K.V. Fischer - Page 16 of 21 - adding spice to your life

Chronic Inflammation: Could It Be Ground Zero?

Could chronic inflammation be Ground Zero? A number of leading experts believe it is and may be the way to discover a cure. Some experts believe the source of quite a few chronic illnesses is chronic inflammation and the number of experts is growing. Life-threatening illnesses such as heart disease as well as Alzheimers may also be linked to chronic inflammation. In other words, the answer to the question is yes, chronic inflammation could very well be ground zero.

Inflammation

In the prior article, Pain — It’s Inevitable, we saw that inflammation is a process by which your body heals itself. It brings its nourishment and immune response to the injured or infected area. Recognizable forms of inflammation include swelling, heat, redness, and pain. When inflammation persists or doesn’t seem to serve a purpose it can result in an illness or bodily damage. There are a number of contributing factors resulting in inflammation. Some include:

a genetic predisposition,
dietary choices such as
- those high in refined sugars and trans fats
exposure to toxins such as
- second hand tobacco smoke,
lack of exercise,
lack of sleep, and
the inevitable stress.

Anti-inflammatory Compounds

Holistic health professionals like Dr. Andrew Weil, believe certain foods can control and reduce the body’s inflammation thereby diminishing a person’s long-term disease risk. Both anecdotal evidence and some current research are leaning toward the same conclusions. The noni plant is one such food under investigation. Noni contains a significant amount of a known anti-inflammatory chemical compound — scopoletin.

Research

Researchers are testing specific claims. At the University of Hawaii, one aspect of A.Y. Hirazumi’s doctoral dissertation studied the potential immunotherapy benefits of noni fruit. Her research led to the conclusion that noni juice could stimulate an immune response within cells. The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii continues its study of this plant with funding from the Hawaii Community Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. Researchers continue to determine safe and tolerable doses of noni capsules, however, no toxic levels or negative side effects were found in a study of 50 cancer patients. Research continues. Please speak to your health care provider concerning all existing or changes to your health care regimen, including the use of supplements.

If you have tried noni fruit, as a juice or other form, what were your experiences?
References
1. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/pdf/11_0301.pdf
3. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis.htm
4. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/pdf/14_0298.pdf
5. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/14_0298.htm
6. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php
7. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php?page=3#some_herbs_have_anti-inflammatory_properties
8. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology 3(4): 303-307, 2011
ISSN: 2042-4876 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011
9. From: Proceedings of the 2002 Hawai‘i Noni Conference, S.C. Nelson (ed.), University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, 2003.

Fear, A Foe To Be Conquered with Dena Netherton

Dena Netherton is our guest today on Thyme for Writers. She writes Christian suspense designed to keep readers “up all night.” Dena loves the Cascade Mountains and loves to set her characters in small towns nearby. She and her husband live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her article addresses what can paralyze all of us … fear.

Fear is a powerful foe. It can distract you from your day’s work, make you irritable, steal your joy, and rob you of peace-filled slumber.
Sometimes fear in the form of worry, can be so pervasive it can lead to illness.

fear, writing, publishing, Haven’s Flight, conquer fear, trust, Hebrews, Saul, Moses, worry, overwhelmed, healing, trembling, faithfulness — Fear, A Foe To Be Conquered by Dena Netherton

Like many of you, I’ve been there. I remember feeling so crushed by worry, I had to stop performing in public for awhile. For a professional singer and pianist with a busy teaching and performing schedule, I felt like a complete failure.

“How could I let fear overwhelm me?” I asked myself daily. “Where is my faith? I’ve asked God to help me, but why, then, doesn’t He give me immediate relief? I thought I was strong; now I feel horribly weak. I’m such a coward.”

For a couple of weeks I sat around, doing nothing, berating myself, feeling helpless, waiting for God’s miraculous healing. Then one day it dawned on me as I read scripture that God expects me to act on my faith.

Biblical Encounters

I thought about Moses, (Exodus 3 and 4) hiding from the Egyptian Pharaoh. God told him, go back to Egypt. And Moses went.

Gideon (Judges 6) was threshing wheat while hiding in a wine press, afraid of the dreaded Midianites. God told him, go, be a warrior. And Gideon went.

In the book of Acts, we read about the godly Ananias, praying in the morning. God said to him, go. And Ananias, though he resisted at first, went to visit the arch-enemy of all Christians, Saul.

And of course, there are tons of verses in the Bible where angels, or God, Himself, tells us, “Don’t be afraid.” That admonition comes with a promise: “I will be with you.” (Hebrews. 13: 5)

I have that same promise, as does anyone else who trusts in the Lord.
I am so grateful for all the biblical accounts of fearful people whom God strengthened. When I went through my period of fear, those accounts—and other stories about both real-life and fictional characters— helped me immeasurably.

I returned to performing—literally with fear and trembling—and discovered God’s faithfulness.

As a Christian writer I have a sacred opportunity to encourage readers through my stories about men and women who face fear in their unconquerable circumstances, yet emerge victorious. I hope you read a little bit of yourself in my novels, and find hope that you, too, can conquer your own fear.

For a limited time, Haven’s Flight, the first in my three-part suspenseful series is available for a discounted price. This is the story of Haven, a talented and beautiful pianist who witnesses her mother’s murder and now struggles with PTSD. While attending a wilderness therapy camp, designed to help her conquer her emotional struggles, she becomes the object of a dangerous man’s delusional attention. Alone and injured, Haven must find her way in the wilderness and elude the man who has promised to never stop hunting her. During Haven’s flight, she re-discovers God’s faithfulness and power.

Find out more about Dena on her website and social media:

Dena’s website: https://denanetherton.me
Dena’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denanetherton
Goodreads: Haven’s Flight
Amazon: Haven’s Flight

Beyond the Fuzzy Orbs with Donna Wichelman

writing, publishing, editors, Christmas lights, fuzzy, manuscript, rejection, journey, joy, romantic suspense — Donna Wichelman
Light Out of Darkness

Donna Wichelman is our guest today on Thyme for Writers. Donna holds a master’s degree in Mass Communication/Journalism and worked in community and employee relations for ten years. She has authored short stories, essays and articles in various inspirational publications. She now writes novels and screenplays. She and her husband live in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Beyond the Fuzzy Orbs

By Donna Wichelman

Light Out of Darkness, writing, publishing, editors, Christmas lights, fuzzy, manuscript, rejection, journey, joy, romantic suspense — Beyond the Fuzzy Orgs
by Donna Wichelman

Before LASIK surgery at age forty, severe nearsightedness distorted my vision without corrective lenses. At Christmas, I saw an advantage to this condition when the tree went up with its strings of colorful bulbs. Without vision aids at night, the lights on the tree appeared as hazy orbs, blending together in a dazzling display of color. I could sit for long stretches of time mesmerized by the beauty.

Yet my distorted vision kept me from viewing more extraordinary things on and around the tree. With my glasses, I could see the ornaments friends and family had given us, reminding me of dear ones who’d touched my life. Some ornaments had been collected from travels my husband and I had done over the years, invoking sweet memories. The Christ child in the manager under the tree centered my focus on the truth of Christmas and the purpose for which we gathered around the tree. Letting go of my distorted vision and putting on my lenses showed me the beauty, wonder, and joy beyond the fuzzy orbs.

The first time an editor solicited a manuscript I had pitched, my heart soared. When the manuscript went to committee, I knew it would be accepted and become a best seller. Months later, I received a rejection letter in the mail with constructive notes and the acquisitions editor’s good wishes. I felt crushed. My mother fell ill with cancer soon after, and I never implemented the changes.

The first rejection letter was not my last. Over twenty years of writing, I’ve sold several personal essays, a couple of short stories and a handful of devotionals. Two years ago, I self-published my Christian romantic suspense, Light Out of Darkness, and I will have the sequel out next spring. In spite of modest success, I’ve also experienced much rejection and have even thought about giving up this seemingly hopeless cause.

Yet a writer’s journey is a little like finding the wonder and joy beyond the distorted vision of my hazy orbs. It took a while, but eventually I was grateful for that first rejection. I realized the onus was on me to keep honing my craft, never to be complacent about my work, to accept constructive criticism and throw out the chaff.

I also learned that rejection doesn’t mean I’m unworthy. My value as a person isn’t dependent upon whether my work gets accepted. I am much more than my writing. As a person of faith, my worth comes from my position as a child of God.

Ultimately, I’ve grown to understand that my purpose for writing isn’t about the glory, notoriety or money. I write, because God has laid it on my heart to bring people along with me on this journey of joy, wonder and discovery. If I’ve touched one heart, if one morsel of truth gets passed along, if one person was encouraged, then I’ve done my job. My hope is that you, also, will find the beauty beyond the fuzzy orbs.

You may contact Donna or purchase her books with the links that follow:

Website: www.donnawichelman.com
Buy Link: Amazon
Social Media Links:
www.facebook.com/DonnaWichelmanAuthor
www.twitter.com/DonnaWichelman
www.donnawichelman.blogspot.com
www.linkedin.com/in/donna-wichelman

Getting Fit: Taking It Up A Notch – Part 5

Getting Fit: Take It Up A Notch Part 5 is the last in this particular workout session with our physical therapist Diane Foley. It’s been an exciting journey from start to finish for me. Clearly I’ve gotten stronger and just may reach my goal of being one “hot mama” for the wedding!

Before you start any exercise routine or change your health care regime, please see your physician to make sure you are able, and if anything hurts when you do it, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

Check out the Workout Rules in the first of the series and for quick links to the other exercises, here are the links to Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.

Let’s get started on Diane’s final 3 exercises:

12. Oblique Sit-Ups

getting fit, weight control, bicep curls, lunges, tricep extensions, strength training, weight lifting, fitness, exercising, burly, abdominal exercises, Saturday Night Fever, plank walk, oblique sit-ups — Oblique Sit-Ups
Getting Fit

Advanced: Lie on your right side with hips and knees bent slightly. Place your left hand in front of your body on the ground while keeping your right hand under your head. Perform an abdominal crunch by raising your legs and shoulders up off the ground at the same time, hold for 1 second and return down to the beginning position. Perform each side for 30 seconds.

Newbie: Standing Side Crunch: Stand with your arms overhead. Lift the right knee sideways while doing a right side bend. Try and touch the right elbow to the right knee. Hold for 1 second in the air and return to the beginning position. Perform each side for 30 seconds.

13. Hamstring Curl on the Ball

Advanced: Position yourself on your back with your hands by your side on the ground for support. Place a 55 inch ball under your calves and lift your bottom up in the air until your body is straight. Bend your knees and roll the ball towards your bottom until your knees are fully bent. Now roll the ball away while straightening the legs. Be sure to keep your bottom up and abdominals tight while rolling the ball. Perform this exercise for 30 seconds.

Newbie: Bridge with Ball Squeeze: Lye on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the ground. Place a kickball between your knees and squeeze the ball. While squeezing the ball, raise your bottom up as far as your can. Hold the bottom squeeze for 1 second and then lower to the beginning position. Repeat for 30 seconds. Be sure to squeeze the ball between your knees the entire time.

14. Bicycle Abdominal Crunch:

Advanced: Lie on your back with your hands behind your head with the right leg bent and the left leg straight (like your riding a bicycle). Lift your head and shoulders off the ground and rotate your body to the right. Try to touch the left elbow to your right knee. This is an abdominal crunch. Hold this crunch for 1 second and then bend the left knee and straighten the right leg and rotate left. Try to touch the right elbow to the left knee. It is okay if you can’t touch the elbow to the knee. This is normal. Perform exercise for 30 seconds.

Newbie: Perform the same exercise however keep both knees bent in the air. Be sure to breath while performing this exercise. Perform exercise for 30 seconds.

Now you’ve got the entire routine. Let me know your results. Diane, Karen, and I have started our next session with a new series of exercises. It’s even higher intensity. Stay tuned… .

What is your favorite exercise?

On Writing Full Time with Jill Haymaker

I would like to welcome Jill Haymaker as our guest today on Thyme for Writers. Jill was born and raised in Indiana and Ohio. After high school, she attended Bowling Green State University before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado. Ms. Haymaker made her home in Fort Collins until her recent move to East Texas. She practiced family law in Fort Collins for the past 20 years. She has three grown children, a son and two daughters. She also has three granddaughters.

Jill Haymaker, writing, full time, author, Peakview, Colorado Series, marketing, writing schedule — Jill Haymaker

Jill has always had a passion for writing. Colorado Sunset was her first full length romance novel in her Peakview, Colorado series. Her latest book, Colorado Summer Stars is the seventh book in the series. If you love small town romance, you will love the characters in this series. She also has had several short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, the most recent in the book Random Acts of Kindness.

When not practicing law or writing, Jill enjoys The Colorado mountains, horseback riding, gardening, long walks with her Shetland Sheepdog, Laddie, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoys their numerous sporting events. She is also an avid football fan and can be found on autumn weekends cheering on her favorite teams. She has a passion for working with high school youth- she is a youth group leader at her church, coaches a high school mock trial team and is a volunteer at cross country and track meets.

On Writing Full Time

by Jill Haymaker

I recently quit my day job and moved to a new town and home, so that I could write full time. I was so excited. This would be great, nothing to do but write—all day, every day. But then the reality set in. I now had to figure out how to make a living writing. And how to manage my time.
Until now, my writing schedule had consisted of an hour or two here, an hour or two there. I soon learned, that if this was my full-time job, I needed to be more structured. I set up eight hour work days. Every morning I write for three or four hours, stopping every hour or two to stand up, stretch and take a short walk around my neighborhood, then I’m back at it until noon or after.

Most afternoons, I spend more time on marketing than actual writing. Back to paragraph one, where I said I need to make a living. I can’t say I’ve figured marketing out yet, but I’m getting closer. I keep trying new things, learning new techniques, and exploring social media for ideas. I now have time to read all those articles about marketing that I’ve saved over the years.

For the most part, I’m glad I made the leap. The solitariness of what I’m doing is hard sometimes. I need more interaction with the real world. On days when I feel isolated, I allow myself to take a day off. Last week I volunteered at a low income preschool one morning, and the next afternoon I helped cook and serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Both of these activities refreshed me and got me back to writing.

Sometimes I worry that my writing is not making a difference in the world, but then I read an email or review from a reader who says my books give them hope, help them to never give up on finding love or happiness. I hope they do that. It’s definitely the message I try to convey. Meanwhile, I now have a job that’s flexible enough to work in many volunteer hours. I feel truly blessed by this opportunity that God has given me and I intend to make the most of it each and every day for as long as I can continue to write. I truly love what I do.

You can contact Jill or purchase her Peakview Series with the following links:

Buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TF1WZQ

Social Media links:

Email: jillhaymaker@aol.com

Website/blog: http://jillhaymaker.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillLHaymaker

Instagram: https://instagram.com/jillhaymaker.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjillhaymaker

Goodreads: https://www/goodreads.com/author/13636693.Jill_Haymaker

Colorado Summer Stars by Jill Haymaker

How did her relationship go so wrong? When NICOLE PHILLIPS flees San Francisco after her boyfriend’s jealousy turns violent, she doesn’t know where to go next. Out of a job and a place to live, she heads to the only place she feels safe—her childhood home in the tiny town of Peakview, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. The one place she’d sworn to never live again.

RICK BRADY was a skinny, nerdy kid, earning him the not-so-flattering nickname of Scarecrow in high school. He’d been glad to escape his reputation and leave Peakview behind. When his parents’ health begins to fail, he returns to Peakview and opens his own veterinarian practice on their ranch. He’s never really been in love, unless you count that crush he had on the most popular girl in school from kindergarten through senior year.

Now fifteen years after they both left town, they are back home and searching for answers to questions they can’t define. Beneath the beauty of the Colorado summer stars, they reconnect. They soon discover that it’s not easy to leave the past behind. To move forward and find true love, they must overcome their insecurities and doubts and learn to trust again.
Come home to Peakview, Colorado where everyone has a chance at love.

GETTING FIT – TAKE IT UP A NOTCH – PART 4

The holidays are fast approaching. How are you doing at getting fit and taking it up a notch? This is part 4 of our workout series with Diane and Karen. I’m real excited about the progress I’ve made. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine being stronger now than I was in my twenties, but I am!

Before you make any changes to your health care routine, I just want to remind you to please check with your health care professional to made sure you can! If it hurts, STOP IMMEDIATELY!!

The Workout Rules are found in the first article in the series Getting Fit – Take It Up a Notch. Both Part 2 and Part 3 brought us 3 new exercises each. Now let’s get started with the next 3 exercises from Diane… .

9. Plank Walk and Straddle Jump:

Advanced: Assume push up position with hands and feet on the ground. Walk your hands down to your forearms one at a time, then come back up to your hands one at a time. Alternate hands going up and down. Perform exercise for 30 seconds. Next, in push up position, jump into a straddle and then jump your feet back together. Perform exercise for 30 seconds.

Newbie: Assume push up position with feet on the ground and hands on the table. You may want to put towel on the table to protect your hands. Be sure to keep your body straight and your abdominals tight. Perform the hand walking (as stated above) for 30 seconds. Jump straddle and together with the feet (as stated above) for 30 seconds.

10. Burpy

Advanced: In standing position, reach down and place your hands on the ground. Jump feet back in to a push up position (body straight with abdominals tight; optional: do a pushup). Jump feet forward to just behind your hands and stand up with arms overhead. Perform exercise for 30 seconds.
If you want a bigger challenge, you can do this exercise on a bosu. Place Bosu (half a ball with one flat side and one round side) about 6 inches in front of your feet with the flat side up. Reach down and put hands on outer edges of the bosu, jump feet back and assume push up position. Jump feet forward and stand up with arms overhead.

Newbie: Assume the push up position with your hands on a table and your feet on the ground. Perform push ups keeping body straight and abdominals tight.

11. Side Lunge with Diagonal Reach (Saturday Night Fever Move)

Advanced and Newbie: Lunge sideways with the right leg bent and the left leg straight. (Optional: you can place the right bent leg on a bosu.) Reach down with your left hand and touch your right foot. Bring arm up across the body and reach up to the left.Point your finger and imagine you are doing the John Travolta Saturday Night Fever dance! You can look at your left hand while performing this exercise. This will challenge your balance a little more. Perform each side for 30 seconds.

If you can play the music while you do this exercise it’s even better! Next week is our last in this series, but it won’t be over. Every few months Diane changes out our routines, so once you get this one down, we’ll change it out for you — it keeps it interesting!

What’s your favorite exercise so far? Which do you dread?

When Cinnamon Bark Editors Bite with Kathryn Ross

cinnamon, writers, spice, fall recipes, editors, healing, manuscript — The Write Spice: Writing Tips for Flavorful Words
When Cinnamon Bark Editors Bite
By Kathryn Ross

I would like to introduce Kathryn Ross as my next guest on Thyme for Writers. Kathryn will be a monthly guest with her series, The Write Spice: Writing Tips for Flavorful Words. Writer-speaker, Kathryn Ross, ignites a love of literature and learning through Pageant Wagon Productions and Publishing. She writes and publishes homeschool enrichment and Christian living books for home, church, and school. Her passion is to equip women and families in developing a Family Literacy Lifestyle, producing readers and thinkers who can engage the world from a biblical worldview.

When Cinnamon Bark Editors Bite
By Kathryn Ross

Crisp fall weather invites us to visit pumpkin patches and apple orchards, filling baskets with the raw ingredients for our favorite Autumn treats. The scent of applesauce and pumpkin pie fill our kitchens and warm our hearts with lip-smacking expectation for when dessert will be served. The intoxicating aroma of ground cinnamon bark wafts through the air while these traditional goodies simmer in a pot and bake in the oven.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an indispensable spice for fall recipes and has been a vital ingredient in healing remedies from ancient times. Historical records from China include cinnamon in every prescription used to treat a host of infectious ailments. In addition, cinnamon acts as a stimulant to enliven a weak heart, lift depression, settle digestive issues, and as a tonic for treating the common cold.

Add a little cinnamon bark to your writing with the healing nature of an editor’s bite.

The Story

When we pour the raw materials of our story onto the page and stir it about, carefully adding the varied ingredients of our setting, character, plot, and literary elements, we need to taste-test with the help of a skilled editor. If you are seeking to publish, budget enough funding to pay a professional editor. Investing in a skilled editor prior to submitting to a publisher ensures your best work is put forth. Along the way, engage your writers critique group in the creative process.

The Editor

But, be aware—an editor may flavor your work with a pungent bite, just like cinnamon pervades whatever you add it to a with sharp zest.
You may wince at an editor’s advice when they red-line some of your pet paragraphs or favorite turn of phrases.

You may need to swallow the burn of raw cinnamon with a cool glass of water when the edit requires major plot shifts you had not anticipated.
You may grow weary of the tedious corrections of punctuation, point-of-view, and tense errors.

In the end, the sharp bite of an editor’s critique heals what ails your manuscript. You’ll have a healthy story ready for submission and be the better for it. Just as applesauce and pumpkin pie don’t satisfy without a generous addition of ground cinnamon bark, so too, your writing won’t be the best it can be without the generous critique of a good editor—the “write” spice for flavorful words.

Have you had a “spicy cinnamon” moment with an editor that made you wince at the sharp bite of their critique, only to ultimately swallow their advice and realize it was the best thing you could have done for your manuscript? Share what you learned from your experience.

You may contact Kathryn at:

www.pageantwagonpublishing.com

info@pageantwagonpublishing.com

misskathypwp@gmail.com
www.thewritersreverie.com

LIKE my Fan Pages on FACEBOOK: Kathryn Ross

FOLLOW ME on PINTEREST: Kathryn Ross, www.pinterest.com/misskathy

FOLLOW ME on TWITTER: @misskathypwp – www.twitter.com/misskathypwp

CONNECT on LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/pub/kathryn-ross/42/2aa/181

“Be blessed and be a blessing!”

GETTING FIT – TAKE IT UP A NOTCH – PART 3

Are you ready to continue to take it up a notch! I am! Part 3 is a continuation of our workout session and these ladies are doing wonders with me! As a book worm with limited athletic prowess, I never developed visible muscles. I always exercised whether it was hiking, dancing, swimming or playing tennis, but that’s pretty much where it ended. As we get older, strength training is important for our bones, balance, and overall fitness.

fitness, exercise, aerobic exercise, weights, body beautiful, weight control, weight loss — Team Diane Workout
Getting Fit – Take It Up a Notch

When I started working out with Diane and Karen, I was only at one pound weights. Although minimal, it was where I was to ensure I did not hurt myself. I am happy to report that I am now using 5 pound weights! Not only can you see my triceps, but my biceps and back muscles as well! Yes!! If I can do it, just about anyone can, but before starting anything new, please check with your physician to make sure you can. And if anything hurts, STOP IMMEDIATELY!

Remember the Rules of the Workout before you begin in Getting Fit – Taking It Up A Notch.

These next three exercises are a part of our current session written by Diane Foley, Physical Therapist.

6. Side Step On 8 Inch Step:

getting fit, weight control, bicep curls, lunges, tricep extensions, strength training, weight lifting, fitness, exercising — Getting Fit:
Side Step Up

Advanced: Take a side step up onto an 8 inch step with each foot. Slowly step down one leg at a time.

Newbie: Stand up tall, slowly lift one foot to the side and touch your toes on an 8 inch step. Slowly return to the beginning position. Work on your balance and progress to stepping up onto a low (3 to 5 inch) step.

7. Tricep Extension

exercise, workout, weight lifting, strength building exercises — Tricep Extensions
Taking It Up A Notch Part 3

Advanced: Begin by kneeling on the ground with your body balancing on your knees and your body bent slightly forward. Grab weights in each hand, place your arms by your side with your elbows fully bent. Weights should be up by your shoulders. While bent forward and keeping your elbows by your side, slowly straighten your arms extending the weights behind you. Hold for one second and return to the beginning position.

Newbie: While kneeling on the ground (balancing on your shins instead of your knees) and bending slightly forward, do the exact same exercise.

8. Lunge with Bicep Curl

Advanced: Begin in the standing position, holding weights by your side.. Step forward and lunge until your back knee touches the ground slightly. Push back with the front leg to the beginning position and switch sides. While lunging forward, bend elbows and curl the hand weights up to your shoulders. Bring the weights back down to the beginning position when you push your front leg back to the beginning position. If it is too difficult coordinating the arms and legs, then you can do the bicep curl between lunges.

Note: Be sure to keep the front knee in line or behind the front foot when lunging forward. Bending the knee past your front foot places too much stress on the knee and can cause injury.

Newbie: Perform the lunge with bicep curl as stated above, however, limit the amount of knee bend to tolerance and perform the bicep curls between lunges. An alternative to the lunge is the squat.

Stay tuned for the next exercises and ENJOY THE RESULTS!

What is your motivation?

The King and I with Diane Egge

I would like to welcome my next guest, Diane Egge on Thyme for Writers. Diane has had several poems, short stories, newspaper articles, and children’s stories published. According to Diane, she is currently being challenged by writing her first novel. Her frequently visited places include the back of her horse (especially in the mountains), behind the lens of her camera—still trying to take the perfect photo, playing the keys on her piano, or traveling with her husband to see their three kids and seven grandchildren.

children's stories, write, publish — How Many Cats Are in My Bed by Diane Egge

The King and I

by Diane Egge

God had Samuel anoint the young man, David, to be king over Israel. Being a shepherd and the youngest of eight brothers, I’m sure he felt awe, excitement, and confusion as to why he’d been chosen. Perhaps he had some unbelief also.

Thyme for Writers, Diane Egge — Blood, Water, Wind, and Stone
An Anthology of Wyoming Writers

God spoke to me that He wanted me to write. He said go to the local college and take creative writing classes. I did. I received all A’s, and I had some of my stories and poetry published. I had fun, and I loved to write.

David learned much about being a king by playing music in the courts of Saul. Then he proved himself as a warrior when he killed Goliath. Later, he led Saul’s armies into victory after victory. He seemed ready to be king.

God gave me a story to write. When I finished my first draft, I thought it was ready to be published. After all, God gave me the story, right? Wrong. I had not learned about POV, show not tell, and the many other things involved in writing a novel. I went into a season of revision.

When King Saul heard the people shout praises to the mighty warrior, David, he became jealous. He decided to kill his competition. David entered into a season of running for his life.

For both David and I, there have been obstacles and more obstacles. Even though mine haven’t been the life and death kind, they’ve still been discouraging. As the months turned into years, I’m sure David had some doubts about his calling, as I have. Did I hear you right, God? If this is you, why is it so hard and taking so long? Maybe I’m supposed to stick with poetry and short stories. After all, that’s what I’ve been successful doing. Success is the goal, right?

Yet, God’s answer to me is always the same. Write and get your book published. I’ve finally figured out it’s not so much about telling my story as learning to persevere and be obedient. David is my inspiration. He persisted until he became king.

Thyme for Writers, The King and I — Diane Egge

In spite of being stuck in revision, I still feel it’s fun to write. I’m thankful God has called me to create stories and put them on paper. Maybe this will be the year my manuscript gets published. If not, I will enjoy the journey.

You may either contact Diane or check out one of her works through the following links:

Facebook: Diane Egge Author
website: www.dianeegge.com
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Water-Wind-Stone-Anthology/dp/1944986030/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505249974&sr=1-1&keywords=blood%2C+water%2C+wind%2C+and+stone

Single Mom Survival with Linda R. McCutcheon

I would like to welcome Linda R. McCutcheon as my guest today on Thyme for Writers. Her path to writing came about as she faced a new challenge in life — that of of single mother. Here is her story… .

SINGLE MOM SURVIVAL

by Linda R. McCutcheon

Suddenly, I became a single mom with two young children. I was faced with going back into the workforce, healing my broken heart, and learning who ‘Linda’ really was. Many times, I was working two jobs, taking night school courses, and keeping the home together. Exhausted? You bet! Overwhelmed? You bet! Empowered? Absolutely. I didn’t think I would be single for twelve years and I had many discussions with God about that, but He knew best. Who would have thought I could take the battery out of the lawnmower, use a saw, or balance my little paycheck? I learned much from taking night school courses, but the most I learned was from the School of Hard Knocks knowing I could trust God to protect my little family. Keeping endless schedules, working full-time, and spending weekends alone were challenging. God kept saying ‘just hold on’. Because of that, the girls and I became a team. We still smile and talk about our family traditions. God did bring a wonderful man into my life because I trusted in Him to ‘hold on’. It was so surreal when my daughter and I were dating at the same time. Many days weren’t easy but hard work paid off.

Writer, Pen, Paper, journey, writer's journey, tips, write, author — Writer’s Tools

As a single mom, I began to put my thoughts on paper and little-by-little doors opened for me to publish articles for on-line magazines. I always have a piece of paper and pen handy because you never know when an inspiring thought might come! There was nothing more satisfying then to know I was encouraging and helping others as I told my story. I certainly didn’t know I had a gift for writing or how much I loved to express my heart through the written word. It was an amazing time for me to continue to heal and understand this new Linda. Because of my life experience, I help mentor women on-line, have a blog for single moms, and published a book to inspire those who are on the same journey. My greatest joy is knowing that God is using me to reach others all over the world reassuring single parents that YOU CAN DO THIS! and claim Isaiah 43:18-19.

Single parent, survival, writing, tools, tips, journey — SINGLE MOM SURVIVAL SUCCESS: Tools and Tips For The Journey

I have walked in the shoes of single parents whose path is tough, challenging, and many times downright frightening. These pages are written to encourage single moms (and dad’s) in their journey. For me it was the most challenging but most blessed as I choose not to be defeated. I share issues such as loneliness, grieving, contentment, making memories with the kids, forgiveness, and re-entering the dating scene. There are questions my daughters asked which will hopefully help in discussions with your children. You will find questionnaires to inspire and help as you move one step in front of the other. Hopefully this backpack of helpful tips can help you believe that YOU CAN DO THIS; not only survive but succeed!

Buy Links (e-book will be out in October)

1.Essence Publishing
http://essencebookstore.com/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=0&keyword=single+mom
2. Amazon.com/ca
https://www.amazon.com/Single-Mom-Survival-Success-Journey/dp/1460007956/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504818239&sr=1-1&keywords=Single+Mom+Survival+Success

Social Media Links

Bi-monthly Blog: www.singlemomsurvivalsuccess.com
Facebook: Linda R McCutcheon https://www.facebook.com/lindar.mccutcheon.1

Inflammation

Anti-inflammatory Compounds

Research

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Biblical Encounters

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Beyond the Fuzzy Orbs

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12. Oblique Sit-Ups

13. Hamstring Curl on the Ball

14. Bicycle Abdominal Crunch:

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On Writing Full Time

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9. Plank Walk and Straddle Jump:

10. Burpy

11. Side Lunge with Diagonal Reach (Saturday Night Fever Move)

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When Cinnamon Bark Editors Bite By Kathryn Ross

Cinnamon

The Story

The Editor

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6. Side Step On 8 Inch Step:

7. Tricep Extension

8. Lunge with Bicep Curl

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The King and I

You may either contact Diane or check out one of her works through the following links:

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Buy Links (e-book will be out in October)

Social Media Links

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When Cinnamon Bark Editors Bite
By Kathryn Ross