HAVE A SNACK

I am learning to enjoy my snacks.. For some reason, snacks have gotten a bad wrap! When we think of a snack, we generally think chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, soda pops....and such. But there is a better alternative. A healthy snack.
Water and good healthy herbal teas a must for good health also. Water is the best nutrient.

Healthy snacks can curb cravings, they can certainly regulate cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and they can be very good for you. The key is planning ahead, my new philosophy is to stop the cravings before they start!! I've found it hard to stop the mouth when its already in gear.....

A snack is not another meal, just a good way to space out calories and help eliminate strong unhealthy cravings.

Here are some of my favorites and why:

APPLES...Remember the old saying"an apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Sounds good to me. Only about 65 calories(more or less), and no fat, a fresh, unpeeled apple offers about 3 grams of fiber, about 10% vitamin C, and is chocked full of anthocyanins(another name for phytochemicals) They taste pretty good too.

CARROTS.... Powerful vitamin A, Vitamin B6, iron, beta-carotene, fiber potassium. Carrots really give a good full feeling for me. I like a few raisins with carrots, watch raisins they are good but have a high glycemic index. Few won't hurt!!!

POP CORN...can work well. 14 grams of fiber, popcorn is a good snack. But choose low-fat, low-sodium varieties.

ORANGES...A small one has about 65 calories and more than 100% of the days allowance of C, thats great news. An orange is also a good source of thiamin, potassium, fiber and bioflavanoids.

BANANAS..About 6 grams of fiber and plenty of potassium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. The B vitamins are a must for a healthy nervous system, and for good digestion. Plus other benefits.. One of my many slogans is " Be Cool, Be Calm, B Vitamins!

ALMONDS... High in calcium, but also have good amount of calories and fat per serving.

CELERY... About 15 calories and a good source of Niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, Vitamins A,C, K, and B6, riboflavin, and calcium. Wow! Celery is the BOMB! It is believed to lower blood pressure, relieve spasms and is good for arthritis, gout and kidney problems. According to experts, celery acts as a diuretic, antioxidant, and sedative. I try to juice a stalk or two every chance I get. Too bland for you, try celery with a small bit of nut butter, or a low-fat dip. I must have "crunchy stuff"

YOGURT... Can't leave out this fine.. Some varieties have as little as 100 calories and no fat. The "live cultures" boosts the immune system and its an excellent source of calcium, and it provides the good bacteria in the gut, and thats priceless. If you have to take antibiotics, take yogurt to balance the bacteria in the GI tract.

These are just a few of my favorite things, there are a bunch more. Don't forget the seeds, and grapes, and walnuts, and cranberries and kiwis, and strawberries and.. on my..... HAVE A SNACK!

SPRING INTO ACTION

This thought came to me today “SPRING INTO ACTION.” It is a beautiful first day of a brand new season of the year and we give thanks to God. But what action do I spring into? As I’m writing , the preacher jumps into my spirit, look at Ec.9:10, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Oh Hallelujah!
What has God given into your hands to do? What’s in your hand. What’s in my hand TO DO? Moses had a rod, God said to him “stretch it out!! I feel good in my spirit, I believe I can fly! With God on my side , my dreams and expectations will be realized. My husband has a saying, you only come by this way once” That’s true, with that in mind, what will I leave behind? What can I contribute to this big old world that God has allowed me to enter and one day to leave……What will I have produced that will make a difference in my life and in the lives of others. God is a producer, and I’m made in His image, therefore I too must produce…. We have the tools within us to produce something. Bill Gates had the Windows in him, he just didn’t know it until the need came.
The person that noticed folk running into each other thought, we need a better system! The traffic light system was born, somebody had to produce what was needed. Now we know red=stop(some folk don’t), yellow=caution, and green=go, all over the world.
I pray(but I must do), that God will help me to fulfill those things he has put in my heart to do. I can’t go beyond the ability I have, I can’t offer what I don’t have. Once I know what God has said to me, I must do that, I may have to go out into obscurity to do it, but I better do it! I may be a little “scare”, but I must hold my head up, square my shoulders and walk and God has promised to be with me always….So now I SPRING INTO ACTION….Pray with me.. Thanks for reading my “motivational speech” to me!!!
Torrence

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER! WRITTEN IN 2008..

The day has started out just as mama would have liked,"This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it," I can almost hear her say. This very day a year ago, my mama, Mother Lillie Mae McAllister Stewart fell asleep in the arms of her God.

I am so happy God chose my mom for me, I would not have wanted it any other way. She was a quiet woman, but very strong and resilent. Thats the way I remember her "strong", and quiet but loud enough to be heard and respected.

She was a God fearing woman, and taught all of us to reverence and serve God, she certainly did with vigor! I remember one time, mama went to our pastor and asked him if she could start an all girls choir. Mama got all the girls together and we had one of the best choirs in little Kinston, North Carolina..... My good friend Patricia played the piano and I lead most of the songs along with others and we praised God in our singing!

When growing up, mama lead our family with a singing group, we traveled the country singing. My brother Jimmy played the guitar and my sisters, Brenda, Kaye, my deceased sister Faye, my brother Hillery, and myself, could make some noise.LOL. Daddy sang too but mostly he talked and drove us around. Fond memories of mama....I remember mama in a special way.

I can see mama helping the other mothers of the church set the communion table decked out in her white suit. Mama loved white and we all knew when the time came, white would be her burial garment, and it was. People would come from miles around to hear mama sing in the choir, her saprano voice rang out.

Mama wasn't just a church lady. I guess in a way she was a community leader. Anytime there was something to be done around her she was there. Visiting the sick, helping people on the farms, oh and the children, they loved to come to mama's house.

One of mama's dreams was to own a store. I thought that was so funny in a way, mama being so shy and all. But God gave her her dream. In 1982 or thereabout, my mama and daddy opened, Stewart's Feed and Seed in Kinston. It was a big hit, it stands as the only Black store of its kind in that city. Everybody supported it, buying all the things daddy could find to sell..And mama was so happy, working the cash register and helping the customers with an eight grade education! But she was people smart and she had God to help and guide her.

On weekends I would come home from Durham and find her in the store, happy and content. Fond memories of mama

I'm crying as I'm writing this, but not tears of sadness anymore, only tears of joy. I miss talking to her, but wouldn't call her back if I could. Longing to see her again with that smile that is priceless and timeless....Today, mama died, gone but not forgotten! I remember mama in a special way...
Torrence

I MISS MY HUSBAND!!!!

A couple hours ago I was watching a basketball game with Gilda and thought to myself, I miss my husband. There have been very few times in 23 years that we haven't been together. But its really a strange feeling when he's not at home. They left yesterday morning about 9:am, and I have lost count of the times he has called, I did call a couple of times too...... I miss Loria and the girls too, the house is a spooky quiet, Karris is usually making some noises or making us laugh. Kenna is usually saying "grandma can I have this or that.....but I really miss John. And as it should be.....

They arrived in Madison ,Florida last night. Today they traveled to Blountstown to see his brother James Howard and visited with other family and friends.

One of his cousins took him through the country to see a lot of "familiar", home sites in Sweetwater, where he grew up. He saw the spring where he got water for the home and visited the house his mother built after the other house burned to the ground. Oh, there will be pictures!!!

Speaking of pictures, he e-mailed a picture of a "prickly pear", yes a real one. His cousin Charlie pulled it by the roots and gave it to him to bring back for me. Can't wait to see a real one. It looked just like the ones I researched on the computer. I bought one at the store, its called "catus pear" and doesn't look like the real prickly pear. I will post it along with other pictures when he gets back.

He will meet with everyone tomorrow and visit his father's grave. Please God for him, it will be an emotional time and a time of mixed feelings. I thank God he is having such a wonderful time but I miss him very much. If all goes well they will get back sometime Tuesday night. Please keep them in your prayers, God give them "traveling grace".........
Torrence

MIRACLE CHART

COURTESY OF BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

Miracle Food Chart

PHYTOCHEMICAL SOURCES POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFIT

Allylic sulfides Garlic, chives, leeks, onions, Detoxifies; offers cancer resistance;

shallots antiviral properties

Beta-carotene Apricots, carrots, squash, peaches Enhances immunity;

helps prevent cataracts; slows cancer progression

Catechins Green and black teas, chocolate Prevents cancer

Diadzein Soybeans, tofu Prevents estrogen from binding to receptors; has anticancer potential

Ellagic acid Blackberries, cranberries, grapes, Provides antioxidants
strawberries, walnuts

Genestein Tofu, soy milk, soy beans Inhibits tumor growth; protects against
heart disease

Isothiocyanates Cruciferous vegetables Reduces risk of cancer
(broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower)

Lutein Spinach, collard greens, kale Protects against age-related eye disease;
decreases risk of lung disease

Lycopene Tomatoes, kiwifruit Reduces risk of prostate cancer

Monoterpenes Orange and citrus oils, kale Slows growth of cancer cells

Omega-3 fatty acids Fish oil (mackerel, salmon, trout) Reduces risk of heart disease

Proanthocyanidins Cranberries, cranberry products, Improves urinary track health; reduces risk cocoa, chocolate of cardiovascular disease

Resveratrol Grapes, red wine, peanuts Lowers blood pressure and risk of heart
disease

Saponins Soybeans, soy foods Helps to lower LDL cholesterol, controls
blood sugars, and prevents cancer

Zeaxanthin Arugula, collards, horseradish, Provides antioxidants; boosts immune yellow corn, mustard, sorrel function

Note: This table is not all encompassing. Researchers continue to identify potentially beneficial components in food at a rapid rate.

THE INNER VOICE

There is an inner voice, and it is very important that we listen to it. I have failed to adhere to this voice more than one time ,but its this one time that still haunts me. On my way home from taking my husband to work several years ago, I had a close encounter that I still remember, it is as though it happened today. I needed to have a series of hepatitis shots for my respite care business. Three series are required and I was in need of one more shot to finish the requirement. At the corner of Charlotte and 11th Ave., I heard the Lord say(as clear as I’ve ever heard him), “go home”.
I began to tell the Lord that Lentz Health Center was right up the street(like He didn’t know), and I needed to take my shot, and since I’m “right here”, no need to go home and come back another day and yada, yada, yada…..I heard him the second time……
Anyway, as the story goes, I disobeyed God, found me a park at the health center, and took my foolish self on in there. My destination was the third floor, room 308, I think. As I got off the elevator and looked to my left, there was a BIG sign on the door.
Due to the Thanksgiving Holidays, there will be NO vacinations today!!!! You could have bought me for a dime… I cried most of the way home. How foolish of me. Suppose God was warning me of some impending danger, what if someone was there to harm me and my faithful Father was warning me. What if????

Viewing a tv show last night, I heard a story that brought me to tears and broke my heart, really. A lady was rehearsing how she got shot, which left her paralyzed. This happened in the 1970’s in California, I think. She had a small baby and had just lost her job, looking for employment, she thought she had found a gold mine, the perfect job. She said it had good benefits and all, and it was what she needed to raise her son.
The interview was on a Friday afternoon at 3:00. She debated going and then changed her mine saying” I’ll go and get it over with”.
After finding the place, still not really wanting to go, she went in. Her life was about to change forever. She said as she walked into the office, “her inner voice said‘GET OUT OF HERE, GET OUT OF HERE” Notice she said “my inner voice said”, like my inner voice had said, that morning when I disobeyed.
She went on to say there was a man there and when she saw him she “knew”, she was in trouble. He took her to a back room and shot her, leaving her paralyzed forever.
Let us pray each day for one another for the protection of God, but even more for a sensitive spirit to hear him and obey. I knew it was God, but I went on my own sense, to get what I wanted. Thankfully, nothing bad happened to me like the lady many years ago, but I was still not sensitive to him and God was not pleased!
The lady has a job and has recovered much, she has helped to raise her son, and she runs a computer with her teeth. She has forgiven the man that did this to her, but what would her life have been, had she heeded the voice GET OUT OF HERE.The inner voice
Torrence

MY TWO NEW FOUND LOVES........

I am enjoying life to the full, well, really to the overflow….This has really been a productive time in my life thanks to God (He’s always first) and some new found loves of my life.

I know (or hope) that each one who reads these posts feel the same way. My sister in North Carolina, “EJ the Storyteller” and I have a saying ‘Life is Good!’ We have a good God, what more could we expect. Yes, we have our difficulties and “life” issues but really, if we would let God help us we probably could have a "feast all the time." The song says ‘Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we bear; all because we do not carry, Everything to God in prayer……

One of my new loves is writing. Oh my, how happy and fulfilled it makes me. I’m not really sure why, its not that I write so well, or think I know so much(have learned some things along the way), but I get to express things inside me as if they have been hidden. I think back when I was in college, many, many years ago,......all my professors always commended my writing and speaking abilities; but especially writing. Of course then I was “dubious to the obvious”, but now 30 years later, I see it coming forth from my spirit, even I feel the spirit leading me to WRITE. It is strange and wonderful at the same time, I give glory to God!

My other love is walking, it’s the BOMB!!! I’ve started the Leslie Sansone walk at home series. I have missed only twice since January, I walk every day regardless. My goal is to walk at least 5 miles every day. I can walk 2 miles STRAIGHT, the key is “straight” When I started I could just do a little and stop, and start again….but thanks to God and perseverance I can really gooooooooo. Yes, I’m very proud of myself. If I'm not who will be? I can’t quiet walk the 10,000 steps yet but I get pass 8,0000(LOL). I thank God for allowing me to experience these things in my life. I walk around the block and in the neighborhood, but these videos gets all parts of the body working. Its strength training and aeorbic walking. I like the steps and muscles in motion, the hand movements,the knee lifts, and kick backs, and the side steps, and the kick boxing and on and on……Yes I’m pumped !! Stay encouraged…..
Torrence

THE JOURNEY OF LIFE

THE JOURNEY OF LIFE

One day last week the Lord showed me something. I wasn’t that thrilled about it! But I know that God is always trying to help me for He loves and cares for me, so I listen and receive the blessing….
After making the bed, and preparing for the day, I opened my bible and this scripture jumped off the page into my eyes. Look at Luke 2:6, “And so it was, that, WHILE THEY WERE THERE, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered”. I well knew that God was saying something to me, so I prayed for the revealation of this word. This is what I got from Him as best I can explain it.
We all are on a journey of life…we all have been placed here for a time and purpose, and God has and is moving us along our journey.
Mary and Joseph had to be at the place there were in order for the will and purposes of God to be accomplished. The timing and the birth and all that went with it had to happen exactly as it did. While they were there, not some place else.
Look at Micah 5:2, “But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. The eternity of God, Mary had to be there and deliver the child there according to the word of God.
What did God tell me? There are some things that I must DELIVER HERE. While I am here, God has ordained certain things, I like to call them assignments, for I am an ambassador for him. I will be honest(I usually am), my heart and mind are elsewhere, but God is saying not so fast, there is more work for you here in Tennessee. I dearly want to relocate from Tennessee and Nashville in general. I know what God is talking about, I’m pregnant with some things he has put in my heart, and I’d better be sure I deliver IN THIS PLACE, WHILE I’M HERE. Time to delivery some things, the journey of my life is not completed in this place ……yet.
Steady Freddy, Don’t blow it!!! Pray for me……
Torrence

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO. JOHN TORRENCE

On March 7,1945, my husband John William Torrence was born in Bristol Florida. Last Friday God blessed him to celebrate 63 years of life. Every year is special, but this one has been especially sweet. You see, John's daddy Rev. Samuel Coleman Torrence died when he was just a few months old, and he never knew him or where he was laid to rest. It has always been his dream to find his father's grave.

Several years ago, he purchased "The Family Tree" computer program and continued his search with vigor! He knew he died in Madison, Florida and he was told he was buried there so in pressed on.... With his dad's death certificate and a few contacts from friends some hope began to surface.

One thing I've learned in life is that many times you need others to help fulfill your dreams. In this case, two heads were better than one. Theresa got on the case!

Theresa is our third daughter and she lives in California with her husband and two daughters. She always has been interested in her father's family history and along with him began to search things out. Last year, her search lead her to the funeral home that funeralized Rev. Samuel Coleman Torrence so many years ago. Imagine that, with deligence and hard work the dream was coming alive...

The son of the gentleman that buried my father-in-law owns the funeral home now and all the "old" documents are there in Madison, Florida. The owner didn't want to be bothered with going in the old vault and finding the record of a man that his daddy buried in May, 1945!! Not interested indeed, but Theresa, like a tenacious bull dog would not give up. He charged her $40.00 an hour to go and look through his dad's old records to find her grandfather's burying place. It took him about two hours, but he found all the records including who had made the arrangements for the burial. Everything was there in the old shed, covered with dust and years of longing...The mystery solved, Rev. Samuel Coleman Torrence died May 27th, was funeralized June 1, 1945 and was laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetary in Madison, Florida. God had truly given my husband the "desire of his heart."

On Sunday March 16, 2008, (Lord willing), John will head to Madison Florida to see his father's final resting place. The tenacious Theresa will pay for the trip and all. Her birthday present to her father who never got to know his...Loria will drive him down there, her present to her father.

Everyone is excited in Madison, Florida. The Madison County newspaper called Theresa March 6(day before John's birthday), and wanted to write a story about this, and may air it on CBS news! They said " this story is certainly news worthy". I agree.
Monday March 17 John plans to meet with the Library historian, The Madison County News, The owner of Begg's Funeral Home, and maybe CBS news!!! I am so happy God has helped him find peace in this area of his life also.

It gives me a special sense of pride and hope, that God is concerned and ready, and willing to help us in every little and big dream we may have.

John's birthday was filled with more cards and calls and e-mails and 0n-line birthday cards, it was as if people knew this was a special time for him. I give God thanks for his kindness to my husband.

BEAUTIFUL WOMEN MONTH

I did not know its Beautiful Women Month. Didn't know they had a month named for me(ha, ha, ha) My on-line friend Sunny informed me and sent a poem I would like to share with you. Its a poem by Audrey Hepburn, Ms. Hepburn wrote this when someone asked her to share her 'beauty tips'. It was read at her funeral years later

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness....
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people..
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry...
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day....
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.... People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, redeemed: Never throw out ANYONE....
Beautiful, Have a beautiful day, today and always......

A WONDERFUL DAY, A WONDERFUL LIFE!!!!

I'm always marveling at the goodness of God , and the wonderful life He provides for his children. Though we may not know what will befall us, we always can glory in Him; knowing He's always "there for us and in us". What a wonderful day, what a wonderful life!

Eccleasiastes 12: 1,"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

I thank God for giving each and everyone the opportunity to have a wonderful day and a wonderful life. Now life is tough but we have God to help us through all the paths of life. He has given us the gift of choice and we make the right choices and live happy everyday. We remember NOW our creator today, whether we're ten years old or an aged ninety and nine; we remember the God that is the beginning and the end.......

Jesus really didn't give us much of a choice about what to do with him. He didn't leave a lot of room for us to decide whether to choose him or not. In Mark 1:15, Jesus sets the course for our lives when he said"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. In other words, repent( change your way of thinking, what you've been taught), and believe the report about me, the son of God, the Saviour of the world! He's saying, YOU repent, not an option. You just do it, repent and believe the gospel.

God has this wonderful way of seemingly giving us a choice but really telling us what to do. LOL. Kinda like I did my children sometimes, when they were small.
Notice Deut.30:19 says" I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE life, that both thou and thy seed may live; verse 20a) is so wonderful. "That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days......What a wonderful day, what a wonderful life....The life God gives, Oh Hallelujah!

John Baptist hammered this through the spirit in Mat.3:1-2," In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2) And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Thank God for loving us enough to send Jesus(God in the flesh), to give us this wonderful life. Let us take full advantage of it, we do not want to trample it under foot, we live to love and please God, and to love others. And to witness to the lost, wherever we find them.

Have a wonderful day and a wonderful life!

THE JOURNEY OF LIFE

TRY SOMETHING NEW

We all know fruits and vegetables are the BOMB for sustaing good health and weight loss, but I must admit I have become bored with the same ole, same ole same ole stuff. Know what I mean???? My solution to this is each week(if God allows), I will try a new fruit and veggie. God has abundantly given us so many wonderful things to enjoy and I settle for the same old. I thought perhaps I would broaden my horizons and stretch out my knowledge base. I may have to frequent different markets and ethics stores but "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof" He gave all the foods to us. Genesis 1:29 reads "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat". Fruits and veggies are the dieter's dream since they are low in calories and free of harmful fats. They also pack a wallop of good vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibers, plant sterols, bioflavonoids and the list goes on. Boy, what a beautiful picture and figure fruits and veggies can produce. Which is probably why God gave them to us for our meat(food) Isn't He wonderful, he thought of everything!!!

My two new things will be:

purlsane: its a vegetable with about 10 calories per 1/2 cup. It is to be prepared like fresh spinach and is said will help lower blood pressure

prickly pear: one medium has 42 calories and is rich in vitamin C and magnesium. I'll let you know how they agreed with my palate.. Feel free to add your new tastes to the blog..More fruits and veggies why? Because health matters......