A Decision

After weeks of taking western medication followed by Chinese medicine, I made a decision to change my diet and eat anti-histamine foods to get rid of this lingering cough. So for the next 3 months, I will bid goodbye to my favourite desserts and eat the following and see how I do:

1. Vegetables - Bell Peppers, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Green Beans, Spring Onions, Kale, Leeks, Olives, Spinach, Sweet potatoes, Tomatoes
2. Fruits - Apples, Avocados, Pineapple, Guavas, Kiwifruit, Lemons, Papaya
3. Nuts - Almonds, Flaxseed/Linseed, Hazelnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts
4. Fish - Cod, Herring, Salmon, Sardines, Snapper Fish, Striped Bass, Tuna
5. Drink - Green tea, lots of water
6. Supplements - Quercetin, Omega 3 fatty acids, Bromelain, Vitamin C
7. What to cut down on - animal protein intake, dairy, wheat and gluten products, artificial sweeteners and sugar

Prayer to the Restorer of Entombed Vitality (by Joyce Rupp)

This is a wonderful poem by Joyce Rupp (taken from Out of the Ordinary)

Awakened One
source of inner power
restorer of tombed vitality
giver of graced gusto

you who have been raised
from the cold stone of death
come and resurrect me
from my own entombment

repair what has weakened
in my spiritual endeavors
revive my mildewed
cobwebbed relationships

lift up my waning hope
when I wail with the world's pain
restore my sense of oneness
with all your creation

refresh my daily call
to embrace the sacred
to find you in every gesture
that dances with your heart

push back the stone
of self-centredness
untomb my generosity
renew my dedication

raise up my dilapidated dreams
restore my ancient union
resuscitate my burning desire
re-establish my priorities
so you become the Centre
of all I am and all I do

Nicodemus

I came at night to see the Teacher
To find out about the miracles that defied nature
Filled with fear but compelled by my question - Is this really God sanctioned?

You must be born again - I was told.
His words defied all logic known
You must be born from heaven, by the Spirit.
It's unseen, unpredictable, but you will feel it

His words awakened a deep yearning in my heart,
And dispelled the fear I had from the start.
It may cost me everything I am and have
But I will follow Him with resolution and pizzaz.

An Easter Thanksgiving

Jesus You took on all my sin;
Every wrong and pain and disfigurement within.
You paid a debt You did not owe
Not destroy this unworthy soul.
How can I ever repay You fully?
For all I am and have comes from You only....I can only say "thank you Lord" from my heart; and pledge Your words to remember and never depart.