Faith Like a Child

Last night my youngest daughter, Addisson, and I played a little game. Actually, it was her game. I was a prop. I sat on the couch facing her and she stood in front of me and for the next 20 minutes she fearlessly fell into my arms. With her arms out facing me... she fell into my arms; With her back to me... she fell into my arms. Sideways, on two feet, on one foot, eyes wide open, eyes tight shut. Every possible position or pose she could think of... into my arms. She fell, she even jumped at times, but each time she was fearlessly confident that her father was going to catch her.


What's interesting is, yesterday morning I woke up late and decided I didn't have enough time to read my bible. But, God still found me where I was and reminded me of this through my beautiful daughter:


"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

and

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. " Matthew 10:29-31

and

"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith. Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:26-34

No matter where we are in life, or what position we put ourselves in, God has promised us that He will never leave us... never forsake us. He will catch us when we fall. He wants us to jump into to His arms with eye wide open or closed up tight. He will carry our burdens and be our confidence.

Thank you Addison, for that reminder, and I promise you that I will always try to catch you when you fall. But if I can't, or if I fail you... someone much greater than I will never forsake you. He will always be there. Praise our God for that.

Spread the Health this Christmas (Day 2)

Christmas Gifts for Him

Looking for the right gift for your man, and clueless as to what to give him?

How about a traditional shaving set. Not only will you WOW him with your insight and uniqueness, but it can also be a healthy lifestyle change he will appreciate in years to come. How could a gift like this be healthy? Stop and think about it for a second. Every morning your husband applies some crude chemical concoction to his skin and then proceeds to rip into it with a razor. Our skin absorbs everything we put on it, and that alone puts a sizable chemical load on all of us. Now add those chemicals to skin trying to repair itself from multiple micro-lacerations from shaving and you've got yourself a recipe for cancer.

Organic shaving soaps from companies like Burt's Bees and Herban Cowboy can save his face while saving his life!

Merry Christmas!!!

Spread the Health this Christmas!!!

Buy THREE 1 hour massage gift certificates for $150
(a savings of $30)

What better way to say Merry Christmas to family and friends than with a gift of massage! Now through the new year, at McCabe Chiropractic and Wellness Center, you can save money and give a truly AMAZING gift... the gift of Health! These certificates are good for 1 year and can be used by you or given as gifts. What a great way to show your loved one how much you appreciate them! Call today (715.386.7690 or stop in the office today at 131 Carmichael Road suite 202 in Hudson, WI). CODE 3(4)150

You Can Move Mountains

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, ' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:14-20


In this passage Jesus clearly states to his followers than if they had faith, if they truly believed, then nothing would be impossible.

In Philippians 4:13, Paul echos this by saying, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Why then, are we as a society so sick. Do we truly believe? Do we have faith? If we had the faith that Jesus spoke of... if we truly believed that through him we were strong enough to move mountains, then believing that our bodies have the strength and ability to heal and be healthy should be easy.

BJ Palmer, the developer of Chiropractic summed it up this way:


"We chiropractors work with the subtle substance of the soul. We release the prisoned impulses, a tiny rivulet of force, that emanates from the mind and flows over the nerves to the cells and stirs them to life. We deal with the magic power that transforms common food into living, loving, thinking clay; that robes the earth with beauty, and hues and scents the flowers with the glory of the air.
In the dim, dark distant long ago, when the sun first bowed to the morning star, this power spoke and there was life, it quickened the slime of the sea and the dust of the earth and drove the cell to union with its fellows in countless living forms. Through eons of time it finned the fish and winged the bird and fanged the beast. Endlessly it worked, evolving its forms until it produced the crowning glory of them all. With tireless energy it blows the bubble of each individual life and then silently, relentlessly dissolves the form and absorbs the spirit into itself again.
And yet you ask "Can chiropractic cure appendicitis or the flu?" Have you more faith in a knife or a spoonful of medicine than in the power that animates the living world?"

Godly Exercise

What does the Bible say about exercise? Truly, exercise and physical activity are mentioned more than you might think, and what's said can serve us well in learning how to care for our bodies through physical activity. Let me be perfectly clear, however, that what is said in scripture about physical activity is by and large secondary to doctrine, ideas, and principles that are much more important that exercise itself. In fact, most if not all references to exercise seem to be metaphors to demonstrate heavenly principles rather than guides to our earthly bodies. Non the less, these references are quite useful. Let's look at one:


Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8

So, what can we gather from this passage that helps us live a healthier life? At first glance you may even think that Paul dismisses exercise here as worthless. However, what I think Paul does here is puts exercise in its rightful place as an activity that has earthly value and when done with the right intent can reflect our desire to worship and glorify God in all we do.

Our bodies were designed by God to be active, and physical activity should be viewed as a vital nutrient our body needs. Just like getting vitamins and minerals in our foods is needed for normal physiology, resistance activities and regular movement is need for the normal funciton of many systems and pathways in the body. But more so we were designed to use all of ourselves for godliness, including our physical bodies. Physically activity ("bodily training") is of some value according to Paul, and he is clear that the value is earthly ("it holds promise in the present life"), but it is superseded by godliness which also holds promise "for the life to come".

And what does it mean to be godly?

According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, godliness is the whole of practical piety. "It supposes knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience."

Paul tells us to "train ourselves for godliness" (v7), and just like physical training, training for godliness takes discipline and continual effort over time; constant increase and repetition in knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience to God.

Paul gives us a more definite definition in the preceding chapter:

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

In other words, if you want to know godliness, look to Jesus. Look to his knowledge of, veneration and affection for, dependence on, submission, gratitude, and obedience to God the father. We train ourselves in godliness when we model ourselves after Him; when we approach all of life with the intention, passion, and purpose of Jesus, and that includes exercise. When we work out with the right intent, God's kingdom can be served. When we exercise to keep or maintain strength in order to better serve our family, friends, neighbors, or community we have the right intent. When we exercise because we want to look good we have the wrong intent. When our activities strengthen relationships we have the right intent. When they create barriers, it's the wrong intent. When we are light to others in the gym or on the field, we demonstrate godliness.

What you do for physical activity is less important than what you believe the activity is for. What is your intent? Do You do it with purpose? With passion?

Wholly Nutty Energy Balls Batman!!!!

Raw Date Nut Energy Balls

Here's a great snack recipe from my sister in law. As you will see below, these tasty snacks are packed with nutrient dense nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. That's It!!!! No fillers. No sugar. Nothing more that God's providence packed tight in a little ball and ready to supply you with endless E-N-E-R-G-Y. These simple treats are packed with Omega 3 fatty acids (from the nuts), fiber, natural fruit sugars, and protein. What more could you ask for? Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup pitted dates
1 cup soaked walnuts (8 hours)
1 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
3 tbsp natural peanut butter
1/3 cup honey
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried unsweetened cranberries
1/4 to 1/2 cup cocoa powder (quanity based on desired chocolate taste)
extra coconut for rolling balls


Instructions:

Place almonds and cashews into a food processor with 'S' blade and grind into a meal texture. Add the rest of the ingredients, and process into a dough type mixture. Roll dough into balls and roll each ball in coconut. Refridgerate for 1-2 hours.

Cool as a Cucumber

Seasonal Food of the Week: Cucumbers

The Basics
Cucumbers are at the peek of their season this week. They can be eaten fresh or pickled for enjoyment throughout the year. You may not know they belong to the squash family which also includes the watermelon, zucchini, and pumpkin. Their high water content makes them uniquely refreshing and cooling and a wonderful addition to a healthy diet during these hot summer months.



Nutritional Value
You may be surprised that cucumbers have so much nutritional value. Raw cucumbers are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, magnesium, manganese, folate, tryptophan, and of course dietary fiber.

You can find a complete nutrition breakdown on cucumbers at nutritiondata.com.

Seasonal Health Benefits
Like most vegetables peaking in during the months of July and August, cucumbers are high in water content for obvious providential reasons. It's hot and you need to replenish the water you're losing through perspiration. The vitamin and mineral profile also lends itself to helping your skin maintain a healthy state in the summer sun. Remember, most of these vitamins and minerals are in the skin of the cucumber. So, if you want those nutrients in your body, avoid peeling, and look for organic cukes, as their skins contain no pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals. Foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber such as cucumbers are also good choices to keep blood pressure normal, and they're a great choice for healthy weight control - one cup contains only 14 calories!



Recipe
5-Minute Cold Cucumber Salad


· 1 large cucumber
· 1 medium tomato
· 1 small red sweet onion



Mediterranean Dressing
· 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
· 2 tsp lemon juice
· 2 tsp wine vinegar
· 1 medium clove garlic (minced)
· Sea salt and pepper to taste
· Optional 2 TBS fresh or 1 tsp dried dill



Mix dressing ingredients in a large bowl. Dice vegetables, add to dressing, and mix. Eat and enjoy or chill for later. A great summertime treat created with fresh ingredients from the garden or your local farmers market.

Nikki's Chicken Pot Pie

Here's an amazing recipe from my wife Nikki. This recipe is originally from a restraunt in Madison, WI and it is a hit at our house! Make this recipe as natural and organic as you can and you will reep even more benefits. If you can get raw grass fed dairy and organic pie crust (preferrably spelt), you've truly created a wholefood dish that will not disappoint!

CHICKEN POT PIE

Ingredients

3 tbsp olive oil
2 pounds chicken breast
1 medium carrot diced
4 celery stalks diced
1 large onion diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chicken soup base
1 tbsp dried thyme
2 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp dried rubbed sage
1 tsp parsley
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 flour
2 cups half and half
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups water
1 large potato diced
1 cup corn
4 pie crusts


Instructions

Heat oil in stockpot. Add chicken and saute. Remove chicken and cool. Once cooled shred chicken and set aside. Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to stockpot. Saute until tender. Add soup base and seasonings. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add flour and cook 5 minutes, stirring often. Add half and half, cream, water, potato, and corn. Cook until potato is fork tender. Return chicken to the mixture and cook 5 more minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour mixture into crust. Cover with 2nd crust. Bake in oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Note: This recipe makes 2 pies. You can always make one pie and freeze the rest. You can also double the amount of veggies in the pie, if you like a lot of veggies. Another thing I do when running short on time, is to use a rotisserie chicken instead of sauteing my own.

No One Said Life Was Fair

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)

Not Fair?

Picture this. Your daughter's high school basketball team is down by one, and she makes a basket as time expires to seemingly win the game, but the referee calls it off claiming the clock had expired. The fans are angry. Your daughter is heartbroken, sobbing. She feels shame, guilt, and anger about the call; about not scoring a second sooner. She comes to you and through her tears, she cries, "It's not fair, daddy!" Or maybe it's you son's football game, and as the clock runs out to him scoring the winning touchdown, the referee throws a flag for holding. Game over. They lose.

Does it seem fair? NO. But, is is any less true? NO. At the end of the game, it's the referee's call. He holds all the power here. You? You are a helpless bystander. You can scream, argue, plead with him, but the final call is the referee's, and his call is the law.

The same is true of Christ's claim that He is the only way to God. Does it seem fair? NO. Is it true? How you answer this question may change the way you live the rest of your life.

Let me ask you this. Do you believe there is a God? A creator of the universe and all of life? Do you believe something happens to us after we die? Is there a heaven? How do we get there? Does everyone go? Just the good people? The people who follow "the rules"? What are the rules anyway? And can we truly, I mean truly follow every single one? If we can't or haven't followed every rule our entire lives, then what? Can someone save us from our shortcomings in spite of what we've done? What if God's laws were simply there to show us we need help to live our lives right? What if that help came in the form of a man whose only purpose on earth was to mend the relationships that we messed up, and through his actions gave us another chance to for evermore be at peace with those who love us most? What if this man's name was Jesus? What if I told you that He loves you more completely than anyone on this planet ever could? And what does He want from you? He just wants you to believe that what He did for you was enough. He wants you to love Him back. He wants you to live your life in the way you really want to, but somehow, for some reason don't or can't. He wants you to see all the great talents and gifts He's given you , and He wants you to use them for good. He wants you to love your neighbor, your family, even your enemy. He wants you to smile and find joy in all you see and do and experience. He wants you to find happiness and peace and rest in Him. Is that fair? Is is true? Can you believe it? I hope you do.

(inspired by Andy Stanley's book How Good is Good Enough?)

Broccoli: The Ultimate Superfood

Broccoli, a member of the cabbage family, is often called the "crown jewel of nutrition" and truly is a superfood that can stand alone on it's own merits. Originating in Mediterranean Europe and grown year round in warmer climates today, broccoli is one of the easiest vegetable to grown in your garden. Because the mature plants are cold and light frost hardy, the plant will produce for you from July through November in the Upper Midwest. After you harvest the large central head you'll find smaller shoots available for the rest of the season. As with all vegetables and non-peel fruits, broccoli is one best eaten organic for multiple reasons. Not only are you avoiding potentially harmful herbicides and pesticides, and loosing out on the phytochemicals lost during conventional growing, you will find that organic broccoli tastes sweeter than its conventionally raised brother, which often has a bitter taste.

Broccoli has one of the most complete nutritional profiles of all vegetables. Not only does it contain significant amounts of the vitamins and minerals you would expect to find in seasonal produce (vitamins A,B,C,E) but it also contains copious amounts of hard to find vitamin K (a factor needed for normal blood clotting), folate and choline (brain food), and a fair amount of protein for a vegetable. You'll even find Omega 3 fatty acids in broccoli, something all of us need more of in our diet.

From a seasonal providence prospective, broccoli is one of the first nutrient dense foods you will harvest in your garden. While most midsummer fruit and veggies are full of water soluble vitamins, and minerals that offer us support and protection for the present, broccoli (and the foods that follow) begin preparing us for autumn/ winter with more proteins, fats, and fat soluble vitamins. Certainly, our ancestors would appreciate the stores of vitamin K, fats, and proteins in their system from broccoli when they began hunting game in the fall and faced injuries from the hunt or even being hunted themselves by predators. For us today, broccoli is a five star food that is nutrient dense, offers a great "fullness factor", and has a very low glycemic index. In other words, we can eat a lot of it and gain in everything but weight. Truly, our omnipotent Lord is amazing in his timing.


If you would like to see a complete nutritional profile on broccoli check out the website Nutritiondata.com

Seasonal Foods - Summer Squash

Zucchini and summer squash are native to the Americas, and are part of indigenous diets here. Therefore, they must possess qualities that our creator knew we would need to live and thrive in our local environment. Summer Squash peak in late July and August in the upper Midwest, but can be grown and harvested June-September.

Zucchini and other summer squash offer great benefit when eaten in season. They are primarily composed of water, a vital nutrient to replenish in the summer months as we lose it fastest then. Not only does the summer squashes contain copious amounts of water, but they also contain many trace minerals lost during perspiration. Squash also contain a fair amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant needed for healing and balancing the damage from abrasions, cuts, and the sun's rays. This, indeed makes zucchini and other summer squash ideal summer foods and is why God gave them to us at such an appropriate time of year.
You will find most if the vitamin and mineral content in the outer "skin" or rind of the squash and it's water content in the fruit. Squash can be eaten raw alone or in salads, grilled, fried, or shredded (e.g. for zucchini bread).

To find a complete nutrtion profile of zucchini and other favorite foods go to Nutritiondata.com

Welcome

Welcome to Wholly Your! The goal of this blog is serve those who wish to learn about natural and holistic practices of health and wellness for themselves and their families so that they may maximize their God given potential in life. I pray that you find this blog to be a helpful tool in your desire to be healthier, and that the inforamtion here points you to a deeper understanding and relationship with your creator.

In Christ,

Dr. Zach