Continued journey...

Well, our journey continues as we are still working to find all of our allergies from stage one. We would really like to be able to try some stage 2 foods. In order to do this, we must figure out what is causing problems among the stage 1 foods.

Recently, we discovered that corn seems to be causing issues for the three youngest kids. Corn is definitely not a fun allergy. Corn is in everything. After trying to find a baking powder without cornstarch, and having no luck. I searched and found a recipe for homemade baking powder that we substituted the cornstarch with potato starch. This seems to work just fine. Some of the foods that contain corn are: butter/margarine, baking powder, chips, cereals, and breads. There are many other foods which contain derivatives of corn. We haven't had to eliminate those, yet. We are still working towards being reaction free for a week. We haven't actually had that occur yet.

We have recently discovered soy is an issue for the boys and possibly the girls. It is very obvious for the boys, but not quite that way with the girls. Soy is also in so many things. Soy can be in butter/margarine, pretzels, soy sauce, mayonnaise and so many other foods. We are working towards eliminating all sources of both, but this is a little overwhelming some days.

So here is a run down of our current allergies or things we avoid. We avoid molasses, malted barley, dairy, soy, corn, most citric acid, sulfites, MSG, and nitrites. We also avoid some stage 1 fruits which have caused problems or reactions, such as kiwi, pineapple, and grapefruit. I recently had an issue with a watermelon, but it was from Mexico and bothered another family member(not of my immediate 6) who is sensitive to stuff they spray on some watermelon. We will try a more locally grown one and see if it causes the same problem. We also avoid tomatoes, because of one of my kids severe reaction to some tomatoes. We are planning to test some stage 2 fruits and veggies this summer. Hopefully, we will have successful tests. We did test apples, but that test didn't go over well for the kids. I am able to have an organic peeled granny smith apple, but I can't have apples to close together...or I react from buildup of salicylates.

It is hard to believe that we have been on Feingold for nearly 8 months. It is also hard to believe that we haven't had any fast food since September. I actually really don't miss it, like I would have originally thought that I would. We have been making most foods from scratch, which I actually really enjoy. We are learning to enjoy many new foods...that we wouldn't have tried before. I am so glad to be on this journey. I praise God for all of the information we have learned and gained from our experiences. Our family has changed so much and we are thankful for this opportunity to learn so much about health and how food affects different things.

We look forward to trying new things in the months to come...until then. Blessings!

Second Chances.....

Have you ever walked down a path that you wish you could erase? Have you ever taken a journey that you wish to forget? Well, I am sure that many of you can relate to those feelings. I know those feelings all to well. There are so many choices in my life that I wish could be erased. But, as I stand here now as a witness....I realize that God doesn't ever give us more than we can handle. We are dealt cards that He wants us to have for whatever reason. All of the things that we go through are leading us to something better. It is when you accept the choices and the consequences that you are able to grow and change. God loves each of us and wants a better life for all of us.

I believe that sometimes God brings us back to a certain place to give us the opportunity to make a different choice. I would have never believed it, if I wasn't walking there currently. I am so thankful that I am not in the same place that I was in 3 years ago. God used my situation to draw me close to him.....just as he is using this long month away from my husband to draw me near to him now. I now remember how uncomfortable it was to be there before, but I feel so blessed to know that I can seek God with all of my heart and find Him now.

So many people struggle from this same battle, but they don't know what to do. So they seek comfort in food, alcohol, drugs...and even in other people. There really is a better way....His name is Jesus. He is the most amazing father that you could ever have! He will never leave you or forsake you. He will always be there, no matter what mistakes you make. He loves you just the same! Many times, the struggles that we faced as children come with us as adults. God wants us to be healed of those wounds. He wants us to be whole again. He wants the whole world to know how much he loves each of us. We just have to, say yes! There is nothing that you have to do, to earn his love! We are loved, because He is God...and we are His children.

Seeking happiness in things or other people will only lead to heartache. The only thing that can truly fill that empty place in your heart...is Jesus. If you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with open arms to receive you.

I pray that God will meet you where you are and that your life will never be the same.....in Jesus name. Amen.