Random silliness.....Tyler style

So I realized I have few things about Tyler on my blog, with the exception of his graduation last May and his exodus to UW Whitewater last August. In all honesty he hasn't been around much since then, so there's little to report. But, I figured what the heck, here's an oldie but a goody. In honor of my silly stepson and his cohorts Charlie,Nate,Clayton,and James, I present the "DEAF WOOKIES."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP6zgzoYKnA

So, what CAN i eat?!

I have been a part of the DAIRY-FREE community for over 10 years now....but I never thought I'd be a member of the GLUTEN FREE  population, as well. Yes, my digestive system is seriously flawed and I have the symptoms to prove it. 

I'll spare you most of the details about that, but I will say this, I am soooo happy to finally find out what has been the cause of my gut-wrenching reactions.

There would be days I would lay on the bed, clutching my abdomen in agony wondering, "What did I eat that is causing this?!" I know how to avoid dairy to the fullest, including eggs, so I was completely perplexed and becoming seriously discouraged.

After compiling data which included all my symptoms,doing thorough research and having tests done, the diagnosis was a serious case of  GLUTEN INTOLERANCE.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye and is indigestible in folks such as myself. The symptoms manifest themselves as eczema, rashes, severe painful bloating, lethargy, easy bruising, and thinning hair to name a few. It is in reality, an autoimmune disease.

Thank goodness peanut butter doesn't have gluten, because the above is what I found when I recently opened my cupboard after Bruce cleaned out Sentry's natural peanut butter supply!

So, what foods contain gluten, you ask? Nearly every processed food on the store's shelves contain gluten. Bread is the most obvious culprit, as well as pretzels, crackers, pasta, cereal, soup, creamer, frozen meals, pizza, tortillas, salad dressings, stuffing, pastries, and pancake mix. There are also some very inconspicuous sources including spice mixes, soy sauce, gum, some toothpastes, chocolate, some lunch meats, broths, and condiments.

Between the lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance, I'm left with a short list of "acceptable" foods, but they do exist and overall are probably healthier choices anyway. 

All fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, rice, beans, legumes, nuts, nut butters, nut flours, tofu, kasha, fish, minimally processed natural meat, corn products, and even jello are on that list. There are some dairy products that are gluten-free, but are not relevant to me unfortunately.

There are so many companies now that specialize in gluten free products that serve as alternatives for the gluten-challenged! A favorite is Rice Chex cereal.

It will be an interesting journey as I enter in a phase of life without "normal" foods, but as long as I stay in the produce aisle and stick to whole fruits and vegetables as much as possible, I should fare well.

Random things in my world!

Remember Rocky? This hyalophora cercropia made his temporary home on our garage last September. I have an entire blog post dedicated to him. Well, in about 2 months now he will emerge as a beautiful red and black moth. I hope we don't miss the big show!

This is a yummy treat that I've fallen in love with. As you can see it has 85% less fat and 40%less calories than regular peanut butter. It takes care of my sweet cravings quite thoroughly, despite not having any refined sugar added to it!

So, this is the note Bruce left on our dry erase board. I went out one night with friends, less than a mile away and practically on the same road we live on. I love how sentimental he is. :)

I tried to save this picture zoomed in really close, but I haven't figured that out yet. This is a metal tractor Bruce bought that you obviously stick corn cobs on. He came home all excited about this new find, saying enthusiastically, "It will look like the squirrel is riding a tractor!" Ok Bruce, settle down! I always think of Tara and giggle when I see Tractor squirrel, because squirrels at her house are one of the most unwelcome of God's creatures! We enjoy watching them for some reason.

This is the dirtless plant Bruce bought for Trinity at the farmer's market last fall. All we have to do is soak it in water 2 to 3 times a week and it's fine. We keep it in a small wicker basket.

Cell phones, laptops, Ipods.....OH MY!!

Technology is great, isn't it?! This morning I checked my email, downloaded songs onto my Ipod, and called my dad on my cell phone. All this after watching a little local news on t.v.

Technology helps us to communicate, educate, learn, accomplish tasks, improve our physical health and even lengthen our lives through medical advances. What BLESSINGS!

And yet, as we acquire more and more of these gadgets and gizmos, the more of our time, money and energy is diverted toward these things. I think we need to be very careful and very conscious of how we allow these things to influence us in our lives.

There are already so many obligations in life that can distract us from spending time with God and hearing His voice....jobs, sports, hobbies, school, maintaining our homes and vehicles. The list could go on.

God's voice is a voice of truth, and a "still small voice." (1 Kings 19:12). But, the voices of this world are loud, insensitive, deceitful, and bombard us with ideas contrary to God.

So, as we utilize all this wonderful advancement in technology, let us be mindful in how we use it, how much we use it, and why we use it. I, myself am guilty of putting technology before God. Instead of going to God in prayer, I've found myself going to the computer or t.v. when I have some downtime. I've called someone on the phone when feeling anxious or bored to distract me from my feelings, instead of calling out to God. Instead of soaking up the peacefulness of a quiet house and the opportunity to hear God's voice, I've blasted music from my ipod speakers.

Don't get me wrong-all of these those activities in and of themselves are not bad!! There is a time and place for everything. But, how often do we choose to have our thoughts, time and energy diverted from just being still and listening. Listening for God's voice.

So many people I know tell me, "I can never hear God speak to me." Well, how often are you actually listening? It's hard to be aware of His voice when your mind is wrapped up in the cares of this world and the readily available distractions of technology.

Like I said earlier, technology is great! But, we need to be careful in how we allow it to influence our time and energy. When I first moved to Colorado 8 years ago, I moved in with my mom in the mountains on the end of a 6 mile dirt road. I was 8 miles from the nearest "town." There was no computer, I had no Ipod, and there were limited books. I called Jacqueline crying and complaining. She said, "I guess it's just God and dirt!" It took me a while to appreciate it, but I eventually did. I did a lot of praying and spent a lot of time in the Bible. It was a time of great spiritual growth, with few distractions.

Let us consider how we are spending our time, money, and energy. I pray our souls become rich in godly experiences and endeavors. Let us feed our souls with the eternal goodness and life-changing influence of God.

Jesus said:

"For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his sown soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26.

from the song Life Means So Much, by Chris Rice

Everyday is a bank account

And time is our currency

So no one's rich, nobody's poor

We get twenty-four hours each

So how are you gonna spend?

Will you invest or squander?

Try to get ahead

Or help someone who's under?

Teach us to count the days

Teach us to make the days count

Lead us in better ways

Somehow our souls forgot

Life means so much