I just want to report (and this is probably one for the laydees lol) a very impressive side-effect of camomile tea. Someone introduced me to it a while back, because of its relaxing and soothing properties. It's true - a cup of the stuff brings you down to a very calm state, rather like a nice glass of wine but without the negative side effects!

I happened to notice that after I had started drinking the tea on a regular basis that my period pains totally stopped. I went online to investigate, and, whaddya know, camomile tea reduces period pain. For someone who has suffered with them for years, and relied on painkillers to deal with them, to find such a natural and effective solution has been amazing. I really would recommend it to anyone who suffers. I found a useful website here which explains more.

I have shed half a stone since I started going to the gym and taking the Juice Plus. Not that I wanted to. I can see I am starting to look a bit scrawny now. Still, it's nice to feel more energetic rather than sitting around on the sofa like a big potato.

Working out at the gym also helps my mental state. I didn't realise how much I needed headspace until I started doing it. Now I can't imagine not getting away from it all two or three times a week.

I have not written about this much lately but I am still ploughing on. I am still on target to have finished all my submissions by December, and then I have to wait 6-8 weeks to find out if I have passed. If I do get the diploma it will open up more career avenues for me and more possibilities for home-based working in the long term. I will then need to decide whether I want to follow it up with some other kind of diploma, for example a Christian-based counselling qualification, but I am not really sure at this point what route I will take.

I have today got to finish an essay on anorexia and bulimia, which has been a real eye-opener for me - I was very naive about many things before I started the course!

I suddenly remembered (again) last night why I stopped working in London nearly two and a half years ago. To write. So, you may be wondering, how much have I written since I left The City?

The answer to that is very little. My original plan was to spend at least one day a week writing, and the other four days working on a self-employed basis to get some money coming in. That original plan appears to have become lost in the day-to-day business of living and my general lack of self-discipline. Yes, I need to work, but I don't need to let it consume every part of me to the detriment of my future aspirations. I am blessed enough to possess talents that enable me to work for a good wage, so I need to ensure that I do only work four days and spend at least one day a week writing; which I will do from today. If I pursue my dreams and aspirations I know that I won't be the only one to benefit from them - and this will spur me on from goal to goal until I have achieved what I have set out to achieve.

I thank God for placing these things so firmly in my heart - and I am reminding myself of Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

I spent ages yesterday trying to work out why my bedroom was so cold and draughty - all the windows appeared to be shut yet I could still feel an awful chill on entering the room. Having looked properly I finally discovered that one of the sliding windows was imperceptibly ajar, which is why I hadn't noticed it before, and that's where the chill was getting in.

How similar that is to my life - I can often feel a chill or sense of discomfort coming from somewhere but can't quite identify it - I realised yesterday that I need to ensure my "windows" are shut - ie not to succumb to negativity or self-pity, because even though  feelings like that start off in a very small way, the sense of unease bugs me just as the draught coming through my bedroom window did. And if left unchecked or unchallenged they start to cause me a huge problem.

I am not saying I want to be perfect - I just want to be on the look out and make sure I don't slide back into old ways, ie depression, through not being vigilant about my thought patterns and processes. So, I have today put up my shutters up against negativity, self-doubt, envy and self-pity - although of course I think it's something I need to do every day, not just once in a blue moon!

Just wanted to report that my working out at the gym, combined with the Juice Plus supplements, is making me feel much healthier. Results so far:

• More energy
• More mentally alert
• Waking up - and getting up - earlier
• Not as prone to tears
• Quicker "bounceback" from exercise

I went to watch Andrew football training on Saturday morning and ended up jogging a lap of the pitch! The old Lisa would not have done that!

It's early days but I am very pleased and isn't it strange how possibly the biggest benefit has been increased mental alertness? Maybe the physical benefits are just an added bonus!

Onwards and upwards....

We are currently being subjected to various trailers on TV for the series "What Katie Did Next" following Katie Price's separation from husband Peter Andre (who is also the father of two of her kids). They separated in May and now here she is, in various trailers for the programme, coming out with such gems as "I'm well over it", "I am well happy being single" etc etc.

The way in which separation and divorce are portrayed in celebrity culture makes me sick to my stomach. It's hardly three month since Katie Price's marriage broke down yet here she is claiming to be happy and cavorting with another bloke. If the media continues to portray divorce as being as easy as changing your socks then we will continue to live in a society where families disintegrate and people hurt.

Divorce is hurtful, emotionally costly, traumatic and life-changing. I am not saying this to condemn those who divorce - I myself am divorced, which is why I can write with authority on the awfulness, the waste and the emotional fall out of the process. But, whilst we are presented with programmes telling us that marriages are easily shaken off, then more couples will take the sometimes naive decision to embark on divorce without realising the toll it will take on them and their families and friends.

Of course, there are reasons to divorce and sometimes it's the only way. But the majority of reality TV appears to be absolutely nothing like reality - and it's about time the media took a more responsible stance.

Now and again I have to consult an osteopath for my back. A few months ago she recommended a wholefood supplement to me which she said could contribute to my general health and wellbeing - basically it contains high concentrations of fruit and vegetables and gives you SOME of the benefits of eating fruit and veg (although clearly there is nothing as good as actually eating fruit and veg!). I was a bit cynical about this to begin with as I have had flirtations with supplements and vitamins in the past - there are so many on the market. I was told, however, that this supplement was different because all it contained was dried out fruit and veg and nothing else.

Somewhat cynically I agreed to try it, and have now noticed, having started it in February, that my skin is much clearer (I have always suffered with acne) and my nails are much stronger. I am not saying that I can scientifically prove this is down to the Juice Plus - because clearly I can't - but if anyone wants to give it a try, to see if it makes any difference for them, then I would recommend it. We do spend a lot of money on things that affect our health in a negative way (well I do) so I was quite happy to spend some (£34 a month) on something that could potentially affect my health in a positive way.

This may not be for everyone but I have found it helpful and have agreed to recommend the product - but only because I believe in it. If anybody wants to try it they can see more information at My Juice Plus Website. But I would stress, before I go, that the only reason I am even writing this blog is because the product has benefited me and if it can help someone else then I am happy to be a part of that process. As I say, this will not be of interest to everyone.

It occurred to me a couple of days ago that I'm not that good at being healthy. When I get in from work I always grab some junk food to eat and wonder why I end up feeling sluggish by 9 pm. I've realised that I need to start making time a) for God b) for myself and Andrew together. So we have decided to join a health club and try to go swimming a couple of times a week. I'm hoping that the space away from other stuff will give us time to recharge our batteries and so benefit us mentally as well as physically.  Kids of 12 and over are also allowed to use the gym, so that will be something else we can do together.

I have also decided that Sundays really are going to be a day of rest and focus on God and family too, rather than just another day to try and fit loads of things into. Maybe if I have more space in my head that will help me to get my priorities right rather than rushing from one thing to the next and never really giving God, or myself or Andrew, the time we need and deserve.

I went out for a walk the other day and thought I'd actually try looking around me properly rather than talking on my mobile! I noticed, as I walked past some trees, that one of them had particularly pronounced "steps" or footholds which would make it really easy to climb. I haven't ever climbed a tree, but if I'd wanted to try that one, I'm sure the footholds would have made it really easy to get all the way to the top. I'm not sure if they'd been put there by man, or were somehow there naturally, but they were quite impressive.

Of course, when you think about that, and read the following Bible verse, it makes you realise how accurate the illustration is. Of course if we allow Satan to get on the first "rung" then he's going to find it easier to use that first foothold to climb all the way to the top! "In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry and do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4: 26, 27

I'll try and remember how effective footholds are - and will try not to let Satan get one on me - I think that's probably easier than trying to push him off when he's halfway up the tree.

When I was younger I wanted freedom. I remember begging my parents for it, asking to be allowed to stay out late and to go to discos, or drink cider etc! I seemed to follow that pattern right up until this year. I have finally realised that what I want, need and crave from a church is - rules, standards, guidance. Churches that strive to be inclusive are great - after all that is following Jesus' example of opening our arms to everyone no matter what their story - and none of our stories are particularly pretty! However, once we are part of the church body shouldn't we have rules or guidelines to direct us towards an improved relationship with God? Not a "whatever you want to do is fine by us" attitude?

I have now realised that the liberalism I have embraced so passionately isn't working for me. I need to be in a body that points to the Bible and uses it to guide me into living with God in a new and dynamic way because I can't do it on my own! I am not talking about wanting to be with people that judge me - I just wanted to be guided by Christians who are more mature in their faith than me.

Where has my need for freedom gone? Maybe I am experiencing the reality of the verse that says "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John 8:32.

Maybe now I've got my real freedom I don't need the freedom I thought I wanted!

The MPs have really come in for some flak during the last week re their expenses. Many of them have tried to defend themselves by saying their claims were "within the rules". And actually, a lot of them were  - even though they probably knew when they were making the claims that they were highly questionable, inside the rules or not.

I was reading a bit in the Bible today (1 Corinthians 10: 23, 24) which says "All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbour" it made me realise that there are things I say and do that aren't helpful, and certainly don't build me up, or others, but because they are "lawful" I think they're ok.

I guess what I am saying is that before we start condemning the MPs it would be good for us to take a look at ourselves, our actions and our motives. Are we really in a position to criticise?

Was just reading from Psalm 119, verses 65 - 72, they reminded me of my disastrous life before I actually started trusting God! I love it where it says before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place. Hmmm you can say that again. I didn't make a very good job of making decisions for myself. Or at least I made plenty of decisions, but they were mainly wrong ones... Now I am attempting to trust God and pray before doing stuff (or during stuff that's going wrong) I can honestly say that this way of life is better. Not easier, that's for sure, but better. And how true is the sentence   My troubles turned out all for the best— they forced me to learn from your textbook.

I also love the bit where it says I dance to the tune of your revelation - what a wonderful picture! I will attempt to do a bit more dancing this week  - both literally and metaphorically - rather than mooching around looking like I've been hit in the gob with a sack of spanners. And that includes trying to drag myself out of bed earlier and actually enjoy mornings. Am going to aim for 6.30 am tomorrow - will let you know how I get on....

   Be good to your servant, God;
      be as good as your Word.
   Train me in good common sense;
      I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
   Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
      but now I'm in step with your Word.
   You are good, and the source of good;
      train me in your goodness.
   The godless spread lies about me,
      but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
   They're bland as a bucket of lard,
      while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
   My troubles turned out all for the best—
      they forced me to learn from your textbook.
   Truth from your mouth means more to me
      than striking it rich in a gold mine

I have been listening to Radio 4 this morning, as usual, and twice they have referred to Michaelangelo as "Mickelangelo". When was the pronunciation of his name changed? I've always pronounced it Michaelangelo - have I been wrong all these years? Has everyone been laughing at me behind my back? Have I committed the ultimate sin in pronunciation? Or has a meeting taken place where they decided to change the pronunciation of his name?! I guess, especially as I study Italian, I have shown myself up a bit, but I thought us English always pronounced the name as in Michael!

I was reading Luke 6 v 27 onwards in The Message version of the Bible (below). I was just thinking, this is sooo difficult. Various people have pissed me off during the week, and here I am being told to giftwrap my best coat and give it to them as a present! OK, so Jesus is using metaphors to get the point across, but wow, are we really meant to respond graciously when all we want to do is shout and scream "you have REALLY upset me!".

Thoughts on this topic would be gratefully received!

To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.....

 ^35-36"I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

Having spent a week rushing around (am writing this in a quiet ten minutes in between "rushes"), getting irritated with people and things, someone suggested to me that I read James 4 verses 1-10. I decided to read this one night after a particularly stressful day, part of which involved getting called a slag down the London Road! Maybe I can tell that story later! Anyway, I picked up the current version of the Bible I am reading (The Message), and read the verses in question. I've always been a bit wary of James, he seems far too bossy and opiniated for my liking.

Anyway, I liked this verse in particular, so thought I would share it here. It's amazing how very small phrases can have such an impact.

"Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet." (verse 10).

Maybe I am approaching Christianity in the wrong way - instead of doing stuff and then praying, maybe I should try praying first and then doing the stuff! Maybe that way I won't muck it up as much..... or get called a slaaag!

Have a good afternoon everyone.

Well, I seem to have told the whole world via Twitter and FB that I have a cold so I promise not to mention it again.... I have just read the following verse in the Bible (I am currently using The Message version, which I really like) which basically tells us to find any excuse to sing. Which is very nice - well it is nice for me, maybe not so nice for those around me! Anyway, here are the verses in question, as set out in The Message:

Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 19-20)

I am definitely going to try and live by that a bit more. Any excuse to sing praises instead of moan, which I do so effectively! Let's party...

I have received a letter from Henry's vet, advising me that it's time for his annual boosters and health check. With that letter came a checklist of general points to consider before the health check appointment. It occurred to me that we would never dream of giving our own health that much attention - so I have decided to answer the points listed in Henry's "doggy checklist" for myself:

1. Do you think Lisa is well and enjoying life? - yes, she is, apart from the odd frustration here and there.
2. Is Lisa eating well - yes, especially on holiday!
3. Is Lisa's thirst normal - yes, but needs to cut down on alcoholic drinks.
4. Any problems with urination or defaecation? - none whatsoever!
5. Any vomiting? - no, apart from on aircraft!
6. Is Lisa coughing? - no, well only after using nail varnish remover...
7. Is Lisa exercising well? - yes, does a lot of walking and running around after her son.
8. Is there any stiffness or limping? - no, but give it another few years.
9. Do you have any other concerns? - well, she is concerned about being nicer to others and trying to make the most of every day, but apart from that, no.

Now I had better concentrate on Henry....

Well, back from the USA and feeling jet-lagged still, but had a great time. Just wanted to blog before going to bed, feel very tired but can't seem to sleep - probably still 5 hours behind! It was a very good trip, saw New York, Philadelphia and various far flung parts of New Jersey. Saw where Bruce Springsteen started his career, which I guess is like us Brits going to see The Cavern or similar...

Very grateful to have been given the chance for a break, and to have spent time with family and friends. It was surprisingly good to be "disconnected" from normal life for a while as I didn't take my mobile 'phone and had limited internet access. I must make sure I have more time like that, even if it's just switching off my 'phone for a day and going for a walk in the woods. I don't seem to get enough silence or time for contemplation in my life (like us all) and it certainly does help me to refocus and get things back into perspective. As the Bible rightly says,

Submit to God and be at peace with him;
       in this way prosperity will come to you.

 Accept instruction from his mouth
       and lay up his words in your heart.(Job 22: 20-22)

Maybe I should stop stressing about things quite so much, submit to God, and seek more peace.....

I was reading the Old Testament account of Jacob's son Joseph and his brothers again today (Genesis 37 onwards) I've kind of ignored it for years because it was such a familiar story to me - or so I thought! After all, it's been made into a musical, and we have all sung the songs from it to death. So I guess I thought the story didn't have anything new to tell me.

However, on reading it today, I discovered - or finally realised - that even when our lives appear to be going pear shaped, God is still within all that, if we let Him be.  Looking at it from Joseph's perspective - he was from a rich family, living with a father he loved, then suddenly ended up being sold as a slave to work in Egypt, then being put in prison for something he didn't do! However God had a plan for him and his life, and he ended up in a much better position than he had originally been!

I suppose what I am trying to say is that I have had some VERY rough times in my life. And some VERY good ones. I am going to try and trust in God far more throughout both bad and good times, because if I do that, God really can "work all things for good". (Romans 8:28).