Talk About it Tuesday - The Lupus Recovery Diet

Okay, it's Tuesday. I've set aside Tuesday on my blog as a special day to discuss everything lupus-related (events, news, and other various). Today I want to share an e-mail that I received from Jill Harrington, author of The Lupus Recovery Diet. If you have been diagnosed with lupus and have yet to purchase the book, I have one question for you: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON? The Lupus Recovery Diet is a must-have book for every lupus patient. I have included the e-mail in it's entirety below:

Dear Korika,

I received another "good news" email that I wanted to share with you - to encourage you to keep giving diet changes a try:

"Hello Jill,

I don’t have any questions but I must tell you that once the doctors said it looks like lupus I ordered your book and have changed my diet. Six months into the change my symptoms have disappeared and I am no longer in pain and exhausted all the time. I can tell when I have over done it and get extra rest. I am back to running and exercising like I did before all this started and as a bonus have lost 20 lbs.

Now at 36 I have hope where before I felt like I was doomed to a life of exhaustion and feelings of being unwell. But not anymore!!!

Thanks, Kathy" (her name changed for privacy)

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I also wanted to let you know that I am about to start a Blog. What's a Blog? A Blog is an online website where I can put articles and videos and random news - for you to read and share with others. It's harder to set up than I thought it would be... but it will worth it... I know you'll love it. Watch for it soon (maybe next week, keep your fingers crossed).

All the best,

Jill
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To learn more about The Lupus Recovery Diet, visit http://www.lupusrecoverydiet.com/.

Monday's Moment With Author Tiffany L. Warren

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love a good read. So when a fellow church member and friend walked up to me, slapped a book in my hand, and said, "There ain't that much love in the world!" my curiousity was piqued. The book, which led to the creation of our church book club, Righteous Readers), was What a Sistah Should Do. The way in which the characters dealt with their unthinkable situations was one of the greatest displays of love and forgiveness I'd ever heard of. The author, who has become one of my absolute favorites is Bestselling Christian Fiction Author, Tiffany L. Warren.

Her debut novel, What a Sista Should Do, was released in June of 2005 and has ministered to over 50,000 readers. Her second book, Farther than I Meant to Go, Longer than I Meant to Stay was a national bestseller. In 2006, Tiffany and her husband, Brent, founded Warren Productions and released their first gospel musical. What a Sista Should Do - The Stage Play debuted in Cleveland, OH at the famed Allen Theatre.

Tiffany writes fiction for young adults under the pen name Nikki Carter. The So For Real series was released in 2009, and her new series Fab Life will be available starting in the fall of 2010.

Tiffany is also the visionary behind the Faith and Fiction Fellowship tour. Presently, the authors have visited groups in Atlanta, Houston, New York, Baltimore, Washington D.C. and Charlotte.

Tiffany's third novel, The Bishop's Daughter was released in January 2009. Her newest release, In the Midst of it All is available everywhere books are sold.

Tiffany resides in northern Texas with her husband Brent and their five children.

Get ready to share a brief moment with Tiffany as she chats about everything from her latest book, In the Midst of it All, to her most memorable fan encounter!

About In the Midst of it All

All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women's door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother's mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother's suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept "God's will," or return home to confront the demons she's worked so hard to leave behind....

Welcome to Hold Your Hope, Tiffany. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this particular book and what message you hope readers will take away from it?

I wrote In the Midst of it All for a couple of reasons. I’m a huge advocate for Mental Health issues in the African American community. I don’t feel like we do a good enough job addressing those needs in our families and communities. Also, I was raised in a church similar to the Brethren. I think those cult-like churches that masquerade as Christianity are very dangerous.

At what point in your life did you realize that writing was your "thing"?
Very, very early on. I’ve been writing since I could hold a pen. I remember my middle school English teacher encouraging me in that direction! My first book has Mr. Thurman in the acknowledgements. I got my first writing paycheck at the age of 16 when I wrote an essay for a contest in my hometown newspaper. Suffice it to say, I got the writing bug early!

What's a typical day like for Tiffany L Warren?
I work full time outside of my writing career, so days are really busy. I go to work, come home fix a quick dinner and help with homework. Then, I try to squeeze writing time in every day. It doesn’t always happen, though.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be, and why?
Diary of an Overworked Black Woman! LOL.

What 3 nuggets of wisdom would you offer an aspiring writer?
Write because you love literature – not because you think it’s a new hustle or come up, READ something, take a craft class – no one takes you seriously if you don’t know the basics, no matter how good your ideas are.

What has been your most memorable fan encounter so far?
I met this lady at the Faith and Fiction Retreat in Orlando. She broke down in tears and hugged me! It was very surreal and humbling. Writing Christian Fiction opens you up to ministering to the reader. The reader really feels connected if you speak to their specific struggle. Something in my book spoke to her spirit, and that is amazing to me.

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?
No. I understand that what I write is not for everyone. I just wish that readers understood that. Books should be reviewed based on literary merit, style, plots, characterization, or something like that. A person saying, “I didn’t like this book, it’s not what I’m used to” and giving it a 1-star on Amazon.com is not really a valid review. No one likes everything they read. I’ve read many well written books that just didn’t resonate with me as a reader. I wouldn’t give them a bad review based on that.

In a recent interview with EKG Literary Magazine, you stated that had you not followed your dreams as a teen and become a writer you would be doing something related to food or travel. What is one of your culinary classics and if you could travel to any destination in the world, where would you go?
I cook a lot of really good food. I am a foodie. I really make great soul food. Fried or Smothered Chicken, Rice and Gravy, Macaroni & Cheese, Candied Yams and Collard Greens or Smothered Cabbage is a typical soul food menu I’d bring out. I also make a slamming pound cake and Red Velvet cake. My top destination right now is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. I’m saving for that! My husband and I would love to spend some time in Portofino and on the Island of Capri.

What is your HIGHEST HOPE for your writing career?
That I am able to continue to do what I love and share these stories that I love so much. I’d love to be able to write full time and make a living from it, so we’ll see what unfolds.

What else do you want readers to know?
That I really, really love to hear from them! I enjoy feedback, testimonies and invitations to book clubs. Connecting with readers is my favorite part of all this.

How can readers reach you and find out more about your books (e-mail, website,etc)?
There are excerpts of my books on www.tiffanylwarren.com and I’m on Facebook (look for me under Tiffany L. Warren). I also write books for young adults under pen name Nikki Carter. Please check those books out on www.kensingtonbooks.com. They’re really positive and I’ve gotten great feedback from teens so far.

Thanks for stopping by, Tiffany! I wish you continued success!

LFA DC/MD/VA Lupus Tip of the Week - For those taking Prednisone

Okay, here are your weekly lupus tips:

• Try to never miss a daily dose
• Always try to take Prednisone in the morning
• Prednisone may increase your appetite, so stick to a strict diet to avoid weight gain
• There is a high risk of osteoporosis, so drink milk, eat cheese, and consider calcium supplements. Additionally, try to do some type of weight-bearing exercise (running, walking, weight-lifting, or aerobics) five times a week.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet in case of emergency
• Alert your primary care physician immediately in case of infection

Featured Book Review - An Oldie But Goodie

Okay, so I normally wouldn’t dare think to post a book review of a book this dated. But during one of my recent visits to the library, I browsed the library bookstore (Novel Endings), and was drawn to a book entitled, The Shirt Off His Back. I wasn’t going to buy it at first, but the book cover image of an African American male smiling happily up at the young child positioned securely on his shoulder called for me to go ahead and shell out the $0.50 the library was asking.

The Shirt Off His Back by Parry "EbonySatin" Brown

Rating: (4 out of 5)

Well, here’s my review:

After a brief relationship in college, Catherine Hawkins and Terrance “Terry” Winston find themselves the parents of twin baby girls, Alisa and Ariana. The intolerable Catherine abandons the girls for a career overseas, and Terry is left to raise them. Eleven years later, just as Terry is about to expand his family by marrying the true love of his life, Jackie (herself a single parent raising twins), Catherine returns. She suddenly realizes that she needs a better family image to advance her career, and demands custody. A nasty battle ensues.

Terry, who has the support of family and friends, teams up with his best friend, Roland, a powerful attorney, to fight for his children. As Catherine pits the twins against each other, Terry struggles to keep his cool…and his family together.

At first I was confused by the swelling cast of characters (could be due to my own fog), but quickly found myself familiar, and feeling like...family. To the point of being protective of twins, "Lisa" and "Ari." I absolutely loved Terry! Some may view him as an unrealistic super dad. Great father to Lisa and Ari. Great son to Teresa. Great soon-to-be husband to Jackie. Great brother to Veronica. Great friend to Roland and Mercedes. But I viewed him as a breath of fresh air. His willingness to take the shirt off his back for his friends and family makes him my favorite male character thus far.

The Shirt Off His Back was a delight to read and true tribute to loving, responsible fathers everywhere. I would recommend this book to any and everyone looking for a great family story to warm the heart.

BEST CHRISTIAN NOVEL 2010!!!

Yippie! Joy Comes in the Mourning, my debut novel, was recently awarded Best Christian Novel 2010 by Christian Story Teller! These awards are given to the top of the line in Christian writing each year. Picked by the Board of Advisors for Christianstoryteller.com. To God be the Glory! For the rest of the best, visit http://www.christianstoryteller.com/.

LFA DC/MD/VA Lupus Tip of the Week - Lupus Oral Manifestations or Oral Cancer?

Mouth ulcers and sores located on the inner cheeks and lip commonly affect lupus patients. Most often, these manifestations resemble a red plaque area with a white border. Whether asymptomatic or irritating, ulcers and sores are treatable. Candidiasis, another common lupus oral feature, is also known as "thrush," a white fungal infection associated with medications, dry mouth, or poor oral hygiene.

In contrast, oral cancer most often occurs on the tissues of the lip or the tongue, but also found on the inner cheeks, or roof and floor of the mouth. Cancer sores start as a white plaque, known as leukoplakia, or a mouth ulcer. Other cancerous symptoms include abnormal taste, difficulty swallowing, and tongue problems.

Having lupus is NOT a risk factor for oral cancer. However, it is imperative not to mistake a common oral sore for an oral cancer sore. When you have a mouth sore or lesion due to lupus or other factors, they usually disappear within two weeks. Oral cancer does not. Call for an appointment with your dentist or healthcare provider if you have a lesion or sore of the mouth that does not go away within one month.

“I’ll Be Praying For You.”

Jesus prayed for His enemies, yet we don’t even take the time to pray for our friends.

Before I get off into saying something that makes you think I’m exempt, let me first say that I’ve been guilty. How many times have you heard or even said, “I’ll be praying for you?” And no, I’m not talking about the lyrics from the 7 Sons of Soul song by the same name, I'll Be Prayin' 4 You. I’m talking about the lie some of us Christians tell others when they’re going through a difficult time, when they need us most.

I know it may sound innocent enough, but guess what? It’s not. Telling someone that you’re going to do something and not even bothering to take the time to actually do it is compromising your integrity. It’s no different than telling a friend “I’ll call you back later,” when you know you wont because you’ve had about enough of their drama for one day.

Keeping a promise is a matter of integrity. So we must be more responsible with our words. Proverbs 19:1 states that better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse with his lips, and is a fool. And we are admonished in Galatians 6:2 to bear one another’s burdens. So when we say we're going to pray for someone, we've got to do it! Passionately and from the heart. God is listening and ready to help us…pray our friends through.

LFA DC/MD/VA Lupus Tip of the Week - Managing Lupus Fog

Tips to Ease the Frustrations of Lupus Fog

-Pay attention when receiving new information. Repeat it or write it down. Verify any details.

-Focus on one task at a time.

-Take good care of your body; exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep.

-Learn memory techniques: associate a person's name with an image or repeat their name several times in conversation.

-Try to stay organized; use a year-long calendar to keep appointments, plans, contact information, and reminders in one place.

Straight from the LFA DC/MD/VA to you!

An Affirmation From a Dear Friend

Just wanted to share an affirmation from a very dear friend of mine that has blessed me tremendously. It is short, simple, and simply powerful...if you catch it.

I deny to my mind any thought that would keep me from enjoying the blessings that are mine as a child of God.

I rule out of my mind every thought contrary to peace, joy, health and success.

I have victory in spite of of the circumstances.

"Dear friends, don't be surprised or shocked that you are going through testing that is like walking through fire. Be glad for the chance to suffer as Christ suffered. It will prepare you for even greater happiness when he makes his glorious return." ~1 Peter 4:12-13

The Choice is Yours

"Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters." ~ Luke 16:10 (CEV)

Do you know people who are always telling "little white lies" or they "embellish" stories? Well, I hate to break it to you, but anytime you do either of these things, you're compromising your integrity. I know, I know, it sounds innocent enough, but when in doubt, the unadulterated Word of God always settles the issue.

"You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant." ~ Galatians 6:7 (CEV)

Know that the energy you put out there - negative or positive - will come back. The choice is yours. I say, choose to walk in your integrity.