Health&WELL BEING Food for the Soul: It’s Time to Forgive Yourself

from CVCRMar2023

by Consumer Report for Carbon Valley, Mead and Erie

CVCRMar2023

There is someone who is working to undermine the gracious and saving work of Jesus in your life. This person has ruined a part of you, leaving a stain that won’t go away. This person has so negatively influenced your spirit that you have been stunted in your spiritual growth and they may have literally taken years away from your physical life. This person I’ve been describing…is yourself. I’m writing today to tell you it’s time you learn to forgive yourself. Paul wrote, “[God] made [Jesus] who knew no sin… to be sin…on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in [Jesus]” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (emphasis is mine).

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When we sin, we feel remorse. But something is amiss when that remorse grows into crippling shame. Depending on what happened, there could be a period of time where we experience spiritual and emotional crisis while we deal with the raw aftermath and consequences of sin. But we must remember that the natural emotions we feel after we’ve messed up have a God designed purpose. God’s design for regret, guilt, and shame is repentance NOT debilitating self-hate! [Check these out: 2 Corinthians 7:8 – 10; Psalm 32:1 – 5]

We need a Biblical view of sin, it’s true. We need to know what sin is, what it does, and why God hates it. But we must also have a Biblical view of how our God views us – His children who still struggle with and against sin. In this article, we are not talking about continual and deliberate sin. We are not discussing the theology of apostacy or what John calls practicing sin. Instead, we’re dealing with the sad reality that some of God’s precious children are living a stunted, distorted, and handicapped version of the life that God has prepared in Christ. God is constantly telling us to put down the weight of our past, to cast off the burden of our mistakes, to just let go of our sins, but we go around picking them up and placing them on our shoulders. This is no kind of existence for the redeemed people of God. This is not what freedom in Christ looks like! I’ll say it again, God’s design for regret, guilt, and shame is to lead us into repentance not debilitating self-hate.

5 Practical Steps to Promote

Self-Forgiveness

#1 Recreate Your Identity in Christ z Disconnect the mistake from who you are. z Challenge your thoughts, THINK about your thinking.

• Do we realize that so many of our thoughts are not true?

• Demand evidence before coming to conclusions about yourself.

• Trust what God says about you more than what you think about yourself z Write down for yourself a new identity. One that is Biblical and true. z Example: I am a dearly loved, redeemed, cherished, highly valued, child of God.

• Don’t give equal value to your thoughts.

• Some of your ideas are great….and others are not.

#2 Sharply Rebuke the Inner Critic z Our inner critic is intensely negative. z We need to practice silencing this voice and play loudly the voice of affirmation from our Lord and our friends.

#3 Read verses on forgiveness, but apply them to self-forgiveness z For example: Colossians 3: 9 – 13

#4 Write Yourself an apology z Read it aloud to yourself z Include a close friend

#5 Understand….this could be a faith-issue z If we believe we are unlovable, unforgiveable, then we do not believe or trust in what God says about forgiveness, about the power and beauty of the gospel, about the saving work of Jesus. z It’s like saying, “I’m sorry Jesus, your sacrifice is not far-reaching enough for me and my sins…. I’m just too sinful for you to heal.” z If you believe the Word of God then let your beliefs and actions follow.

Peter and Judas both betrayed their loyalty to Jesus. They both committed terrible sins against Jesus. One couldn’t recover and ended his life committing suicide. The other, though destroyed inwardly for a time, found his self-worth in Jesus and went on to serve the King all his life. Consider too, the apostle Paul, who felt as if he were the chief or foremost of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15, 16). Paul went on to write these words: “Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).

What lies ahead is a life of kingdom service, of encouragement of the brethren, of joy, of victory, of glorifying God in the life that Jesus died for us to live. There is no glory for the Lord in the life that refuses to walk in the true reality of the gospel.

Are you ready? It’s time to forgive yourself!

Join Brigit’s Virtual Pilgrimage

Do you need help paying your utilities this winter? Colorado’s Lowincome Energy Assistance Program or LEAP may be for you. LEAP helps Colorado families, individuals, older adults and those with a disability to pay a part of their winter home heating costs.

www.UnitedWay-Weld.org/LEAP

1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435)

Why Clean Wine and Coffee

A huge part of changing your health when it comes to what you are eating is simply to become aware of what it is you are consuming. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is filled with toxins, dyes, sugar and chemicals. I help my clients find better options and it starts with reading the product label as you CANNOT rely on the marketing information on the front of the package. Overtime, the toxins, chemicals and sugars we consume can cause serious health issues. 32% of Americans drink wine 2–5 times a week. 74% of Americans consume coffee every day. Did you know that the wine and coffee you are drinking is most likely filled with toxic pesticides, dyes, chemical additives, mold, and sugar?

This is why I became a consultant for Scout and Cellar. Not because I drink wine or coffee. I actually really don’t like either. I became a consultant because I could get behind Clean-Crafted Commitment. If you’re going to drink coffee and wine, why not make it “clean”? It’s better for you.

What does Clean-Crafted mean? It means that the grapes (or beans) are grown without toxic pesticides. It means they are produced without artificial processing aids or ingredients like dyes, flavorings, sulfites (this is what causes the pesky headaches) and sugar!

How do we know this? It’s sort of like our food that is labeled “FDA Organic”. It means certain guidelines must be followed. In the case of Scout and Cellar, the company works with independent labs that test the products. And best of all, there is full disclosure because every product Scout and Cellar creates is accompanied by a Soil-to-Sip report, a proprietary breakout of in-depth product details, including ingredients, fermenting/aging/bottling processes, and nutritional content. That blew my mind. When I researched wines from a liquor store, I really couldn’t find any ingredients or nutritional information. I did find Yellowtail, a wine we used to buy. It has 15g of added sugar per serving. A serving of wine is 5 oz. Your typical bottle of wine is 750 ml or 5 servings. 5 servings x 15g = 75g of sugar. That’s 51g over the daily suggested amount of added sugar per day you should consume. Wow.

And if you’re a coffee drinker, what about the mold and pesticides you’re drinking. And how many cups of coffee do you drink per day?

So, like what you eat, if you’re going to drink wine and or coffee, a small change can make a big difference to the amount of toxins, chemicals and sugar you are ingesting. I would love the opportunity to share with you personally what Scout and Cellar has to offer. I can come to your house and give a little wine tasting to you and your friends for free. I could even brew some coffee for you. Just drop me a note to get that going. www.scoutandcellar.com/lidajohnson

Lida Johnson, Certified Health Coach, Nutritionist, and Personal Trainer at Head-to-Toe Coaching. www. HeadToToeCoaching.com Lida@HeadToToeCoaching.com. 203.260.2880.

“Love outruns all the dark engines of destruction,” maintains Kenneth McIntosh, well-known author and spiritual leader, in his recent book Hope in an Age of Fear. You’re invited to join Kenneth and St. Brigit Episcopal Church for “Embrace the Sacred,” the second virtual pilgrimage sponsored by St. Brigit’s Episcopal Church in Frederick, CO. In presentations on March 10 and March 12, 6:30-7:30pm MT, Kenneth will engage the Celtic saint Brigit through stories, images of the places she encountered, her history, and her legend. Online participants will journey with Brigit through her lifetime in Ireland, hear about the global spread of her influence, and engage in spiritual exercises to experience her presence. Register online for the two-evening Zoom presentation of “Embrace the Sacred” at www. stbrigit.org/sacred for a suggested donation of $20. eneth McIntosh led the 2021 virtual retreat “Brigid’s Mantle – an Invitation of Peace and Hope to a Troubled World,” also sponsored by St. Brigit Episcopal Church. He drew an international audience through the Zoom-facilitated retreat, engaging participants in three evenings of stories examining Brigit’s life and witness, spreading her mantle of peace and community-affirming spirit. For info, Nancy Trubee, info@stbrigit.org, 720-208-0280

United Power Director Candidates Announced

Nine candidates are running for election to the United Power Board of Directors. This year, four positions on the board are up for election. The director candidates are Tamra “Tami” Waltemath in the Mountain District; Jamie Klein, Ken Kreutzer, Katherine “Kathy” Mills, and James Vigesaa in the South District; Virginia A. “Ginny” Buczek and Thomas “Tom” Hogan in the West District; and Steven “Steve” Douglas and Robert “Rob” Masden in the East District. United Power hosts four FREE, Meet the Candidate forums:

Monday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.* Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds | Rendezvous Room, Waymire Dome | 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton, CO 80601

*This Meet the Candidates event will also be livestreamed at www.unitedpower.com

Tuesday, March 14 at 7:30 a.m. | Coal Creek Canyon Community Center | 3158 Highway 72, Golden, CO 80403

Thurs., Mar. 16 at 6:30 p.m. | United Power Carbon Valley Service Center | 9586 E. I-25 Frontage Rd., Longmont, 80504

Fri., Mar. 17 at 7:30 a.m. | Fort Lupton Rec Center | Multipurpose Room 3 | 203 S. Harrison Ave., Fort Lupton, 80621

Balloting opens Mar. 13. Members may vote electronically on their online account, or via mail ballots, sent to all members in mid-March. Directors represent all members and are therefore elected on an “at-large” basis. This means members cast a vote for a director in each district and not just their own. United Power encourages all members to vote online or return their mail ballots April 11 deadline.

Candidate profiles will be published in the cooperative’s newsletter, the United Newsline delivered in March, and on its website at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting

Results of the director election will be announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting, which will be held on April 12 at the Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds and livestreamed on United Power’s website. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. and balloting closes at the beginning of the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Alternative Medicine: A Way Forward

Working as a healthcare provider I’ve noticed an increase in stress and anxiety among people of all ages. As such, I’d like to take this opportunity to share information about A Way Forward, a non-profit organization in Longmont that is here to assist all people in their journey through life.

Our mission is to smash barriers to recovery and create more access to comprehensive, evidence-based services focused on substance use and mild to moderate mental health disorders and create a community of belonging and healing in the St. Vrain Valley.

In 2022, A Way Forward began offering a series of mental and emotional health classes. The classes use a Hazelden Betty Ford curriculum, which is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and uses workbooks and accompanying DVD. The eight-week classes each address a different one of the following subjects: Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Anger, Guilt & Shame, and Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion. The pandemic had a strong negative impact on mental health especially increased Anxiety and Depression (45% increases according to the CDC). The classes attract people in the recovery community as well as community members as a whole.

Harm reduction is also a critical topic to address with overdose deaths in 2022 exceeding 107,000 in the US. A Way Forward receives bulk shipments of Narcan, a drug which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Free Narcan training and packages are available free at A Way Forward. On-Site trainings have also been held at outreach partners including The Inn-Between, The Suites, and a local school.

We fill a gap in community nonprofit services by offering wrap-around services and evidence-based recovery classes facilitated by peers. In addition to support groups and structured classes, we provide individual peer recovery coaching with Certified Recovery Coaches. We are open 7 days a week and all services are free. Inclusive access to high quality services is paramount and for that reason, all of our structured classes use Hazelden Betty Ford materials, known world-wide for their recovery services. Peers provide all services. All our staff have walked the road of recovery either personally or with family members. Evidence suggests that a peer-supported community program focused on self-determination can have a significant positive impact on recovery from substance addictions and homelessness.

Self-Reported Outcomes as of 2022 z 100% reported feeling more hopeful z 98% improved ability to deal with stress z 96% felt less depressed z 96% less anxious z 100% reported having more tools to handle cravings z 100% reported benefiting from a sense of community

We have had the honor to touch many lives in our community. Our total client contacts in-house increased from 2,504 in 2021, the first year we opened, to 5,418 in 2022. For more information about A Way Forward https://awfnobarriers.org

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

Birthday Announcements. Send one high resolution photo with birthday message in subject line to carbonvalley@gmail.com by 15th of each month.

I’m so proud of the man you’re becoming. It seems like, just yesterday. I was holding you in my arms. 18 years has gone by too fast!

Outer Space Mom

Love Dad

Happy birthday to our wild little man, Finan! We are so thankful for you! Your joy, free spirit, and drive to explore are exhilarating to watch. Your ability to make the impossible possible is an incredible gift. Never, never, never give up! Happy 2nd birthday sweet boy! May the Lord bless you and keep you. We love you! Daddy, Mommy, Knightley, Hearth, and #4

Find The Courage To Ask For Help

The society norm tells us that asking for help is a sign of weakness or failure. I disagree, asking for help is a sign of confidence in yourself knowing that you want to take the next step. It’s a vulnerability, and it gives someone else the opportunity to be a blessing to you.

When it comes to your health and fitness goals, don’t be afraid to ask for fitness and nutritional help from a qualified, experienced, Certified Personal Trainer. You’re asking for directions or a blueprint that will save you a lot of frustration, time, and money.

Most people don’t have the fitness knowledge or the consistent motivation to do it on their own and that’s ok. Take the first step by asking for help in this area and contact me for Mobile Personal Training where I come to you, or we can meet virtually if you prefer. This will give you the blueprint you need, plus accountability, and motivation.

If exercise consistency and intensity is something you struggle with, you need to find a workout partner or group. If you don’t have a workout place of support in your life, check out my fitness group classes: Mobility & Pain-Relief Class Mondays at 8:30am, Interval/ Strength Training Tuesdays at 9:30am & Wednesdays at 7pm, and CoreFirst Trainer Class Fridays at 9:30am. We all have to start somewhere and all fitness levels are welcome.

Start by finding the courage to ask for help and I’ll meet you right where you are. Push past the doubt and discomfort and you can achieve success you never thought possible. Contact Tracy Rewerts, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist at TimeForChangePersonalTraining.com or call 303-828-2856.

United Power Member-Owners

My name is Ginny Buczek. I am the incumbent director for the West District of United Power. It is an honor to represent the members of United Power. I have been a committed member of the United Power community for 32 years and remain focused on the families and businesses of our community. Quality of life, successful businesses and strong, prosperous communities depend on reliable, safe, affordable power.

Happy 1st birthday to our beautiful Ella Paisley! You are our biggest blessing. Mom and Dad love you so much.

Happy 7th Birthday our dearest Ariah. Shine bright and keep on dancing. Mom and Dad love you dearly.

“Happy birthday Jake! Your life is about to pick up speed and blast off into the stratosphere. Wear a seat belt and be sure to enjoy the journey. We all love you!

As a United Power Board Member my continued longterm commitment to our communities and civic groups connects me to the members of United Power. As a not-forprofit United Power Co-op can focus on our members’ priorities. When I am talking to members I hear two phrases, “Keep my lights on” and “Keep my rates low”. Reliability and affordability continue to be the top concerns of United Power members.

United Power was among the most reliable Distribution systems in the country in 2022, as measured by industry standards. Not all power outages can be prevented. Equipment fails, cars seem to find power poles, and weather will always be a factor, but investing in continuous maintenance, system upgrades, technology and our dedicated employees will support reliability.

United Power has not had a rate increase in three years despite inflation and supply issues pushing material costs dramatically higher. One measure taken by the Board to address price increases was approving the 2023 Capital Construction in the Fall so materials could be purchased in the most cost effective and timely manner.

Your co-op advocates for your interests as a member/owner at the Local, State, and National level. I was elected by the Board as United Powers’ Director on the Colorado Rural Electric Association Board. CREA represents 23 Co-ops providing electric service to over 1,000,000 Colorado residents. I am the current President of the CREA, having been elected by the other 22 Co-op Directors. Being President of Colorado Co-op’s Statewide organization allows me to advocate in the interest of United Power members.

My experience serving in every officer position on both the United Power and CREA Boards, hundreds of hours of Elective Cooperative education, and listening to you, the member, has provided the experience, knowledge, and community connection to serve the best interest of the members. I would be honored to serve you, the members, for another term.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Your Co-Op.

Virginia “Ginny” A. Buczek

Happy 1st Birthday, Aden! It seems like just yesterday you were brand new. Now look at all the things you can do. 0n your big day we wish you nothing but the happiest and brightest future. Love Mom, Dad and Liam.

Event Calendar

☐Platteville Lions BINGO

Friday, March 31st, Doors open at 530 pm, bingo at 7 pm, at Platteville Community Center at 508 Reynolds Avenue. $12 for all games, cash only.

Proceed go to Valley Youth Wrestling Club and Boy Scouts selling concessions

☐2023 Eggstravaganza. Our annual Community Eggstravaganza is at Purpose Church from noon until 2 pm at 9993 County Rd. 11, Firestone, CO 80504, for our festival and Easter Egg hunts. Food, face painting, games, giveaways, a photo booth, and so much more! We’ll have three different egg hunts for various ages. A great time for the whole family!

☐Tax Help Colorado Saturdays | Thru Apr. 8 (closed Mar. 11-18) | 9 a.m.4 p.m. | Cornerstone | Greeley Campus.

Friday March 3 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Prairie Building | Fort Lupton Campus. Free tax pre and e-filing assistance for low- to middle-income taxpayers who made less than $60,000 annually in 2022. First-comefirst-served basis. For more info www. events.aims.edu

☐Coffee with Christ of every month 8-9a. Inquire at coffeewithchrist2023@gmail.com location and info. For Christian women, all denominations to join a group where we women can sharpen each other. Bring your favorite mug-we provide the coffee!

☐Interfaith Quilters will celebrate the 37th Annual Quilt Sale on March 3rd (4-8p) and 4th (9a-3p). $2 entry fee. First Lutheran Church, 803 Third Avenue in Longmont, Colorado. The proceeds benefit the O.U.R. Center and the Safe Shelter of the Saint Vrain Valley. Interfaith Quilters of Longmont gather most Mondays, 9a-2p at First Lutheran Church. Bring your lunch. More info at www.interfaithquilters.org our email is interfaithquilts@gmail.com

☐American Legion Auxiliary #1985 at 810 1st Ave. | Firestone | 303.833.3878. Friday, March 17th, our annual St. Patrick’s dinner. Traditional fare of corned beef & cabbage served 5:00 pm until we run out. The cost is $15.00. All proceeds benefit our scholarship fund. The riders will be providing green margaritas. Live music by Lojo Russo bringing the sounds of Ireland. A Shoe drive through September. Drop off at the Legion during open hours daily from noon to closing. We always need volunteers.

☐Veteran’s Info Qualified Listeners, a Colorado-based Veteran & Family Resource Hub, will host the 4th Annual “Vet Connect” Regional Event (FREE) on Saturday, April 8, 2023, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Embassy Suites, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland, CO. Active military and family are invited. Plus Program called “Home Away From Home” lodging for Veterans who travel long distances for medical treatment. More info: day phone 307-633-7061, night phone 307-633-7212. Plus Veteran Travel Reimbursement The VA is streamlining any ARC Thrift Store in CO. For purchasing clothing for job interviews, work, weddings, etc. Good for recently discharged Veterans transitioning back into civilian life on a tight budget. If clothing isn’t needed the voucher can be used for other items in the