Food for the Soul: Not Ready Health

There is a story of a preacher who upon walking before the church begins by apologizing that he is not prepared to give a lesson. He is visually in anguish, beset with regret and grief. What follows is excuse after excuse, reason upon reason explaining why he is standing there unprepared. He talks about the week he’s had and all the various priorities and needs that took up his time. There were the regularly scheduled commitments, but on top of those he had several demands placed on him by his family and friends which took away valuable time for study and writing. Some of the excuses he gave were understandable, others made the church uncomfortable and questioned his decisions wondering in their minds if he really had used his time appropriately.

As the man continued to speak on not being prepared to preach, it slowly begins to become clear that this excuse-filled explanation IS the sermon. He IS prepared, and his whole message is about being prepared for Judgment Day. It’s a message about human nature and our tendency to put off doing important things in our busy lives. It’s a lesson about regret and grief for not doing what we know we must do today, but still, somehow, we put off for a later time. Do you know people like this? Some people say, “I believe in God, but I don’t want my life bogged down by religion right now.” Others, “I want to live my life for awhile before I take religion seriously.” “I’m just not ready for God right now.” Deep down, people who say these things know what they must do, but they put off a relationship with God in pursuit of SELF, thinking they’ll have time to get their religious life in order in the future.

Jesus taught people to live for God, and not for self. He expected his followers to live life ready for Judgment Day. In Matthew chapter 24 & 25, Jesus gave several successive teachings on the importance of being ready. The first story highlights a type of person that does not prepare at all. This person, Jesus says, is like the people in Noah’s day who went about their life in a carefree way giving no thought at all to God. Those people were caught off guard by the flood, realizing they hadn’t prepared. Jesus says that on the Day of Christ, people will be caught off guard for not preparing. Matt. 24:37-44.

In another parable Jesus tells us about someone who intends to prepare, but would rather live a life of indulgence first. His problem is that he thinks he has time before he needs to get his life right. As one might guess, the master returns unexpectedly to find this man abusing what he was given and is punished. Matt. 24:4551.

A third account is an example of partial preparation. Certain young girls neglected to bring extra necessary supplies to an event. Others were fully prepared. The foolish ones begged for what they needed, but were turned down, and for good reason. They had to leave and go buy what they lacked, but upon returning found that they were too late, the door had been shut! The story shows that even a little preparation isn’t sufficient. Matt. 25:1-13.

The final section in 25:14-30 highlights examples of proper and improper preparation. Essentially, a master entrusts various amounts of money to his servants. Most behave well acting as good stewards, appropriately using what was entrusted to them. One man fails and is punished. He fails by not being found trustworthy with what was placed into his hands. He wasted the gift and was not prepared for when the master returned.

The point of what Jesus is teaching in these accounts is that we do not know when Jesus is coming back; therefore, we need to be on the alert now and live lives fully prepared to meet Him, whenever He comes. Jesus says, stay awake, be ready, watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

As sad as it would be to face a day in life unprepared for work or school or an important event, nothing on this earth can possibly compare to not having our souls ready to meet God on the last Day. You and I need to live life prepared to meet the Lord. Are we ready? Reach out to me if you have questions about being ready.

Clayton Johnson is the minister and evangelist for the Carbon Valley Church of Christ. Please visit our website: carbonvalley. church or email: claypj@gmail. com Comments welcome

Local Writer, Kelly Martindale included in new Guideposts Pray a Word a Day Devotional Journal

Enrich your prayer time and enhance your heartfelt connection with God with an all-new daily devotional unlike any you’ve seen before. In it’s simple yet powerful format you’ll be encouraged each day with z A word to focus on z A subject to pray about z And a blessing to receive.

Like its best-selling predecessor Pray a Word a Day, Pray a Word a Day Volume 2 will make your prayer life more fulfilling than ever before. It is a nondated, 365-day spiral-bound book that invites you to connect with God in ways that will inspire and uplift you—while giving your prayer practice a fresh boost.

Each day’s entry presents a single word such as “precious,” “answer,” “hear,” “forget,” or “breath” as a focal point. Then, the meaning of the word is further illuminated with an inspiring and motivating quote or Scripture that is sure to stir your soul. That is followed by a heartfelt, personal, and lighthearted 2-minute reflection, and a prayer written by one of our gifted Guideposts writers.

You’ll be amazed at how Pray a Word a Day Volume 2 will awaken your spirit and help you feel spiritually grounded throughout your day. Centering your prayer and praise around a single word, will get you thinking in new ways and help you discover fresh enthusiasm in your daily devotional practice.

INCLUDES A FREE BONUS GIFT

Pocket Prayer Cards

You’ll get 12 beautiful Pocket Prayer Cards with your purchase. Each card has lovely art, an uplifting Scripture or quote, and a prayer prompt like those you’ll find on every page of this powerful devotional. They are yours FREE—yours to keep no matter what.

Book Details: 5.5” x 8.5” softcover | 384 pages | Spiral binding

What Does it Really Mean to be Healthy?

In the month of April, I talked a lot about health. I presented a 3-part Health Series at two different local libraries. I talked to the Rotary Club. I’ve been going live every Wednesday to discuss health openly. I talked to 5 other people who responded to a Facebook Ad. Health? What is it? And What does it really mean to be healthy?

When I ask people “What does it mean to be healthy?”, I typically get responses like: eating right, exercising or being able to move freely, and having energy. Yes, those responses are correct. But health is much more than that.

The best place to start is with a definition of health. There are a lot of definitions but the best, in my opinion, is from the World Health Organization - “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

The key words in this definition are: Physical, Mental well-being, Social well-being, Disease, and Infirmity.

• Physical – Movement or exercise

• Mental well-being – The ability to think, learn, and understand one’s emotions (feel) and behave

• Social well-being – Our ability to make and maintain meaningful positive relationships and regular contact with other people

• Disease – An interruption, cessation, or disorder of a body system, or organ structure or function

• Infirmity – the state of being feeble, chronic pain, debilitated, physically or mentally weak

There is not enough space to go through each of these pillars in more detail but I think you can begin to understand how complicated it really is to be healthy. Health isn’t something we attain! We don’t one day say, “Ah ha, I’m healthy” and stay there. Getting healthy or maintaining health takes constant work – positive daily habits!

Heath is a Journey, not a Destination.

This is where a Health & Wellness Coach comes in. We listen to ALL the things going on in your life. If your primary relationship isn’t going well, are you sleeping, eating or moving? If you’re not happy in your career, what’s the impact of your relationships? If you aren’t eating well, then you’re contributing daily to disease. Human beings are complex. Our health is complex.

I help my clients with all facets of their life! I offer FREE health conversation, no obligation, to talk about your health! Just reach out.

Lida Johnson, Health & Wellness Coach, Certified Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer. www. HeadToToeCoaching.com or Lida@HeadToToeCoaching.com 203.260.2880.

View more work at www.kellyfordycemartindaleauthor.com

Kelly writes about difficult child-rearing issues called Parenting Ain’t Pretty Turn Trauma Into Triumph shopguideposts.org/paw2

Powerful True Story About Protecting Children— Sound Of Freedom

Sound Of Freedom Movie tells the true story of Tim Ballard, a former Homeland Security agent who puts his life on the line to rescue hundreds of children out of sex trafficking.

The Sound Of Freedom is a gripping and heartbreaking, but hopeful movie that promotes the need for strong men and women to stand up for God’s children around the world who are caught in the vicious, abusive economy of sex trafficking. Jim Caviezel and Bill Camp are great together as Tim Ballard and a former cartel leader who helps him. Mira Sorvino delivers a strong performances as Ballard’s wife.

Sound Of Freedom shines a light on the reality of sex-trafficking, and the terrible global impact it has on children. Despite its heavy subject matter, THE SOUND OF FREEDOM offers a voice to the voiceless in this inspiring true story. Tim is motivated by hope and the biblical idea that “God’s children are not for sale.” This becomes the movie’s anthem, and the message the filmmakers want to convey to audiences.

The violence, sex trafficking and sexual abuse in the movie is primarily implied rather than shown. However, it remains a tough, intense and honest look into one of the largest industries that plagues today’s world today.

Sound Of Freedom has a strong Christian, moral worldview that promotes sacrifice to protect children and acknowledges God as Father and Creator. It champions the idea that sex trafficking can be defeated with hope and strength instead of fear.

Sound Of Freedom is an important movie that aims to help save children and grow awareness about the reality of the global sex trafficking industry. MOVIEGUIDE® advises strong and extreme caution, however, because of the movie’s mature subject matter, implied and depicted violence, implied abuse of children, and a scene of some bad guys using cocaine. By www.movieguide.org

Alternative Medicine: Neck and Shoulder Tension

As I wondered about what to write this month, I asked myself, what are most people coming in and talking about? And although neck and shoulder tension may not be the reason that brings people into the office, it is still the most commonly addressed area along with treatment for their main concern. Like lower back pain, the neck and shoulders are typical areas that have sustained injuries. Sometimes these injuries are old, new, multiple, traumatic or all of the above. Also, many people are sitting at desks and using computers, sometimes slowly creating new injuries if the desk, chair, monitor and keyboard are not adjusted just exactly perfect. Or tension develops while driving among lunatics, or stress from walking around being human. Whatever the reason, I’ve found that people notice a difference with acupuncture and other modalities I use during treatment.

First, it is important to work with the fascia and muscle layers around the neck and shoulders. Both gua sha and cupping are typically soothing and bring blood to the surface, thereby encouraging proper movement of blood. I typically use a few minutes of shiatsu and/ or trigger point therapy. While these are not the focus of the entire visit, they both provide information about the affected tissue, and treatment. Shiatsu is a Japanese style of massage that focuses upon the channels and acupuncture points in order to ease muscle tension and move blood and qi. Trigger point therapy helps to identify if a particular area of tension refers to another area. For example, I often hold the upper trapezius muscle, (imagine “Vulcan death grip” from Star Trek) and if this refers to the neck, ear or jaw then we will hold it for a few breaths or until the sensation goes away. Once we’ve warmed up and identified any referral patterns with these techniques, (also using a heating pad and/or a heat lamp) acupuncture further helps to regulate the system and release tension. Many people fall asleep once the needles are inserted. By the end of the visit, people often notice a greater range of motion, less pain, stress reduction, and an overall better mood.

My website http://daisylear.com has a few pictures of these techniques on the Services page and this article has a short description of the techniques mentioned : http://daisylear.com/coldand-flu/

A couple of ideas for neck and shoulders at home : z Shoulder rolls, lift up toward ears, roll down while squeezing muscles between the shoulder blades together. z Get up from the desk and walk as much as possible, look left and right, etc. z Put a damp towel in the microwave and wrap around neck/ shoulders or make a neck warmer with rice in a pillow case and heat it up in the microwave. z Bend forward, (hamstring stretch position) cross arms and hold elbows in hands and just hang. With the head hanging below, it allows for space between the vertebrae at the upper back and neck for a moment. Bend knees if needed. With the head below the heart, this also provides some relief from anxiety.

Daisy Lear, MSOM, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac., practices Chinese medicine & acupuncture at 19411 Ute Hwy | Longmont, CO 80503. Her phone number is 303.587.3557, her email is daisylear@gmail.com or visit website at daisylear.com. She is a Healthcare Provider for CIGNA and Aetna. She is the Director of Acupuncture for Veterans and their Families also and you can learn more at www.daisylear.com

What Whole Body Vibration Training Can Do For You

I’m always on the lookout for cutting-edge health and fitness solutions, so I want to share with you a tool that takes fitness to a whole new level. It’s Whole-Body Vibration Training on the Power Plate.

When we get older, we tend to face different health concerns such as decreased muscle mass, reduced bone density, and joint pain just to name a few. The good news is that Whole Body Vibration Training on the Power Plate can help address these concerns and enhance your overall quality of life.

Vibration Training on the Power Plate is technology that stimulates the entire body with gentle vibrations, activating up to 95% of muscle fibers, increasing lymph flow and blood circulation to improve strength and muscle recovery. That’s why professional athletes train on the Power Plate to help them prepare for the big game or event, while also helping them recover quicker. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to improve their health without putting extra stress on their body. Here are some of the benefits of using the Power Plate for Vibration Training: z Enhanced mobility, balance, and flexibility for better movement and agility, making you less likely to fall and injure yourself. z Increased strength and muscle mass for a more resilient and capable body

4 4 that will be able to do activities when needed. z Improved muscle recovery and circulation because your blood is bringing more oxygen to your muscle fibers, and you can get back to training sooner. z Reduced inflammation and joint pain so you can stay active for longer periods of time. z Increased energy levels in order to get through your workouts, while also having enough energy to tackle the rest of your day.

Whether you’re a mom, grandma, or simply looking for a way to optimize your health, the Power Plate is one of the best fitness tools for achieving your goals. I offer Vibration Training on the Power Plate where I come to you at your home or work. Check out my website below for details on this amazing exercise tool to enhance your workouts. Investing in your health and fitness is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM CPT and Corrective Exercise Specialist at 303.828.2856 or visit www. TimeForChangePersonalTraining. for more details.

Is Contemporary Reformer Pilates right for you?

Pilates is a system of exercises that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and balance. It was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s, and it has since become one of the most popular forms of exercise in the world.

Pilates is a low-impact, full-body workout that focuses on core strength and flexibility. It can be an effective way to treat back pain, as it helps to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Pilates exercises are also designed to be effective, and they can help you to improve your posture, reduce stress, and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Pilates exercises are designed to be performed slowly and mindfully, with a focus on proper alignment. This helps to improve posture and reduce stress on the spine. Pilates can also help to improve flexibility, which can make it easier to move without pain.

Contemporary Reformer Pilates at Carbon Valley Integrative Therapies can help:

• Strengthen the core muscles. The core muscles are the muscles that support the spine. Pilates exercises help to strengthen these muscles, which can help to reduce pain and improve posture.

• Improve flexibility. Pilates exercises can help to improve flexibility in the spine and other muscles that support the back. This can make it easier to move without pain.

• Reduce stress. Pilates can help to reduce stress, which can contribute to back pain.

• Improve overall health. Pilates can help to improve overall health by improving flexibility, strength, and balance. This can lead to a reduction in pain and an improvement in quality of life.

If you are looking for a challenging and effective workout, Pilates is a great option. Carbon Valley Integrative Therapies offers a safe and effective way to improve your fitness level and overall health. Carbon Valley Integrative Therapies wellness boutique now offers private training and duet training sessions available weekdays and weekends, as early as 6AM and a late at 7PM.

For more information, please reach out to us via phone/text (970) 568-6860, email cvintegartivetherapies@gmail.com or view our website www.cvintegrativetherapies.com

We look forward to you becoming the best version of you!

5280 Injury & Sports Recovery (Formerly Teamwork Total Health)

New Phone Number and Openings!

Just a quick note to let you know that we will be discontinuing our old phone number soon. Please save the new number 720.808.6039. We also have several openings this week! Book at 5280sportsrecovery.com to get yourself feeling top notch for summer!

Hope to see you soon!

Justin Willis | 5280 Injury & Sports Recovery | 720.808.6039 | office@5280sportsrecovery.com

Together We Are Building A Better Weld County

In Weld County…

EVERY child could be reading proficiently by 4th Grade

EVERY youth could be connected to a caring adult

EVERY family could have stable housing

EVERY older adult could have what is needed for a fulfilling life

EVERY neighbor could be connected with needed resources

Through United Way, together we are building a better Weld County, one where children are reading to learn by the start of 4th Grade, youth are working at good jobs by age 25, families have stable housing, older adults are aging well and people are connecting to the help they need.

Invest in Solutions Today!

UnitedWay-Weld.org/Generosity

970-353-4300

PO Box 1944, Greeley, CO 80632

814 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631

4 4 4

1999-2023

Lady and the Tribe by Carbon Valley’s Brenda Billings Ridgley

Few non-fiction books grab my heart and emotions like Lady and the Tribe. My eyes read the words and they fed that part of my soul that is missing all the sustenance Brenda speaks of that comes from deep friendships, the Tribe.

I must explain that I have beloved friends. My problem is that I don’t reciprocate what my friends deserve. Life. Family. Work. Responsibilities. Each demand, seemingly, so much from me that I have little to give those most deserving.

Relationships.

That is where Lady and the Tribe steps in to explain the importance of priorities, no, the necessity of prioritizing our closest, most precious forms of relating. Brenda offers a recipe for formulating a tribe, figuring out the best ingredients (good friends and not so healthy friends), and keeping the Tribe fresh and alive. The Tribe is a benefit, an asset, to every

If you want to learn how to create empowering friendship circles, you must read Lady and the Tribe. It’s inspiring, offering a complete plan of action, and encourages readers to take the life-affirming step towards meaningful relationships. Connections that can last a lifetime, get each other through the difficult parts of our journeys, and celebrate the blessings.

Women weren’t made to do life alone. We need each other. We encourage one another. When one falls, we are there to lift them up. Lady and the Tribe is a valuable tool, one that is re-readable and an excellent gift. Get yours at bit.ly/44a5igW and start growing your Tribe today. Follow Brenda Billings Ridgley at www. facebook.com/brendaridgleyconnections and IG @ BrendaRidgley.

Melanie Woolman President & CEO

“Sometimes, something unexpected happens and all of the sudden our neighbors are in need of extra help. United Way and our partners know exactly how to assist. What we need is the community’s generosity of time and money to make it happen. Will you support your neighbors today?

United Power Breach of Contract Case Against Tri-State Generation and Transmission Delayed

Adams County District Court grants Tri-State’s motion for continuance

Brighton, CO – District Judge Roberto Ramírez issued an order on June 11 that continued the jury trial between United Power, Inc. (United Power) and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) that was set to begin later this month on June 26.

“It is disappointing for the members of United Power that the breach of contract trial between United Power and Tri-State has been delayed,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power President and CEO. Tri-State asked for a continuance after flooding the court with numerous filings in an attempt to slow the judicial process. As Judge Ramírez noted in reluctantly granting Tri-State’s request to postpone a trial date to which it had agreed to more than a year ago, “The Court agrees with United Power that the bulk of the litigated issues pending before the Court are based on filings associated with Tri-State.”

The case centers around two key issues: whether Tri-State illegally added three non-utility members in order to escape state regulation and whether Tri-State’s failure to provide United Power with a fair exit fee in a timely manner is a breach of contract that precludes Tri-State from enforcing the parties’ contract, allowing United Power the right to withdraw from Tri-State at no cost and with the potential for a substantial damages award against Tri-State.

“Sadly, Tri-State has pursued a strategy of delay in both the state courts and at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC),” continued Gabriel. “This pattern results in uncertainty for both organizations, raises the costs for United Power members, and delays the time in which our members can get lower cost, cleaner energy for homes and businesses.”

United Power is leaving its wholesale power supplier May 1, 2024 based on FERC requirements. “We are leaving Tri-State next year regardless of the Adams County proceedings,” Gabriel said, adding “this critical case does not go away even with our departure nor does Tri-State’s liability for our members’ substantial damages. Stalling is not to anyone’s benefit.”

Start Your Engines July 8 for the Aims Car Show in Windsor

Aims Community College presents the 13th Annual Car Show on Saturday, July 8. Join us at the Aims Windsor Campus at 1120 Southgate Dr. for a day of automotive excitement. The community is welcome to attend this free event from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The car show is held in the parking lot of the state-of-the-art Aims Automotive & Technology Center. The 45,000-square-foot facility includes classrooms, an automotive simulator lab, a collision repair shop, industry-standard paint booths, a service bay and more.

Enter Your Vehicle

Car owners who would like to enter the show can register beginning at 8 a.m. on-site the day of the event. There is no fee to get a vehicle into the show. Entries are on a first-come, first-served basis. It is open for all years and models of automobiles, motorized vehicles and motorcycles. Awards are in a variety of categories. Trophies have been constructed and welded by Aims Automotive program students and instructors from recycled vehicle parts and are always a highlight of the Aims Car Show. The first 200 show entrants receive a gift bag. Attend the Event

Community members and car enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this free, fun, family-friendly event. Food trucks will be on-site during the event.

Car Show begins | 9 a.m.

Aims Aviation flyover | 9 a.m.

Door prizes are awarded at the bottom of every hour| 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Aims Automotive & Technology Center tour | 10 a.m. and noon

Aims Public Safety Institute tour | 11 a.m.

Car Show Awards presented | 1 p.m.

Aims Community College Automotive Program and Snap-on Tools sponsor the 2023 Aims Car Show. For more information, visit www.aims.co/CarShow23

Qualified Listeners Help Veterans & Their Families

Join a Winning Team to Help Veterans & Families

Want to help the Veteran Community? Want to be a part of something bigger than you are?

Qualified Listeners, a Colorado-based Veteran & Family Resource Hub, is growing and so are the needs. We are looking for additional volunteers with the following interests:

Drivers to take Veterans and family members to medical appointments and other necessary trips - mileage reimbursed

Someone with a pickup to help transport donated mobility devices, furniture, etc.mileage reimbursed z Family Care Coordinator z Listening sessions z Wellness checks z Help with events

Your availability, your schedule. You can have a huge impact on serving Veterans & family members and give back to those who have given so much. Volunteering is a work of heart.

Bonnie Ginther Joins Qualified Listeners

Bonnie Ginther has joined Qualified Listeners as Administrative Support. In this position, she will update policies and procedures; improve time management processes; and create a 3-year business plan to coincide with the continued growth and expansion of the organization.

Bonnie is a resident of Frederick, Colorado and has several years of administrative experience at the corporate level.

Qualified Listeners, a Colorado-based Veteran & Family Resource Hub, continues to serve in Colorado and Wyoming, and has recently expanded their coverage area into New Mexico.

Qualified Listeners Receives Grant

Qualified Listeners, a Colorado-based Veteran & Family Resource Hub, was awarded a $5,000 grant from Premier Member’s Credit Union at their first annual Celebration of Giving Event on May 15th. Qualified Listeners was one of five nonprofits selected from 40 applicants.

The funds will go toward helping Veterans who need assistance and to help them find more peace in their lives.

For more information visit www.

QualifiedListeners.org

720-600-0860

Resource@QualifiedListeners.org