Friday, December 26, 2014

12 Days of Christmas...So Enjoy!



On Christmas night as I was walking my dog I was shocked to see someone's Christmas tree already out for trash collection!  Really?  I mean, the Christmas sweet potatoes weren't even cold yet at my place!
Does someone have to "get through" Christmas that fast?
Personally I have always tried to get my tree down on New Year's Day.  We observed that tradition in my childhood home so that's what I'm comfortable with.  Last year it was up until we returned from Mexico on January 9th.
 I actually like reminiscing about Christmas Day; this year's and also ones from years past.  Leaving the decorations up for a while longer helps me in this process of holding-on just a bit longer.
Technically Christmas lasts through Epiphany which is January 6th. I'm sure you've heard of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  The 12th day is Epiphany which is celebrated as a holiday in many nations around the world.   To read more about Epiphany click here.
Have a wonderful next few days and don't stress if the house isn't back to looking like it normally does just yet.  Consider leaving your tree and decorations up a bit longer this year and if anyone asks just tell them that you are holding on to the tradition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  You will be healthier in body, mind, and soul if you just slow down a bit, reminisce and enjoy!

To contact me you can email me: Donna@DonnaSchuller.com


Saturday, December 20, 2014

How To Avoid The Flu

Merry Christmas (in just 5 days!)



I have been on the phone with several people who aren't feeling so hot this week.  Stress, last minute shopping, family arguments, aging parents, wayward children, unemployed spouses.  Also, let's face it, this time of the year brings up every joyful emotion but it can also remind us of lost opportunities or of sad memories from Christmases gone-by.  And of course the new year is just around the corner so most of us are sizing-up what we've accomplished this past year and what we look forward to in the next. 
With all of this "stuff" going on it's no wonder a lot of people experience less than optimal health.
Here are my top five things you can do to help you avoid getting the flu (or any other ailment).

1) Avoid sugar.  That includes bread and anything white.  Have you ever noticed how "flu season" comes right on the heals of Halloween (candy) and Thanksgiving (pies, potatoes, rolls).  For Christmas there's plenty of cookies and treats being made, bought, and gifted so just take it easy!

2) Eat your greens.  I have always eaten plenty of fresh, raw, dark leafy green veggies and about four years ago I started juicing every morning.  I am now addicted to my healthy green protein drink.  Most mornings my drink includes an handful of organic kale and spinach or dandelion greens, a slice of raw ginger, apple, turmeric, and two scoops of protein powder (I have my favorites), ice and water.  Besides all the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes I'm consuming, eating this many greens every day keeps my body alkalized which helps keep inflammation and thus health problems away!  Experiment and find out what dark green veggies taste the best to you.  I put all of mine in my Vitamix and push the "juice" button.  Less than a minute later it's ready to drink.

3) Drink plenty of filtered water.  If you notice yourself getting run-down it might just be a sign that you are dehydrated.  Carry a glass container full of filtered water and make sure you drink it all day long.  It's easy to forget to do this while you are out running around Christmas shopping or planning for the holiday meal.   Rule of thumb:  drink half your body weight in ounces of water a day.  Example:  a 150 lb. person would aim to drink 75 oz. of water in a day.  (you will need more if it's hot outside, if you're exercising, or if you spend a lot of time in air conditioning)

4) Wash your hands.  I have a nail brush by my bathroom sink and I use it several times a day.  I soap it up and scrub for a minimum of 30 seconds to one minute.  Keeping a good immune system is #1 but some days we may come in contact with really tough germs that we just don't want to stay under our nails.  Also, remember to keep your hands away from your face (eyes, mouths, nose)

5) Exercise.  I know you don't have time but make time.  Schedule your workouts before you accept that Christmas luncheon or run out to buy that last-minute gift.  Exercise will keep you healthier in body, mind, and soul.  Even if you only have 30 minutes to "spare."   And...you won't have to go through another January complaining about how much weight you put on over the holidays, or worse yet, how sick you were. 

Okay.  There's lots more to staying healthy but there's my top five physical tips for the Christmas season!  They are easy to incorporate into your life so start today.  Have a joyful, healthy Christmas!


"... I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."        3 John 1:2


To reach me you may email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com





Thursday, December 11, 2014

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Christmas Nativity

Rancho Capistrano Lakeside w/ Giant Nativity in the backround


As my daughter Christina and I were driving North, returning from my mother's house in San Clemente two nights ago we let out a sigh of amazement as the beautiful sight above came into view.

 This larger than life nativity scene was first conceived and erected back in the early 1980s, under the vision of my husband, Pastor Robert A. Schuller .   In 2010 Saddleback Church took possession of the gift of Rancho Capistrano and they have done an outstanding job of maintaining and restoring this beautiful "spiritual oasis" (as we always referred to it) Included in their restoration efforts was this giant-sized depiction of the birth of Jesus. 

Pastoring at Rancho Capistrano Community Church created some of the happiest memories of our lives.  To this day the mere sight of "The Ranch" evokes so many warm and comforting thoughts of joy and satisfaction.  I believe that my children will be forever impacted by their life's experiences while attending church and school, and many other events on this beautiful piece of property.  They will be telling their children and their children's children about the wonderful place they enjoyed  seven days a week,  from birth up until their young teenage years.

What we create for the continuing proclamation of the love of Jesus is eternal.  I am not referring to the buildings or the physical place, but rather to the experiences which create the memories that touched so many while they enjoyed these blessed grounds.  The families who worshiped, married, were baptized or eulogized in the church;  the body, mind, spirit health seminars; the Bible studies and support groups; the children's lives who were positively affected by the schools; the endless picnics and "hoe-downs" we hosted;  all of these activities and life's experiences are something that will live-on in the hearts, minds, and spirits of many generations to come.

And that beautiful legacy of faith that my husband envisioned, commissioned, and pastored through the church, the retreat center, and the school on Rancho Capistrano,  still lives on today.  The love of God is still being proclaimed there!

This Christmas season think about the memories that you are creating as part of your family traditions and how they will impact your family for generations to come.  Included in those events or traditions make sure you give the gift of faith, hope, and love.  Pass along the "reason for the season."
And if you live anywhere close to San Juan Capistrano, California make sure you take an evening and drive down Interstate 5.  You will want to share the huge and beautiful nativity scene with your friends and loved ones.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.   Psalm 100:5


*Join me for The Call on December 15th at 6pm Pacific time.   Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#



To reach me by email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Christmas Trees and Driving Safely



I love this old Christmas painting.  Such great memories from when my children were young.
 "It's the most wonderful time of the year."  (so let's try to keep it that way)

My blog and my website is all about helping people find better health in body, mind, and soul so once I read the sobering statistics about driving and texting I knew I had to share them with you.  This time of the year we can become especially vulnerable to mis-haps as we are more distracted, filled with more anxiety, and much, much busier than normal.  We all want to have a safe and a joy-filled Christmas, filled with good things which include great physical, mental, and spiritual health.  Driving safely is one way we can protect ourselves and protect others.  Pay attention to people while you are behind the wheel:  to the people in your vehicle but also to others on the road.  (Not everyone is paying attention to what they should be so drive defensively)  When you tell the kids, "get in the car, we are going to pick-out the Christmas tree" please be present for that short yet significant time that you are together.  Talk to one another. When enjoying an outing to the tree lot put the phone down for a couple of hours.  Looking back, picking out our Christmas tree when my children were young are some of my favorite memories.  I want you to have those memories too.




 If you drive and text you are threatening your health and the health of those around you.  
 Do you remember how fun driving used to be while singing along to the radio?  I bet that is fast becoming a past-time for most people so maybe we should start a "sing and drive" campaign?  Perhaps this could draw attention to the epidemic that has infected our roadways.
  I realize that most of us use our driving time to return business or personal phone calls;  after all, we're just too busy at home to be bothered by talking on the telephone (I am guilty of this too).  When on the road instead of filling up the moments in between stops try using some of your time listening to an educational recording once in a while.  I am trying to improve on my Spanish so often I will listen to a Spanish CD when I am in my car alone.  Better yet, turn off all noise once in a while and try just relaxing and pondering over the thoughts that are only entertained through relative silence.    We live in such a stress-filled society, it would do some good for all of us to do nothing other than sit behind the wheel and drive.  And just think of how much more alert you will be when someone else runs a red light or blows through a stop-sign because they are texting!  Be vigilant and alert.   And please NO texting-ever!
* As a side note:  most of those traffic/map apps. are just as bad because they aske you to drive and post about what you see on the side of the road.  Find apps. that start and end while you are stopped.
Start singing again...Christmas carols are the best!

I just read the following from an online article relating to an electronic product that would prevent a driver from driving and texting.  I hope the person gets their invention finished and available soon.  After reading the article I guess the only thing worse than driving and texting would be driving drunk and texting.

 "According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cellphones are involved in 1.6 million auto crashes each year that cause a half million injuries and take 6,000 lives. Texting while driving has replaced drinking and driving as the leading cause of teen vehicular death, responsible for 20 percent of all teen highway fatalities in the U.S."

 Those are tragic statistics and totally avoidable. Share the information about texting and driving.   Have a safe Christmas season and pass along good habits to your children, your grandchildren, and those around you.  And please put leave the cell phone at home when you go to pick out your Christmas tree!

"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah  29:11

*Join me for The Call on December 15th at 6pm Pacific Time.  Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#
To reach me by email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart




Happy Thanksgiving is almost here in the USA! For all of my Canadian friends I know that you celebrated last month.  Personally, I am looking so forward to spending Thanksgiving Day with almost all of my family including my mom and her husband; my oldest son and his wife and two children; my youngest daughter and her husband, along with her mother-in-law and their six-month old baby;  my youngest son and his girlfriend.  We will miss our oldest daughter and her husband but we know that they will celebrate and give thanks elsewhere.

Thanksgiving is a time where we stop and give thanks for all that is good and right in our lives.  Even if you've had a rough year or have tragically lost something or even worse someone, each and everyone of us has something to be thankful for.

If you are having a tough time giving thanks this year I want you to stop what you're doing right now.  Go and get several notebook style, lined pieces of paper and title the first page, "My Gratitude List."  Next, take a good look around you.  Start with where you are sitting and notice anything that you are thankful for, maybe it's as simple as your favorite chair or unique family heirloom on one of your shelves.   Write those items down.  Go outside and notice your surroundings: the birds, the trees, the flowers, the sun or the snow.   Do you have a pet who loves you unconditionally?  Go to your closet and list your favorite items.  Do the same in your drawers.  Give each thing a separate line on your page.  Most importantly make a line each for every member of your family and each close friend or co-worker whom you give thanks for.  As you make your list you can also say a silent prayer for each person who provides you with love and friendship.

Meditate on Psalm 100, verse 4

"Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."  

Here's a breakdown of that verse that may help you practice gratitude.  You can slowly say it over and over as it fills your heart and your mind with peace and comfort.

Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and praise him.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise.  Give thanks.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
Enter his gates with Thanksgiving.
Enter his gates.
Enter.

Remember:  Today is a gift and no one knows what tomorrow may bring.  Give thanks today!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

You may contact me here:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com
 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

How To Sleep Well For Better Health

In one of my recent posts titled "Sleep Deprivation Can Be Deadly" I reviewed a bit from chapter 3 of my newest book, "Healthy Family, Happy Life: What Healthy Families Learn From Healthy Moms."
Since I continually talk to people who say "I just don't sleep well at night" I was really intrigued when my friend, Brad Grossman sent me his "Zeitguide To Sleep" statistics since studies included in this facinating and educational article not only supported what I know about but added to the information by providing some of the latest scientific information available. 
This is the thing I love about the "Zeitguide, Cultural Almanac";  I learn intriguing facts and find out the latest cultural trends in regards to subjects I teach others about and other things I never even knew I wanted to know about!  Following is the article on sleep.  As you read it keep in mind that sleep deprivation is an epidemic in our society so if you don't need the advice I'm sure you know someone who does! 

 
My grandson, Christian at 4 mos. Sound asleep while his parents play cards


Do you get enough sleep? And the right kind of sleep?
That topic was buzzing in recent weeks on Quora, where the question, “How do CEOs who sleep for only 4-5 hours daily manage to function and run multimillion dollar companies?” drew hundreds of opinions.
Answers ranged from “I really, really, really love what I do” to avoiding carbs to the recent studies that suggest genetic mutations of “short sleepers,” who represent less than 1% of the population.
But according to Alice Park’s recent article in Time magazine, “The Power of Sleep,” new scientific research proves that people must get at least seven hours of sleep per night. It wasn’t the usual story about sleep’s role in improving concentration, alertness, memory, and happiness.
Rather, it provided the latest research on how sleep reduces toxic waste from our brains.
During sleep, our glial cells slow electric activity down, and the size of our brain cells literally shrink. This allows more spinal fluid to slosh around and clean out biological debris. “It’s like a dishwater that keeps flushing through to wash the dirt away,“ says Dr. Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine at the University of Rochester.
Because we multi-task, live attached to our smartphones, and hyper-schedule, our brains are on daily overdrive. And with that over-action and energy consumption, our brains produce more waste today than ever before.
When we don’t get enough sleep, the glial cells can’t clear away all that garbage. Scientist now think this could contribute to brain disorders. Alzheimer’s, for instance, is caused by a buildup of excess of amyloid protein that isn’t washed away.

But do we have to get seven hours of sleep all in one shot?
Scientists and historians are discovering that bimodal sleep might be our natural behavior. Roger Ekirch, a professor of History at Virginia Tech, found historical and literary evidence that two shorter periods of sleep was common in the pre-industrial era. In between was a 1-to-2-hour period when people would visit with neighbors, chat with bedfellows, or have sex. We switched to a single sleeping period only when streetlights, indoor lamps, and coffeehouses made nighttime the prime time for socializing. Current sleep studies see these same patterns reappear when artificial light is taken out of the equation.
 
Rather than panic when you wake at 3 a.m., think of it as an anthropological throwback.

But if you have trouble falling back to sleep or continue to get less than 7 hours of sleep on a continual basis, try to change your patterns.
As Brown University’s Mary Carskadon told Time, we should think about sleep depravation the same way we do smog, secondhand smoke, or chemicals in our drinking water. Insufficient sleep pollutes our minds.

How to get a better night of sleep?
ZEITGUIDE friend, Ari Miesel, Founder of LessDoing.com, gives us 5 tips:
1. Wear Blue-light blocking sunglasses an hour before bed to remove the melatonin reducing effects of TVs, laptops, and iPhones
2. Cool your bedroom; 68 degrees is optimal sleeping temperature
3. Take a bath before bed with Magnesium flakes
4. Use the Stress doctor iPhone app before bed to help you breath deeply and reset your heart rate variability
5. Use Beddit sleep tracker kit to quantify and identify aspects of your sleep that are sub-optimal
 
Keep Learning and Sleep Well...
Brad Grossman and Team ZEITGUIDE

ZEITGUIDE 2014 is available on Kindle and Amazon paperback
Our weekly newsletters can be found here

Join me for "The Call" on November 15th at 6pm Pacific time.  Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#
To reach me write to:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Good Posture For Great Health


 Good Posture For Great Health

 I am a very physically active person so when I recently injured my knee I was motivated to do anything that would help it heal quickly.   I know all kinds of strengthening exercises and I also go to a great chiropractor who is experienced in how to treat sports injuriesI know how to eliminate foods that cause inflammation and add foods which promote healingFortunately for me, as great timing would have it,  I was contacted by Dr. Insole within a few days of my injury.  Since I was looking for ways to create more comfort and fast-track the healing of my knee I was quite interested in what the company representative had to say about their affordable orthotics.  I have used orthotics over the past several years and in fact I was considering going to my doctor for a new fitting and to place an order when, just in time I was introduced to Dr. Insole!!   Dr. Insoles retail for only $50 and the orthotics I was used to buying cost over $200 so I was no longer replacing them when they wore out but instead continuing to wear them way past their recommended "expiration."  This being said I am so happy to have been introduced to Dr. Insole!  After wearing them for only a week I felt significant improvement in my knee.  For one, they helped both my knees track properly over my feet as they also helped create even more comfort in my athletic shoes.  To learn more you can click here.


I highly recommend trying Dr. Insole to improve your posture, your balance, your foot issues, back pain, and knee and hip problems.   I also want to stress how important it is that along with your regular strength training and cardio exercises you practice balance moves as part of your daily routine.    
Unless you engage in regular balance exercises you may lose yours sooner than you need to.  Loss of balance may start as you get a bit wobbly getting in and out of the bathtub, or need to walk down the stairs more slowly. It happens as we age, but your balance may be “off” for other reasons — injury, illness, poor posture, poor vision, obesity, weak core muscles, or a brain that is not properly trained to stay balanced.
Balance is your body and your brain’s equilibrium, or stability.  It’s at the core of nearly every physical and mental action you perform.  In fact, building your “core” muscles — those that surround your trunk — is the key to staying strong and upright as you age. Without a strong core, you’re more likely to suffer back pain, lose your balance and fall, or be more prone to injury during exercise.  In the same way, maintaining and building balance in your brain is just as important for your overall health.
Test your balance: Stand on one foot with your eyes closed. If you can’t hold still for at least 10 seconds without becoming wobbly, it’s time for some easy balance training. Don’t forget to wear supportive shoes (with your Dr. Insoles) and keep a chair nearby to rest your hand if need be.

Eyes-Closed Balance Routine
  1. On one leg, arms out to each side, eyes closed, balance for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
  2. On one leg, arms hugging your chest, eyes closed, balance for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.
Eyes-Closed Balance Hop
  1. On one leg, hop forward and back 10 times; stabilize between hops. Switch legs and repeat.
  2. On one leg, hop side to side 10 times; stabilize between hops. Switch legs and repeat.
Improving your balance is just one great benefit you receive if you also practice good posture.  When your body is in alignment all of your organs work better.  Good posture also decreases the stress hormone cortisol and increases your testosterone.   It will help you breathe properly and protect your joints and ligaments.   Those who have good posture look more confident thus they feel more confident.  
Also, when possible make sure that you always opt for stairs instead of using the elevator.  This too will help keep your body and your mind sharper and more balanced.  You may want to work on your posture as you navigate the stairs!

To reach me by email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller




Friday, October 10, 2014

The "Stigma" of Mental Health Disorders



It's the Friday of Mental Health Awareness Week here in the U.S.A.  I thought it important that I say something about this issue since I am a health-care practitioner.   I coach people in physical, emotional, and spiritual health and although I am primarily a nutritionist by training I think I have a responsibility to talk to each of my clients about their "whole person."   More often than not I find that although I may be asked to help with dietary, exercise,  or sleep issues;  at the end of a period of assessement, most everyone I talk to is really dealing with an emotional or a spiritual issue.  These issues are always affecting their physical health or productivity in some way.


Image result for photos of mental health



 I am really perplexed on why, in the year 2014 we still look at mental health as something that is so difficult to address.  This can be especially true when it affects someone in our own family.  Or, even if we are honest and open about discussing a mental health issue that may prevail in our own families, others can be very hesitant to enter into a discussion about it.  It's as if they want to rationalize it away.  Denial ( Stands for:  Don't. Even. Know. I.  Am.  Lying.) in this way is very, very strong.   Somehow talking about cancer, heart disease, or any of the other serious ailments is acceptable but saying that someone has bi-polar, schizophrenia, any kind of dementia,  or even depression or PTSD somehow implies that they are weak.  I've even heard people deny that a loved-one has severe mental issues because for some reason they are embarrassed or ashamed to admit it.  (As if the person affected has done something wrong to cause it?)   Sharing the news of a family mental health issue can be received with the same emotion as delivering a four-letter word.
 We need to change this perception of mental health.  I believe that we all need to address this epidemic affecting our societies and be honest about the stigma surrounding it.  We need to get our heads out of the sand.  I also don't think that  pharmaceutical drugs are necessarily the answer.  In fact, in some cases, with the exception of stabilizing the patient, the drugs can do more harm than good.  (If you are currently on medicine this is not meant to shame or scold you....just saying that often times there are other options)  If you are taking medicine I am not saying to stop taking it!  Please don't misunderstand me.   I am only saying that medicine is not always the answer.   However there are many things you can do about your diet, your neurology (your brain health), and by adding certain nutrients.  I can help you with these things. 

I love what I do.  Coaching people and talking to them about body, mind, and soul health is my passion.  If you are struggling and need to talk to someone you can reach out to me. I don't accept payment, I only ask for a tax-deductible donation to my ministry.   If I think your issue is beyond my scope of education and expertise I will refer you to a trusted professional.  To reach me you can email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com

If you suspect that you may be having trouble with any mental health issues,  in order to take a complimentary assessment of your mental health you can use this link  here to take your anxiety and depression questionnaire which is sponsored by The Amen Clinic.  I know Dr. Amen.  More than once he has been a big help to my family and friends.  I trust him.

God wants you to be healthy in body, mind, and soul.  Please don't be afraid, embarrassed, or ashamed of not being in tip-top mental health.   There is help for you!  Reach out to me or to someone you trust.

**Also join me for "The Call" on October 15th at 6pm Pacific time.  Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#   Tell anyone you know who may need some mid-month encouragement (who doesn't?!)   Join me every month, same time, same phone number. 


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The Personal Experience of Loving God


It's time to get back to reviewing my book, "Healthy Family, Happy Life: What Healthy Families Learn From Healthy Moms."   We are on chapter 9 so we only have two chapters left after today. I think these last three chapters might just be the most important of the entire book as they deal with loving God, loving others, and (a real toughy) loving yourself.   When people think about health they often skip the notion that spiritual health is at the center and the beginning of everything that comes after.  If things are not well with one's soul it's tough to feel at peace in life and if we don't feel at peace our emotions will be off kilter thus creating unrest and struggling through life,  resulting in physical problems.



When talking about spirituality and loving God I believe what Tozer writes when he says, "What comes to our mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us."  If you were to close your eyes right now, take a deep breath, and think about God, what visions and thoughts come into your mind?  Are they thoughts of love and acceptance or are they ones that make you doubt or fill sad?  Maybe this is something that you need to work on or maybe you have learned that God loves you no matter who you are or what you have done.  If you decide to follow Jesus and learn to become more like him I believe you will find greater health in body, mind, and soul.  It doesn't mean that you won't have hardships or trouble but when you do he will be your constant friend and guide as you follow his teachings.  In knowing him you will discover new tools to help guide you through your roughest days and as you read the scriptures and meditate on his goodness your life will become more manageable and productive.

How much time do you spend each day in personal reflection and prayer?  The longest living cultures in the world have one great things in common and that is that they embrace an attitude of gratefulness by staying in touch with their spirituality.   This living with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise goes beyond any socioeconomic backround so it is something any one of us can adopt at any time.  It is never too late!

 


If you need help believing that God loves you and has a plan for your life, or if you want to learn how to meditate on the great scriptures, I can help you.  For any of your body, mind, health needs you can get in touch with me at Donna@DonnaSchuller.com

Here is just one helpful hint found in the back of Chapter 9:

#4  Open your heart.  Recognize that you are powerless to control every situation and have an open heart, mind, and soul for allowing God's grace into your life.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."  
Matthew 22:37



**Remember to join me for "The Call" on October 15th at 6pm Pacific time.  Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#  Join me on the 15th of each and every month if you want to learn more about body, mind, spirit health.

 For Robert Schuller's health update click here


Saturday, September 6, 2014

How Do We Find Peace After Ferguson?




Mike Brown.    Ferguson, Missouri.    August 9, 2014.    A Tragedy.

 The need to seek justice creates very strong and powerful emotional responses in us human beings.  At the same time I cannot imagine that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would not have endorsed or been happy about all of the rioting that took place in Ferguson, Missouri.  He would have been a part of an organized protest and he would have cautioned people to seek peace yet let God have the last word.

In my latest book, "Healthy Family, Happy Life: What Healthy Families Learn From Healthy Moms" I devote a chapter to helping families teach peace because I believe a peaceful heart and soul is a necessary requirement for health.    I named the chapter, "The Significance of Loving Others" because unless we can love others for who they are we will never find peace.

 I believe that the mother is the heart of the home and I am thankful and grateful that I have been able to raise my (now grown) children as accepting, peaceful, and loving individuals.  I think a lot of this has to due with their being raised to understand and appreciate people from many cultures, creeds, colors, beliefs, and religions.  As Christians, my family tries not to judge people for having different beliefs than we do, but instead,  without losing ourselves or our beliefs and positions on life's most important issues, we try to love unconditionally those who God has created different from us.   I  know that this started early in life as my husband and I talked to children, prayed for and with them, as we prayed together for others.  I strongly believe the issue of helping to create peace in the world is greater than just tolerating another person.  Our actions must transcend tolerance and instead embrace a spirit of love and acceptance, even when people believe or look different from ourselves.

One of the most rewarding and inspiring things I have done in my life is to align myself with the  The Global Peace Foundation and  The Coalliton For American Renewal  I have been blessed beyond measure to share the speaking platform or special times over a meal with my Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist friends who all come together several times a year for one purpose: to try and create more peace and harmony around the globe.  A highlight for me is when I get to address international audiences sharing the subject of first practicing peace within ourselves and peace in our home.  I am passionate about my assertion that peace begins with me.  From there it translates into family peace, neighborhood and local peace, national peace, and finally global peace.  How can one expect to find peace outside if they don't have it inside?  And of course loving ourselves and loving God are equally as important as loving others; two other subjects I address in my book.   We are all "one family under God" and Jesus told us to "love your neighbor as yourself."  It's important to keep in mind, our neighbors are not just the ones that we live next door to.  Our neighbors are every single person who we come in contact with.


 What can you do today that can promote peace?   The sign above is from the protests that followed the tragic killing of Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and I believe it's words are meant to enlist more unrest and disharmony.  If we look to the teachings of all the great men and women who have gone before us, those who were the embodiment of peace,  I hope you can agree that I the sign might do more good if it read, "No Justice, Find Peace (anyway)"

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."    Phillipians 4:8 NIV

How do we find peace after Ferguson?  We find it by coming together with our families and our neighbors and by leading honest discussions about love and acceptance.  We teach peace. We pray fervently like the peace on this earth depended on it.  We attend great peace-keeping rallies, festivals, conventions, and conferences like the one coming up September 19-21 in Washington, D.C. called The Global Peace Leadership Conference.

  Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.



For More Information about the Global Peace Leadership Conference you can click here

To contact me:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com

Friday, August 22, 2014

Set Your Goals High

I'm continuing the chapter review of my book, "Healthy Family, Happy Life: What Healthy Familes Learn From Healthy Moms"  We're on Chapter 8, "The Advantages of Goal Setting."  I have blogged a lot about goal setting and that's because this subject is near and dear to my heart.  I have both short-term and long-term goals for my life.  First I spend quite a bit of time thinking and praying about my goals and then I write them down and place them in a prominent place in my surroundings.  This creates a visual that keeps me on track for what I want for my life.  In my book I show you specific ways that will assist you in accomplishing your own goals because I believe that having goals is an important part of health.
 Goal setting is important otherwise you may be tossed around like a boat on high seas:  when storms come you will get banged around more than necessary or maybe you will sink. 
Also, if you don't focus on something beyond yourself you might just fall for anything that comes your way!


This morning I was reading about how a magnetized piece of steel gets it's pulling power.  All of it's molecules need to be in harmony with one another in order to create the power it needs.  If the molecules are at cross purposes there is no magnetism.
If you compare that to the conflicts we often carry within ourselves, many times we cancel out our own power to succeed or to do good.  All of our thoughts and prayers need to line-up in order to give us the pulling power we need to get things done efficiently.  We need to be at harmony within so that we don't waste time, energy, and substance on an inner civil war.   We achieve this inner-peace by following something that is perfectly lined-up with all the power we need to sustain us.  That something is a someone named Jesus.  He is the only one we can line up with to be assured that all of our tensions can melt into something powerful for His purposes; thus helping ourselves and helping others become all we were meant to be in body, mind, and soul.    As you strive to accomplish your goals today may you be blessed in a very special way.

"...Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."      Philippians 4:8 NLT

 You can contact me at:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com