Just some thoughts....

For the last year I have had so much going on in my life that would make anyone depressed if you just dwell on it. I have learned to trust God no matter what and try and think about others instead of dwelling on what is going on in my life. Satan would like you to dwell on your own problems so you become depressed and begin to think things are hopeless. That is where faith comes in (Hebrews 11:1 Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen) We have to look beyond our problems and trust God to bring us through. Thinking of others and praying for them gets you out of the "me" mode.

5 Foods For Healthier Skin

You can invest half your paycheck in serums and creams - even splurge on dermal fillers and pricey facials - but none of it will get you far without a skin-friendly diet.

Of course, your skin (and the rest of you, for that matter) is best served by a well-rounded diet, including healthy fats, sufficient protein, and lots of fruits and vegetables. But there are a few nutritional standouts that make particularly important contributions to strong, glowing skin:

1. Fish:

Fatty fish like salmon, tilapia, and cod are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And that's a good thing, because our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally. By adding omega-3s to your diet, though, you can bolster your skin barrier - that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.

There is even evidence that the skin-strengthening effects of omega-3s can improve chronic skin conditions like rosacea and atopic dermatitis, but more research is necessary to confirm that link.

Furthermore, many types of fish (like, once again, salmon and cod) are rich in vitamin D - as dermatologists increasingly emphasize sun avoidance, we also need to emphasize the importance of finding other sources of this vitamin, which is produced during sun exposure.

Don't eat fish? Many eggs are now fortified with omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sources include flax seed and flax seed oil, walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. And a daily vitamin D supplement is a good idea for vegans and meat-eaters alike.

2. Green Tea:

It's inexpensive, easy to add to your routine, and one of the best-researched and most powerful antioxidants around. That's why green tea is my go-to antioxidant: I drink at least three cups a day to fight aging and inflammation. Some studies even suggest that the antioxidants in green tea reduce one's risk of skin cancer. So put down that soda and start drinking your way to healthier skin!

3. Broccoli:

Rich in vitamins A, C, and K (among many other nutrients), this veggie does more than its fair share of nutritional work. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises. So whatever ails you, this green wonderfood might be just what the doctor ordered.

4. Safflower or Sunflower Oil:

Omega-3s get a lot more talk, but omega-6 fatty acids - like the linoleic acid in these two oils - are also important for healthy skin. Like omega-3s, they help prevent dry skin and inflammation; they're also essential for the formation of prostaglandins, hormones that keep all the cells of the body functioning well.

While many diets are actually quite high in omega-6s - sometimes even too high - the key is to get the good ones and not unhealthy versions, like hydrogenated oils. So try sautéing your salmon or broccoli in a little safflower or sunflower oil and double those skin-soothing benefits!

5. Almonds:

When it comes to boosting skin's defenses against aging, inflammation, and even skin cancer, antioxidants are so important that I'm going to add another to my list: A handful of almonds every day boosts your levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health. Studies also suggest that consuming vitamin E orally can increase the levels of this moisturizing vitamin on your skin's surface - great news for anyone prone to dry skin.

This information came from here.

Have You Forgotten?

Here's Your Sign

Thought this was funny...

Lyrics To "The Soldier Song"

YOU GOT A CALL TO LEAVE TODAY
NO LONG GOODBYES
YOU WERE INSTRUCTED TO BE BRAVE
SOLDIER DRY YOUR EYES
YOU'VE GOT TO LEAVE YOUR FAMILY BEHIND
SO I CAN BE WITH MINE
AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME

I'M THE MAN I'M THE BABIES
I'M THE LITTLE OLD LADIES
WHO LAY DOWN THEIR HEADS AT NIGHT
WITH PEACEFUL DREAMS OF A WORLD TO BE
'CAUSE YOU'RE FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES
AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME

I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY
AND WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH
ARE YOU COLD ARE YOU AFRAID
ARE YOU WONDERING WHY GOD CHOSE YOU
WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO TELL YOU HOW GRATEFUL
I AM FOR WHO YOU ARE
WHEN YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME

I'M THE MAN I'M THE BABIES
I'M THE LITTLE OLD LADIES
WHO LAY DOWN THEIR HEADS AT NIGHT
WITH PEACEFUL DREAMS OF A WORLD TO BE
'CAUSE YOU'RE FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES
AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME
AND YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW MY NAME

I WANNA SAY THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
I WANNA SAY THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
SOLDIER

Marine And The Professor...

I got this in email today...thanks Dean I liked it too!
A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.

One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "'God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform. I'll give you exactly 15 minutes. "

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, 'Here I am God. I'm still waiting.' It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold.

The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, 'What the heck is the matter with you? Why did you do that?' The Marine calmly replied, 'God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So, He sent me.'

Kendra's Latest Drawing

This is the latest drawing for the Regal Gems Newsletter

Riddle

What is greater than God,
More evil than the devil,
The poor have it,
The rich need it,
And if you eat it, you'll die?

Click here for the answer.

Meanest Mom On The Planet

DES MOINES, Iowa — Jane Hambleton has dubbed herself the "meanest mom on the planet."

After finding alcohol in her son's car, she decided to sell the car and share her 19-year-old's misdeed with everyone — by placing an ad in the local newspaper.

The ad reads: "OLDS 1999 Intrigue. Totally uncool parents who obviously don't love teenage son, selling his car. Only driven for three weeks before snoopy mom who needs to get a life found booze under front seat. $3,700/offer. Call meanest mom on the planet."

Hambleton has heard from people besides interested buyers since recently placing the ad in The Des Moines Register.

The 48-year-old from Fort Dodge says she has fielded more than 70 telephone calls from emergency room technicians, nurses, school counselors and even a Georgia man who wanted to congratulate her.

"The ad cost a fortune, but you know what? I'm telling people what happened here," Hambleton says. "I'm not just gonna put the car for resale when there's nothing wrong with it, except the driver made a dumb decision

"It's overwhelming the number of calls I've gotten from people saying 'Thank you, it's nice to see a responsible parent.' So far there are no calls from anyone saying, 'You're really strict. You're real overboard, lady."'

The only critic is her son, who Hambleton says is "very, very unhappy" with the ad and claims the alcohol was left by a passenger.

Hambleton believes her son but has decided mercy isn't the best policy in this case. She says she set two rules when she bought the car at Thanksgiving: No booze, and always keep it locked.

The car has been sold, but Hambleton says she will continue the ad for another week — just for the feedback.

Mom Comes Home On My Birthday

My Mom came home from the hospital today. (after being in ICU since her birthday on October 15)
There is a lot of settling in to do but Thank God she is home!