depression, “Depression is among the most common problems seen in primary-care medicine and soon will be the second leading cause of disability in this country. ”  He adds some items to the above deficiencies list to treat depression without drugs: 

• Decrease inflammatories in your diet.
• Be aware of thyroid issues (Ask your chiropractor how hypothyroidism can be handled through a change in lifestyle.)
• Increase the right B vitamins!
• Watch for toxicity, specifically mercury.
• Exercise!!!

Want more information to fight depression?  Watch the archived "Depression Revealed" Webinar with Gwen Olsen.  She is a former drug rep, who speaks out with shocking statistics about depression.

I hope this is helpful for you and your loved ones, who might be fighting emotional darkness this Christmas. I’ll be praying for you and for all those who feel there is no way out.  Look to the Lord.  Talk to Him.  He’ll listen and love you at all times.

Praise the LORD,…

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion

Psalm 103:1,4 (NIV)

~

Mick’s up with No Fear

“This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise.  We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road.  All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.”

Martin Luther 

 

Do you participate in Halloween?  When we first became parents, we did not think it wise to get our kidderz mixed up with a celebration that alluded to evil.  I must admit, however, that we have allowed them to be included in it over the years.  We certainly have taught them the history behind it, and the reasons why we choose to “keep it clean” and not gory, etc., and we chose not to give in to fear.  In addition, we decided it is best to be a light in the darkness, and so we use this opportunity to hand out information about our church and our faith.  When else do people come to your door, asking you to give them whatever you feel like sharing with them?  This is awesome!

 

Why fear evil in the world, when we can stand up for the Truth?  Why hide away in a darkened house in fear, hoping for no visitors on Halloween, and be mistaken for a grumpy old outcast… when you can express the joy you truly feel, and share the love of Christ with neighbors you might not otherwise meet!?  We at our house think it’s fun!

 

Yes, there is a spiritual battle going on, and we do not always see the warfare.  It’s good to be aware, but it’s even better to know and trust a God who can protect you in the midst of it.  Do not fear!  A wonderful reminder in scripture was shared at our church on Sunday, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) 

 

Some historic elements to this time of year can be honored, like Vision Forum summarizes with remembering Reformation Day.  “It was 494 years ago that Martin Luther nailed his world-changing 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church.  These theses included rebukes to ungodly fear and superstition.  502 years ago, sometime near October 31, a baby named John Calvin was conceived who would dedicate his life to eradicating an ungodly fear of superstitious beliefs and proclaiming the gospel of grace.  His emphasis on reformation, revival, and the sufficiency of Scripture had such far-reaching implications for nations like the United States that he has been described by Christian and secular scholars alike as the true founding father of America.  The Reformers did something that was very scary to the world of their day.  They stood against all forms of dark superstitions which grip the minds and souls of men.  It was their emphasis on the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Holy Scripture that was used by God to liberate untold numbers of men and women.  But to remember the Reformers instead of Halloween is very scary to the world.”

 
 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)