Healthy Eating Habits

Did you know that you deal with many of the health issues that you have as a result of the foods that you eat?  You have heard the say, you are what you eat.  Well, there is some truth to this saying. 

Inflammation is a sign that is present in several different illnesses.  It is best to keep inflammation down by taking care of yourself.  Eating right is the first step that you can take without a prescription.  Healthy foods, such as fruit and vegetables, foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (like salmon), whole grains, proteins like beans, and foods rich with probiotics (yogurt) can decrease the chances of becoming inflamed. 

Inflammation has been linked to Alzheimer's, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Attack, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  That is just to name a few.  I believe that changing my eating habits would be worth a try to keep inflammation down.

We are nothing without our health.  Wealth is always good, but what good is wealth if you are lacking in health.  I strive for both.

Isaiah 58:8  Then shall thy light spring break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward.

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

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Hold onto Joy

Does it seem like something is always happening to get you down?  Well, that is called life.  It happens to us all.  Whatever you do, don't let it get you down.  Never, ever give up hope.  All things happen for a reason.  Good or bad.  I am not about to tell you to pretend that everything is alright.  We all have to cry sometimes.  

What I am saying is to keep pushing for better.  Know that in the end all will work out for your best.  So be in good cheer.  Count it all joy.  Things may not look good, but in the end the outcome will be a blessing.


My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

Rights of Special Needs Children

I have learned so much about children since I first began to teach many years ago.  With all of the new laws and testing, some students fall between the cracks.  All students are entitled to a free and appropriate education. According to the law, children are protected under state law. Students with special needs receive services using the Individualized Education Program. Federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs special education. The best part about the services is that they are free. There is no cost to the parent. Instruction, support, and environment are specially designed to meet the needs of students.

 There are thirteen categories that are covered under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). They are as follows: Autism, Deaf or Blindness, Developmental Delays, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairments, Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disabilities), Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairments, Other Health Impairments, Specific Learning Disabilities, Speech and Language Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairments. Gifted and Talented is actually covered under IDEA, which is federal, but may not be included in some states.

 The Individual Education Program outlines a course of action that will be taken to provide services in the least restrictive environment. Special needs can range from learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, communication disabilities, or developmental disabilities. An individual plan allows each child to receive a customized plan for an education, as well as transitions beyond high school. 

The two most common types of setting in which services are received are inclusion and mainstream. Inclusion services are received in a regular classroom with non-disabled peers. In this situation, the general curriculum is modified. Accommodations are also used to allow students to benefit from the same curriculum.

Mainstreaming is used when students with special needs are educated in a special education classroom. Their interaction with regular education students are limited to specific time periods based on their skill level. Every child deserves a free education regardless of the disability. The Individuals with Disabilities Act make it possible for this to happen. Thousands of children have disabilities. Each child can learn with a specialized plan.

Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

Wealth and Abundance

Speak wealth and abundance into existence.  Yes, I did say speak wealth and abundance into existence.  You have a right to say it because you can have whatever you say.  As a Christian, you are the righteousness of God.  Go ahead and make a positive affirmation:  Wealth and riches are in my house.  Keep saying it until you see it.

Psalm 112:3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house:  and his righteousness endureth for ever.

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

How to Become a Winner in Stressful Times

There are so many things to worry about. Will have have a job tomorrow? Will my child straighten up and fly right? Will I be able to pay my bills on time? Will I loose everything that I have worked for? Will my spouse divorce me? The list goes on and on and on.

Capture your thoughts before they really take effect on your daily living. Change those thoughts into positive affirmations. For instance, I will pay my bills on time. I will have a job tomorrow. My child will straighten up. I won't loose everything that I have worked for. My spouse will not divorce me.  

How can you make these statements when the world is crumbling down? Well...as a Christian you have authority.

"But my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

Stress Kills: Avoid the Warnings

There are times in life when we get so caught up in the needs, likes and dislikes of others that we neglect ourselves.  It is easy to forget who we really are.  As a parent and wife/husband, we devote so much time catering to others' needs.  This is not a bad thing.  If we love our family, then the little things become acts of love instead of labor.  These little acts of love can weigh heavily on our minds, bodies, and souls if we are not careful.

Stress kills.  We should never get to the point of exhaustion and extreme fatigue.  We have to pay attention to our bodies.  These are little signs that are warning us to slow down.  I have received many little warnings.  Heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and so many other health issues can be traced back to stress and dehydration.  When I was younger, I never understood the important of keeping the body hydrated.  Now I know that the body is made up of a high percentage of water and it is needed to function properly.

Rest is not a dirty word.  It is okay to kick back and relax.  It gives the brain, as well as the body a chance to rest.  I have learned the hard way to pay attention to the body.  If you miss the sign, your body will be more than happy to remind you.  It will slow you down with illness and pain.  I would rather slow myself down.  The same is said for mental health. 

Mental health is just as important as physical health.  Take care of yourself.  Partake in some alone or me time just to clear the mind.  You will be able to think better with a well rested mind.  Get rid of the stress and worry.  They are not good for the soul.  It will not make any situation better.

Matthew 6:27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

Appreciation for Work

We often find ourselves doing something for others, whether it is at a job, or taking care of loved ones.  If you are anything like me, you spend the majority of your time serving others in some capacity or another.  We don't always get rewarded as we would like.  You may spend lots of time working on demanding projects for work, only to be passed over for the promotion.  You may even go out of your way to do nice things for others, but never get a thank you. 

Don't be discouraged.  You will reap your reward.  When you look to man for your recognition and rewards, you will be greatly disappointed.  Look to God for your reward.  You will always be glad to lend a helping hand because you will know that your reward is on the way.

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 

Self-Help Resources

Healthy Living

 Healthy living is not just a crazy notion.  Healthy living is essential if you are going to enjoy life.  As I get older, I realize that I have to be careful about the things that I put in my body.  I also realize that I cannot eat all of the junk foods that I used to eat in past years.

Time is very precious to me these days.  I don't plan on wasting one second.  I believe that this is important because I plan to accomplish all of my life goals, as well as become a healthy senior one day.  I would love to travel the world, spend time with family, and accomplish all things that God has in store for me.

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

Celestine A. Gatley 
A Designed Transformation 


Self-Help Resources