Pain Relief Is Possible

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

-  John 14:26–27

If you depend on your own resources, it is impossible to attain peace and tranquility in this life.  Remember, apart from Christ, we can do nothing.  But the kind of peace that our Lord leaves with us is the peace that does not hinge on circumstances.  We don't have to be in a little room all alone with our eyes shut in a meditative state in order to feel peace from God.  In the middle of the strongest storm of our life we can still feel the peace that Christ Jesus gives. 

Pain, Pain...  go away!

I can't explain it, but I have experienced it. 

I continue to pray for pain relief, but I also pray that He will undertake in the entire situation and help me find the complete ataraxia I so desperately seek.  His peace and tranquility - the kind that can be obtained in any circumstance - that's what I want and need most of all.

I pray and ask God to help me maintain emotional stability, but is there something I can do for myself?  I've read that there are some foods that support good mental health as well as provide significant reduction in inflammation in the body, meaning less pain.  It's been shown that people who eat Mediterranean cuisine, including fish, olive oil, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, had a better sense of well-being and greater vitality as well as good overall general health and better pain management.  There is significant evidence to prove that these foods improve mental as well.

I love Greek salads, so it's my plan to load up on foods such as kalamata olives, hummus and pita chips.  My favorite Greek side dish happens to be couscous, so it won't be difficult for me to fit more Mediterranean recipes into my diet.  I not only want to live a long life, but the highest quality of life I possibly can.  My pain level is not as high when I'm eating the right foods (alkaline) - and a Mediterranean cuisine seems to fit that bill.  

We also enjoy eating Mediterranean Tuna Steaks and many other dishes that use seafood as the main meat.  Since I have given up processed foods, my mind and body really have been thanking me in some pretty remarkable ways! 

If you've never tried a Mediterranean recipe before, here's an easy one to try tonight!  It's never too late to start doing something great for yourself and your family!

Garlicky Green Beans With Pine Nuts (makes 6-8 servings)
 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup (about 2 ounces) pine nuts
• kosher salt and pepper

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until just tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the pine nuts and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
3. Drain the green beans and transfer to the skillet. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Enjoy "Come And Dine" as you're cooking!

http://youtu.be/Eg7MA2uavuY

When I think about the chronic pain I am in, I find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus loves and cares about me and He is helping me every day to do just as much as I can to help myself.  He just keeps guiding me towards helpful literature.   

I'm also reminded of the fact that Jesus "has my back" - literally - every day!  I love this poem by Lucinda Berry Hill, author of "Coffee With Jesus".

I’ve Got Your Back

Another day;

Another day of choices and decisions.

I want what’s best; I want God’s will,

But I don’t know His plans.

I ask Him for help and He responds,

“You are obedient to my word.

You are loyal to me

And to our relationship.

You believe in my power

And you trust in my faithfulness.

I know your thoughts,

Your fears, your desires, and your motives.

I am your best friend.

Go ahead,

I've got your back."

IT'S LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!!!!!!!!!!  Get out and enjoy yourself before you have to buckle down in your routine!  Be safe and have a good time!