Rejuvenated & Renewed Health and Wellness

12/26/2018

Who was King Herod the Great, the man who was determined to kill Jesus as birth?

Herod was born in Palestine at a time of political turmoil. His father Antipater, an ambitious and clever soldier, rose rapidly in the service of the king. Eventually he ousted the king from his throne and took it for himself.
Antipater appointed his son Herod as governor of Galilee, and six years later Mark Antony made him tetrarch.
Six years after this the Senate in Rome named him king of Judea and gave him an army to make good his claim.
By the age of 36, Herod was unchallenged ruler of Judea.To strengthen his hold on power he divorced his first wife Doris and married the beautiful Mariamme, a princess of the Hasmonean royal family. As well as being a clever politician, Herod the Great was one of the most prolific builders of the ancient world. Among other things, he built
• the port of Caesarea on the coast between Joppa and Haifa, and
• Sebaste on the site of ancient Samaria.
His most grandiose achievement was the Temple in Jerusalem, which he completely rebuilt. The platform for this construction is the Temple Mount.
And here’s something you probably don’t know: Herod was the president of the Olympic Games during his reign!Much of what he did was an attempt to make up for his birth – he was of Arab origin on both sides, a fact his Jewish subjects never forgave.
He resented and envied the love his subjects had for the former royal family, the Hasmoneans, and ended up murdering most of the members of that family, including
• his wife Mariamme,
• their two sons,
• his young brother-in-law,
• his mother-in-law, and
• Mariamme’s aged grandfather.
When Herod had his two sons strangled, Augustus commented that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than his son, since Jews do not eat pork…
There were 4 different men called Herod in the New Testament. It is a dynastic/family name. All were descendents of the founder of the dynasty, Herod Antipater.
• Herod the Great, son of the founder of the dynasty, made procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar in 47BC
• Herod Antipas, ruled Galilee at the time of Jesus’ ministry. Married Herodias and executed John the Baptist
• Herod Agrippa I, friend of the emperors Caligula and Claudius, killed James and imprisoned Peter
• Herod Agrippa II, heard St Paul’s case and advised he be acquitted.

The New Testament says Herod the Great was a ruthless tyrant who, on hearing from the Wise Men that a new king had been born in Bethlehem, killed all the male children under two years in that town.
• Herod the Great was brilliant & ruthless. He was trusted by the Romans but hated by his Jewish subjects
• Mark Antony, Roman ruler of the eastern half of the Mediterranean was a friend to Herod the Great
• Mariamme, Herod’s beautiful royal wife, was loved by the people. Herod both feared and loved her. Eventually he engineered her brother’s death by drowning, and then arranged Mariamme’s judicial murder by strangulation. He then murdered her mother and two of the sons Mariamme had borne him. A few days before his death, he murdered his third child who was to take over the throne at his death.
It is no wonder he wanted Jesus dead. He heard about the Messiah who was going to be a Savior, therefore more powerful than him, and got threatened. He was a mad man. A self indulged, power hungry, manipulating being.

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16, King Herod the Great)
His • head (John the Baptist’s) was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother..’ (Matthew 14:10, Herod Antipas)
• ‘At about that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, brother of John, killed with the sword. He proceeded to arrest Peter also.’ (Acts 12:1-3, Herod Agrippa I)
• ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ (Acts 26:14, Paul reporting to Agrippa II)

He died a painful, pitiful and shameful death.
King Herod is remembered by many religions
as a ruthless man who died a miserable death. More than 2,000 years after Herod the Great succumbed at age 69, doctors have now settled on exactly what killed the king of ancient Judea: chronic kidney disease complicated by a very uncomfortable case of maggot-infested gangrene of the ge****ls.

04/29/2018

Reality talk!

As the Kenyan Embassy in the United States confirms on the challenges faced by most Kenyans who arrive in the US and get caught up in the culture shock,Immig...

04/22/2018

Lord, give us the grace to carry our cross without complaining.

02/04/2018

*Eight things to remember when everything goes wrong*

Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them. Imagine all the wondrous things your mind might embrace if it weren’t wrapped so tightly around your struggles. Always look at what you have, instead of what you have lost. Because it’s not what the world takes away from you that counts; it’s what you do with what you have left.



Here are a few reminders to help motivate you when you need it most:

💢1. *Pain is part of growing*
Sometimes life closes doors because it’s time to move forward. And that’s a good thing because we often won’t move unless circumstances force us to. When times are tough, remind yourself that no pain comes without a purpose.

💢2. *Everything in life is temporary*
After darkness there is always light – you are reminded of this every morning, but still you often forget, and instead choose to believe that the night will last forever. It won’t. Nothing lasts forever. So if things are good right now, enjoy it. It won’t last forever. If things are bad, don’t worry because it won’t last forever either.

💢3. *Worrying and complaining changes nothing*
Those who complain the most, accomplish the least. It’s always better to attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.

💢4. *Your scars are symbols of your strength*
Don’t ever be ashamed of the scars life has left you with. A scar means the hurt is over and the wound is closed. It means you conquered the pain, learned a lesson, grew stronger, and moved forward.



💢5. *Every little struggle is a step forward*
In life, patience is not about waiting; it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard on your dreams, knowing that the work is worth it. So if you’re going to try, put in the time and go all the way. Otherwise, there’s no point in starting.



💢6. *Other people’s negativity is not your problem*
Be positive when negativity surrounds you. Smile when others try to bring you down. It’s an easy way to maintain your enthusiasm and focus. When other people treat you poorly, keep being you. Don’t ever let someone else’s bitterness change the person you are.



💢 7. *What’s meant to be will eventually, BE*
You can’t force things to happen. You can only drive yourself crazy trying. At some point you have to let go and let what’s meant to be, BE. In the end, loving your life is about trusting your intuition, taking chances, losing and finding happiness, cherishing the memories, and learning through experience. It’s a long-term journey.

💢 8. *The best thing you can do is to keep going*
Don’t be afraid to get back up. Don’t be afraid to love again. Don’t let the cracks in your heart turn to hardened scar tissue. Find the strength to laugh every day. Find the courage to feel different, yet beautiful. Find it in your heart to make others smile too.

God bless you all!!

😊Keep Inspiring😊.........

10/06/2017

Choose your words, choose your life..I was recently asked to describe my experience of life in State College. My response was "This is a unique city." I was tempted to say "It is not easy to be a minority in a very white place." But I pondered for a moment and asked myself: "When was the last time you did really well because it was easy?" NEVER!! I have had my fair share of not so minor bumps here and there. My career works very well because I embrace the unique challenges that come with it boldly. And truth be told I started being a minority at the University of Nairobi several years ago when I was the only girl in my class for 4 years. My Nairobi classmates embraced me then as their sister and still do. Was it easy on day one? No!! So State College is really a new flavor of the normal but uniquely challenging aspects of our existence.

Nothing good comes out of easy options. Uniquely challenging things are good for us because they forces us to grow and develop into game changers. But the shifting into the realms of excellent performance as game changers depends on the words that we use to describe our experience of life. Think "uniquely challenging" instead of "horrible," "I want out" even if you end up getting out of thing that you desire to get out of. In my case I am staying put - I am determined to make State College my home away from home.

10/03/2017

JUST FOR TODAY, I will refuse to groan in agony over my mistakes.
For, every single mistake of mine is merely a blessing in disguise.
Indeed,there are actually manifold blessings concealed within each mistake.
My son made many mistakes while learning how to ride his bicycle, and I thought nothing of it.
Surely, this was because I knew only too well that, through his fumbling, he would learn, and eventually master the art of balancing.
In that case, why am I so hard on myself when I make a mistake?
Is it not a truism that with each mistake, I learn something of enduring value?
This can only mean that my mistakes uniquely provide me with tremendous feedback for learning and growth.
Indeed, my mistakes are merely a part of the dues I have to pay for a full life.
Therefore shall I resolve not to place my mistakes on any pedestal of importance.
I might even hope to make a mistake or two today.
For while my friend hesitates because he feels inferior, I will be busy making mistakes and becoming superior.
Because, if I'm making mistakes, it means I'm trying new things.
It means I'm learning and living; changing myself and changing my world.
I'm doing things I've never done before, and more importantly, I am indeed doing something!
Behold, I will make unique, amazing and dazzling mistakes!
I will not agonize that it's not good enough, or it isn't perfect.
For, is it not out of the imperfect that the perfect springs?
Truly, it is not practice that makes perfect. Rather, it is imperfect practice that makes perfect.
But herein lies the solemn and sober truth: My mistakes hurt. But if I don't learn from them, then the pain I suffer is all for nothing!
Indeed, by the immutable law of attraction, I will make the same mistake over and over again, until the cumulative hurt is so much that I finally learn my lesson.
And how shall I learn from my mistakes?
I will employ gratitude!
For, no matter how bad something may seem, there will always be the potential for gratitude concealed within it.
And my gratitude will magically transform my mistakes into blessings.
For, in real terms, there is no such thing as a mistake.
A mistake is a stepping stone that will bring me closer to my goal, as long as I am ready to gratefully learn from what is merely an integral part of my education.
For, in truth, the long, twisting and difficult road often leads to a beautiful destination.

ACTION EXERCISE

Today, choose one serious mistake you once made, and magically transform it into a blessing.
Possess this mistake. This means, make it your mistake. Relinquish the urge to fall on the convenient platitude of blaming someone else for this mistake.
Examine this mistake carefully, and look for things within it to be grateful for, by asking yourself just two questions:
What can I learn from this mistake?
What are the good things that resulted from this mistake?
Try to find a total of five blessings to be grateful for.
The things you are grateful for are the lessons you have learned!

Dr. Yomi Garnett

08/18/2017

One must not shrink to get connected to you. Surround yourself with people who see you for what you are capable of and not what you have failed in, in the past. Establish healthy boundaries and disconnect from people who can't change their minds about you based on your past.

Understand that if people can't change their mind about you, you need to change your mind about them. Don't shrink to make anyone comfortable. Treat yourself like God would treat you. Walk with your head help Up.

Allow people to understand that investing in you is favor, because you walk with a God who owns it all. Allow God's spirit to have full liberty if you.

08/14/2017

Late afternoon on Friday last week, my friend invited me to do fun activities with her in the DC area. My initial response was: "I cannot, I have so many pending things." Then a couple of minutes later it dawned on me that I always have so many pending things. Sometimes it is like I cross off one item and two more new things show up. I sent an urgent message to my friend: "I am heading home to pack - do not leave without me!!" I got back home late Sunday night and guess what? I am have had a very good and productive day - and things got better when I got an unexpected extension on something that was due tomorrow!

We have been wired up to function effectively when we have a good Work-Play-Meditate-Socialize-Rest rhythm. When we fall out of the rhythm, when something is out of balance, your body is eventually going to force you to slow down. Many times this will be through physical pain of some sorts. Sometimes it is through things that are more difficult to put a finger on, for example, feeling low or flying off the handle over things that normally would not bother us at all. Work hard but also ensure that you include time to renew and rejuvenate yourself. Work hard but not at the expense of your health. After you have done all you can giving your work your best, turn off your laptop, get off social media, go out there and do something fun with someone who makes you laugh.

08/05/2017

It is your time for a breakthrough! Make up your mind to leave the past and the old you behind. Focus on giving birth to a new you....the real you. It is your time to create a turning point for the better in your life.

It is your destiny to be healthy, happy and successful.Your future is open, full of possibility and promise! Buckle down and do whatever is required to create a life that you are proud of, the life that you deserve! Do not look back!! Look ahead, move forward and make this your best year ever! You have the something special. You have GREATNESS within you!

05/03/2017

Building & Rebuilding Self Esteem.

1. What is your why? Why are you here today and feeling low self esteem? Perhaps you have gone through divorce, or abuse of some sort, maybe physical illness, accidents, disabilities from birth, abandonment of some sort, financial losses, job losses, business losses, feeling of rejection and disappointment from death of spouse, health and weight challenges, private struggles e.g addictions and many others. Gen 2. Reminds us that man falls, hence consequences.

2. How Can you deal with the why? A few nugget of how to manage low self esteem. We must go back to the beginning and find God's perfection of you.
Genesis 1:26. Let's make man in our own image, likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air over the livestock, over all earth and all the creatures that move along the ground. Gen 1:27. God created man in His own Image, male and female created He them. Remember you are God's image and He is the owner of it all. He can speak anything into life, including your healing. Claim the promises of Abraham. We are Abraham descendants. Gen 15. 1. Do not be afraid. I am your shield. May you be counted as righteous. Everything promised to Abraham is for you. Jer 29:11. God has a good plan for your life. Psalms 139:13-16. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

God gives beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61:3. His love for you goes beyond your shortcomings, or whatever may make you feel less than. Walk in that confidence. As long as it takes, decide that your only true and faithful friend is God.

3. What activities do you need to do? Quiet time with your creator. Get up and keep moving. Get some fresh air. Get a new hobby. Make a decision to renew your mind. Change your environment. Talk less about your past. Forgive those who have wronged you. Surround yourself with positive people. Eliminate people who don't mean well for you and don't forget to pray for them. Focus on your Self improvement. Ask God to give you direction and discernment. Eat healthy and Drink plenty of water. How about those vitamins? Make at least one positive change everyday. Journal your journey. Seek help from trusted advisors. Get plenty of sleep. Have a healthy balance with everything. Have a grateful attitude. Look your best always. Use sticky notes if you must, to remind yourself of who and whose you are.

4. Where do you go from here? Trust the journey. Celebrate little wins. Live life without regrets, keeping God as your Supreme in everything you do. Do what you love. Love and give unconditionally.

05/03/2017

Building & Rebuilding Self Esteem

1. What is your why? Why are you here today and feeling low self esteem? Perhaps you have gone through divorce, or abuse of some sort, maybe physical illness, accidents, disabilities from birth, abandonment of some sort, financial losses, job losses, business losses, feeling of rejection and disappointment from death of spouse, health and weight challenges, private struggles e.g addictions and many others. Gen 2. Reminds us that man falls, hence consequences.

2. How Can you deal with the why? A few nugget of how to manage low self esteem. We must go back to the beginning and find God's perfection of you.
Genesis 1:26. Let's make man in our own image, likeness and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air over the livestock, over all earth and all the creatures that move along the ground. Gen 1:27. God created man in His own Image, male and female created He them. Remember you are God's image and He is the owner of it all. He can speak anything into life, including your healing. Claim the promises of Abraham. We are Abraham descendants. Gen 15. 1. Do not be afraid. I am your shield. May you be counted as righteous. Everything promised to Abraham is for you. Jer 29:11. God has a good plan for your life. Psalms 139:13-16. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

God gives beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61:3. His love for you goes beyond your shortcomings, or whatever may make you feel less than. Walk in that confidence. As long as it takes, decide that your only true and faithful friend is God.

3. What activities do you need to do? Quiet time with your creator. Get up and keep moving. Get some fresh air. Get a new hobby. Make a decision to renew your mind. Change your environment. Talk less about your past. Forgive those who have wronged you. Surround yourself with positive people. Eliminate people who don't mean well for you and don't forget to pray for them. Focus on your Self improvement. Ask God to give you direction and discernment. Eat healthy and Drink plenty of water. How about those vitamins? Make at least one positive change everyday. Journal your journey. Seek help from trusted advisors. Get plenty of sleep. Have a healthy balance with everything. Have a grateful attitude. Look your best always. Use sticky notes if you must, to remind yourself of who and whose you are.

4. Where do you go from here? Trust the journey. Celebrate little wins. Live life without regrets, keeping God as your Supreme in everything you do. Do what you love. Love and give unconditionally.