Charts

We are trying to memorize the Articles of Faith. I'm still trying find some ways of doing this that work well. We are also working on memorizing a list of scriptures. I realize this might take a while, but it's worth the effort. I'm doing this to help my kids but mostly for myself. I'm horrible about remembering where certain scriptures are and want to do better about that. We have a chart for chores and a chart for spiritual things such as Articles of Faith, and daily scripture study. Wish us luck!!

"Be safe through inspiration's power"

Sitting in church thinking of how many Sunday's I have left here in my hometown. I felt a certain amount of sadness and excitement all at the same time. My thoughts just seem to naturally go towards sadness though. We were learning a new song, a song I already know by heart so I wasn't paying really close attention. The song: Choose the Right. As I sat there singing the song my focus shifted and I seemed to really focus on the phrase, "be safe thru inspirations power". In that moment many prayers were answered. On the surface the words seem true enough. But in that moment some dots were connected for me and realized that yes, this is going to be hard for me. Change is always hard. But in answer to my many prayers the Spirit almost "showed" me my answer. It's been a journey to get me to where I am know. I kept praying, and saying I need to REALLY know that we are making the right choice here. I just can't handle going so far and giving up so much for something that is just a whim or great idea. Here is what I realized/remembered as I sang that phrase.

I knew that we would move eventually. Nate reminded me of an experience I had 4 years ago. He was surprised that I was surprised that we were in fact moving. I went into my journal and re-read it.

Basically I was walking down the hallway carrying my laundry, when I had the distinct impression that we would be moving very far away and that I needed to prepare myself for this situation. I also knew that it would not simply be to another city. I knew that this would be a big move, like to another state. I didn't know which one but it was strong enough that, that night I had a talk with Nate and told him my feelings. He said it was interesting and asked me if I wanted to move out of state. I said no, but I think we will end up doing that. I couldn't explain but felt it strongly enough that I wrote all this in my journal. When Nate told me about the opportunity in Virginia, something inside me was curious about it. I wasn't entirely sure about why but told Nate to get info and look into it. When the company was so very generous with us and before we even asked for anything gave us the things we were needing/wanting in order to accept I knew this was what we should do. I have to say however that I really didn't want to do it. I knew what it meant personally, for my children, my extended family, my pets, my home, my life. Not to mention I am TERRIFIED of living on the east coast. Of all the places I have NEVER wanted to live it's anywhere NEAR Washington D.C. I would just love to NOT live there. BUT,.....

In that moment in primary I sang those words, "be safe thru inspiration's power." I knew that this was inspired. I had been prepared by the Lord because he loves me and knows me. He knew that I would need time to get ready for this. He gave me 4 years. He also granted us time here to spend with Glenn, my Father-in-law before he passed away which meant a great deal to Nate and I. Not only that but that there is SAFETY thru inspiration. Because we are doing what we have been inspired to do, there is safety in that. We will be ok. Better yet, we will be very blessed in ways we can't even imagine yet.

We had several opportunities to move to different places, after that initial impression ,and really wanted to, but none felt right. And now here we are 3 1/2 months from our move date and I was still feeling like I needed something more. Something to slap me in the face and say "don't worry you ARE doing the right thing!" I got my answer in a hymn the children were learning. A song that I already knew. So now I am working to find reasons to be excited about this and have a positive attitude.

I am grateful to see inspiration at work in my own life. To know that in spite of my flaws, the Lord loves me enough to show me, to help me be able to connect these things and see his hand in our life. I'm still struggling with the emotional part of this, and the actual physical changes that living in another place will bring but I'm also excited to go to the Smithsonian, see the White House, the Washington Monument, etc. and more especially the Temple in D.C! So beautiful, and the wonderful people that I know we will meet!!

I am still assembling a list of things that I will miss about California, for my own journaling/memories but it will also accompany another list. A list of things I'm looking forward to.

Gluten Intolerance and Celiacs Disease

For my family and friends who are interested in learning a little bit about what's going on with our family and those who have it in there families. I found this on a blog called Gluten Free Doctors and it has really great info.

The Inside Scoop on Gluten Intolerance

I think it’s good to occasionally step back and focus on the basics of gluten intolerance. [Note: I use ‘gluten intolerance’ as an umbrella term that includes both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.] Sometimes I get so caught up in writing about the latest research that I forget that every hour of every day a newly diagnosed individual is needing information on the basics - what gluten intolerance means and how they should begin the process of instituting a gluten-free diet.

This blog, the Gluten Doctors, was my first blog and one that I began after writing my book, “The Gluten Effect”. I wrote the book to embrace a disorder that was being completely ignored by the celiac community – gluten sensitivity.

Fortunately after only a few months of the publishing date of “The Gluten Effect”, major researchers in the field began to publicly agree that gluten sensitivity was a very real condition and one that warranted the attention of researchers and clinicians alike.

Let’s discuss those basics:

What is Gluten Intolerance?

As mentioned above gluten intolerance is an embracive term that includes both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease has had many faces since it was first described by a medical doctor Samuel Gee in 1887. Initially it was thought to be purely a digestive problem, akin to indigestion.

It was later realized to be an autoimmune disease and small intestine destruction was considered the hallmark of the disease.

Knowledge further advanced and it was realized that celiac was more a disease of the immune system that affected most every part of the human body. From the heart to the lungs, from the liver to the brain, there is no system of the body that gluten doesn’t touch.

We now realize that celiac disease affects the nervous system more so than the digestive tract and that many so afflicted have absolutely no digestive complaints whatsoever – yet they still have celiac disease.

This last sentence would be a surprise, and in fact would be refuted, by many clinicians in this country today. They would be wrong but that wouldn’t make them any less emphatic about it. I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to hear from people who ‘know’ they are gluten intolerant but are told by their doctor that if they have no digestive complaints they have no need to even be tested for the condition.

Classic celiac disease, as described so many years ago, consists of a profile that many clinicians, including gastroenterologists, embrace as ‘gospel’. This classic picture would present with an underweight patient with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.

Classic celiac disease exists, but it in no way describes the majority of cases – quite the contrary.

Celiac disease affects 1% of the population and it rises to about 4% with increased age.

How do you know if you have celiac disease? Good question. I wish I could tell you there was an absolute fool-proof test. Most recent research has this to say:

A highly positive tTG test with a positive AGA test (both blood tests) are highly correlative with celiac disease.

Do you have to have a positive intestinal biopsy to ‘confirm’ the blood tests? Many clinicians would say ‘yes’ and they would be wrong. Why? You can definitely have celiac disease and have a negative biopsy. To say otherwise is condemning many celiac sufferers to a shortened, unhealthy lifespan.

[I can see the comments coming in already. I know, you’ve been told otherwise. It is incorrect.]

So what does one do if they get a negative test but they are suspicious of being gluten intolerant? I have two suggestions:

1. Try a gluten-free diet for 30 days and see how you feel. [Feeling better is a valid test in itself.] Do remember that this is a zero tolerance policy so educate yourself first and then begin. There’s no point in a ‘mostly gluten free’ approach – it’s got to be as perfect as possible.

2. Get a genetic test to see if you carry the genes for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Either one makes for a lifelong gluten-free diet in your future, but I think it’s good to know for yourself as well as for other members of the family, which, if either, is positive. I’ve heard researchers state that there are likely more genes that code for gluten intolerance than we know about, but the genetic test available is still a good place to start.

Symptoms Associated with Celiac Disease

There are over 300 symptoms and conditions associated with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. I will include some of the most common ones below to give you an idea if you or someone you care about potentially falls into this category:

· Fatigue

· Infertility

· Obesity

· Diabetes

· Depression

· Rheumatoid arthritis

· Anxiety

· Thyroid disease

· Gas/bloating

· Liver disease

· Diarrhea/constipation

· Cancer

· Headaches/migraines

· ADD/ADHD

· Acid reflux

· Autism

· Brain fog/Poor memory

· Stunted growth

· Hormonal imbalance

· Osteoporasis

What is Gluten Sensitivity? How is it Different from Celiac Disease?

Gluten sensitivity is very similar to celiac disease. They are both genetic conditions, they both are known to affect most systems of the body, and both require a lifelong gluten-free diet.

The estimation of incidence of gluten sensitivity is much higher than celiac disease - 10% of the population. This is new research in an area that is in its infancy. Personally I feel that the incidence is likely much higher, perhaps up to 30% or more of the population. This personal estimate is based on my clinical experience and it is shared by others in the field. But I am not a researcher.

There is some thought that gluten sensitivity is less serious than celiac disease. This is not true. Both conditions can shorten life expectancy and create hundreds of different symptoms and conditions. Celiac disease is, in itself, an autoimmune disease and gluten sensitivity is not. Some extrapolate this to mean that gluten sensitivity cannot be a causative factor in creating autoimmune disease. I have not found this to be the case. In fact we have, here at the clinic, seen amazing improvements and sometimes reversals, of autoimmune diseases in patients who were gluten sensitive but who did not suffer from celiac disease. Once again this is my clinical experience, there is not much if any research in this area.

How do you Test for Gluten Sensitivity?

There are tests that exist for gluten sensitivity, although they are not ‘recognized’ currently. Does that mean they do not work? Not at all. I am quite pleased with the results of the testing I use. I find they correlate quite well with patient symptoms and improvement once a gluten-free diet is instituted.

The opinion that no ‘accepted’ gluten sensitivity test exists is simply a function of how new the field is. As mentioned earlier, it’s only been two years since general acceptance of the existence of gluten sensitivity occurred.

So what should you do if you suspect gluten sensitivity? I am happy to share with you the labs that I use and genetic testing is available as well. Ultimately the 30 day elimination diet is something I always include, regardless of what testing is done because I trust that as a valid test. I typically run the blood test and back it up with the 30 day elimination diet. The lab testing is not perfect, none of them are, but the body will tell you what it thinks of gluten if you eliminate it completely from your diet for 30 days.

If I am Gluten Intolerant How Do I Get Started?

1. You must educate yourself. I mentioned this is the first blog I ever created. Since then I have merged my website, blogs and you tube videos to act as a comprehensive resource. My ‘gluten sensitivity and celiac’ blog is at this address: http://www.healthnowmedical.com/category/gluten-intolerance-celiac/ you can also go to this page (http://www.healthnowmedical.com/am-i-gluten-sensitive/gluten-foods/) to learn the foods that are safe and unsafe when embarking on a gluten free diet.

2. Be patient. It is not easy to change your diet so radically and the change will likely not happen overnight. You will make mistakes, unfortunately. But learn from them and continue to be patient with yourself as you learn more about food in general and gluten in specific. If you hang in there you will be rewarded with greatly improved health.

3. Find a clinician to help you. This can be difficult which is why we created a destination clinic wherein we see patients from across the country and internationally. We are not the only ones who know how to take care of you, but the numbers are truly dismally small. We’ll try to help you find someone local to you but if that doesn’t work, we’re happy to help.

4. Finally, I wish I could say that eliminating gluten was the only step you had to take to restore optimal health. Certainly it should be, but alas, there are other steps that need to be taken. Why? Removing gluten is simply not sufficient to restore the health to all the parts of the body that gluten has affected. From healing the small intestine, to regaining the strength of the healthy probiotic population, to balancing hormones and more - all these factors must be assessed and treated as needed. We call these the secondary effects of gluten and they are not difficult to treat.

Tidal wave

THE MOVE-

I know I seem to blog about the move that's coming a bunch. Sorry for being a bit one dimensional with that but since that is what is hovering over me at the moment that's what I think about. I feel like I can see the tidal wave coming at me in the distance and I know I'm supposed to grab a surf board and jump on at just the right time. But I keep thinking if I run faster it won't catch up with me. Moving is going to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. Every time I look at the calendar to write things down I feel that way. We only have 4 precious months to spend with our friends and families. It's so overwhelming knowing how much our life is going to change very soon. I feel so blessed to have wonderful opportunities and yet I feel like I'm going thru the 5 stages of grief....and stuck in all of them at the same time. More often than not I feel like I'm in our brand new Vita Mix blender. My kids have each had break-through's in different aspects of their academic lives. They each ADORE their teachers. How do you say goodbye to that? What about my sweet dog Shelby? How do you just get rid of a member of your family? Uggghhh...I just can't think about that stuff or I cry all night. I'm trying to focus on all the good things that people keep telling us about the place we are going. How welcoming they will be, how kind and generous and accepting they are. All the history that will be so close. New York City, Washington D.C, etc. I'm looking forward to those things. I'm learning that I don't have near the faith I should. I need to trust the Lord. He has a plan for us and is very aware of our needs. It's just, I had a plan for my life. Everything was going according to that plan. Marry returned missionary/high school sweetheart....check. Have an adorable good size family....check. Live close to family and make sure my kids have close relationships with Grandparents....check. All of that is now changing. I'm having to give up what I wanted for something that will be different, new, strengthening/difficult and challenging. I won't know 3/4 of the people in the county and their families and background where we are going. No history with the people or the place, no sense of direction which means I will be getting lost ALL THE TIME! I freak out driving in Sacramento and I've been there dozens of times.....I think the Lord wants me to grow and stretch. It's time, and I'm using my journal and this blog to help work thru all the stuff that is going to come with it. So thanks for hanging in there with me.







I thought I would post some pics of Richmond so that I can remind myself that I'm moving to a seriously beautiful place!




Honestly, that part is a bit comforting. It's such a pretty place and rich in history!




THE GYM-
I am going to the gym now. THANK GOODNESS! I love the gym. The step aerobics classes, the toning classes, the spin classes, fantastic instructors, and meeting new people. I thrive in this environment. I love it. Plus I feel good when I exercise too. Some days I go 2 times a day because I have so much fun with certain classes, I think that might be a bit weird... Hopefully I'll drop these last 17lbs with all those extra calories I'm burnin'.

OUR FARM-
My ladies(Betty Boop, Big Mama, Speedy, Sandy etc.) are laying really well now. We are getting about 5-7 eggs per day. It's like Christmas every day! We absolutely LOVE IT!! The funny thing is that I get a TON of requests for our chickens. People find out we are moving and say, Oh, what are you going to do with your chickens? I'll take them. It's pretty funny, I thought they would be the toughest to find homes for. Turns out my sweet 10 year old Chocolate lab is the one that no one wants. And she is the one I'm most attached to.....the cats I love as well, but they don't seem to care one way or the other, which is why I love them so much! Heehee!

WORK & WALLPAPER-
Great thing is, Nate is doing REALLY well with his new position. They love him and are helping him find us a place to live. He went to look at a house already. He said I would love the kitchen the yard and the floor plan. I said great. He said you won't want to live here. I asked why. He uttered the word. The profane word of words. Just hearing it makes my blood boil....yep....wallpaper!!!! I HATE WALLPAPER! In every house I have ever remembered living in, there was wallpaper. It would not have been so bad, and my hatred not so red hot had it not been for the fact that I had to help remove said wallpaper from the wall of each house containing the obscene stuff. One house had 27 layers of wallpaper in one room.....I DON'T like wallpaper. So of course I said no, and he said I know babe, it's in every room on every wall. My worst nightmare come true. We aren't living in that house....
So the hunt continues. In March I will be flying out with Nate to really start looking...not gonna lie. I'm freaking out about it just a bit. That means this is really happening.

THE GLUTEN CHALLENGE-

On a side note, pasta and bread never tasted so good! I'm lovin' it!!!!! If I do have celiac's I will miss it terribly. I forgot how much I love pasta! Slather that stuff in fatty, saucy goodness and I will go to town! Don't even get me started on desserts. Dessert is still my passion. Cakes, pies, cookies, pastries... If I ever get a chance to go back to school I would be either a nurse or a pastry chef...no joke!!