The Dayz by Vane D. Lopez

The Journey Begins Now!!

And the MADNESS begins again!! Except this time we are all doing this together. Today was my lucky day. I found a bunch of healthy food on clearance at Walmart. I filled up my cart and it was still less than $100. Who says getting healthy can be expensive? #HealthyFamily #HealthierMe#TheJourneyBeginsNow 

High School Student gives a lesson to its teacher at Duncanville, TX

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

Can you take Splenda while you're on the Sacred Heart Diet?

The diet says specifically no sugar whatsoever but is Splenda actually considered sugar since its calorie free?

It might not be allowed, but it does help you to withstand the Sacred Heart Diet. The first time I tried the Sacred Heart Diet, I lost a significant amount of weight and I substituted sugar for Splenda the whole way.

I don't think I would have survived the Sacred Heart Diet without it but that's just my opinion. Everyone has a different way of doing things and their body responds differently, but I can only speak for myself.

There's many things I did to survive the Sacred Heart Diet which I will discuss in future posts. Basically I just tweaked the Sacred Heart Diet plan to accommodate my needs and abilities. It's partially the reason I was so successful the first time I tried the Sacred Heart Diet with a total weight loss of 14 lbs in only one week.

You can read about my experience by going here: Does The Sacred Heart Diet work for Rapid Weight loss? and don't forget to checkout my specific reasons for trying the Sacred Heart Diet along with the recipe for the Sacred Heart Soup Diet here: I'm Losing 20 lbs in one week learn how I'm Doing It And Why

What are your reasons for Losing weight?

Don't Be shy, Comment Below.

Bike Run For Autism in Alto Bonito Park:STARR COUNTY

Have some family fun and support Autism Awareness. As a mother of a child with Autism, I know how difficult life is for not only the child, but the family as well. It is crucial to spread more awareness of Autism and have the communities come together. It is not often that these events for Autism occur in Starr County, Tx., so to have amazing groups of people come together to present these types of events is incredible. Please don't miss the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge about Autism.

According to Autismspeaks, 1 in 88 children have autism (the numbers are increasing everyday) and only 5 percent of research funding goes to Autism research (Autism Speaks). It kind of makes you wonder if the numbers are so high, why is so little contributed to the research of Autism? The fact is, it is, so its up to the people to take a stand and take action to raise more awareness and possibly research funding. The children are the future of tomorrow and whatever we are doing to help them now will directly affect or change the world not just for them but for the rest of humanity.

Every story needs an Antagonist to make it more interesting

Every story needs an Antagonist to make it more interesting. Unfortunately this seems to be missing in my present time. It almost seems boring..haha..nah...the struggle is still the same except this time the struggle is with myself and my desire to be healthy and not a person per se.

I do admit at times I do miss my Ex antagonist beating me down (no not really, only in lala land). Asides from everyday struggles of being a single mother, fulltime student, work, taking care of my children's special needs, life is pretty much peaceful these days compared to my past days.

So, why you say I've gained back all this weight?

Simple= STRESS. It's something I didn't always experience in the past because I was so caught up in surviving everyday life and making sure I didn't get annihilated by my antagonist, but now I do. I mean it doesn't control my life or anything and compared to my previous life, I live in complete freedom, yet LIFE gets explicitly hectic and exhausting.

So what do I do to regain energy?

I EAT...STRESS EAT! I eat to wake up in the morning...I eat to sustain energy during the day...I eat to stay up all night so I can study for midterms or write 1000 word essays for my college classes (seriously with all the writing I've been undertaking this semester, I could have written over 20 books) Well I’m not complaining too much about the writing part (I love writing), it’s the all the structure and guidelines I have to follow when I write literary essays or research papers that stresses me out.

 But that’s it, ENOUGH is ENOUGH!

I’m taking back control of my life and my health! Come this summer, I will be FREE. No more Exams or schoolwork to worry about until August. I’m going to lose back all this weight that’s been weighing me down heavily even if I have to get my exercise by taking my kids to the park every day.

I love spending time with my children and summer is a great time to give them my all and we can enjoy this time without the constraints of daily schoolwork. We will be cooking daily together as a family, no more junk food! I can’t wait. The anticipation has been building up but for now I have to focus on surviving this semester. One more month! NOW WHERE’S MY COFFEE..I need you NOW!!

You can read about my experience by going here: Does The Sacred Heart Diet work for Rapid Weight loss? and don't forget to checkout my specific reasons for trying the Sacred Heart Diet along with the recipe for the Sacred Heart Soup Diet here: I'm Losing 20 lbs in one week learn how I'm Doing It And Why

Sacred Heart Diet Update

The very first time I tried this diet I was surprisingly very successful with an initial weight loss of 14 lbs in just one week. To find out how I lost 14 lbs in one week using the Sacred Heart Diet go here: Does The Sacred Heart Diet work for Rapid Weightloss? and I’m losing 20 lbs in one week.

Anyways, I kept losing weight after this through other forms of health routines yet when I gained a few pounds I kept trying to come back to see if I could lose some weight with the Sacred Heart Diet. After some failed attempts or some disappointment of not losing as much as the first time, I just gave up altogether.

Recently I have gained back some of the weight that I have lost due to the stresses of being a single mother, working part time and over fulltime university student. I know these are just excuses but as many single parents can relate, my life literally does not belong to me! Time is very limited in my life. It’s even more difficult when you add being a parent to special needs children. Between taking care of my children’s needs and balancing work and school, life can get chaotic and stressful.

The result of stress?

For me it’s overeating even when I’m not hungry. Just last week before Spring break started I was stressing out over midterms. I was only getting 2 to 3 hrs of sleep each night and was constantly grabbing junk food thinking it would give me energy to keep me awake enough to keep studying and get through midterms. You see I stress out over midterms more because if my GPA falls below a 3.0, I can lose my scholarships, adding even more stress to a single parent such as myself.

Now that I’m not stressing over midterms I’ve had some time to think and realized how I’m not the only one who stresses over limited time. There are millions out there who are overweight or obese due to stress eating and limited time. This type of lifestyle leaves many struggling with health and weight issues. For some it may be under eating but for the majority such as myself it may be overeating.

While the Sacred Heart Diet is a great jumpstart to weight loss and it is only a one week diet, it is one of the hardest diets out there. While some people can dedicate one week to this diet, not everyone has enough time to adapt to this diet. Some of us don’t even have minutes to ourselves let alone a week. This diet is very restricted. Our lives are restricted as it is so unless you are 110 % dedicated to this diet you will eventually fail.

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds" -Marden

I think the reason I was so successful the first time was because I was going through a sense of empowerment and was completely committed. I had a breakthrough and realized that something drastic had to be done to change my unhealthy habits. My breakthrough was when I could not even bend down to tie my own shoes. I realized how my independence could be jeopardized if I continued down this road and I did not want to be dependent on others to care for me. Unfortunately not everyone has these drastic breakthroughs and most people don’t even realize how unhealthy their lifestyle is until it’s too late to be motivated to do anything. This just results in more stress and more overeating.

Now that I’ve had time to think, I’ve come up with some solutions and possibly some original recipes that can help but I still have a lot of work to do. I will post them up as soon as I’m done. In the meantime don’t forget to checkout how I lost 14 lbs in one week with The Sacred Heart Diet and I’m losing 20 lbs in one week.

What is the reason that some people are more successful than others when trying The Sacred Heart Diet?

9/11 Full The Painful Deception Truth & lies behind 9/11 - ...

Only the truth can set you Free...think about it..don't believe everything that is fed to you. If you have a mind of your own, use it. If something seems odd, question it and analyze it. Do your own research and analyze the FACTS not just the NEWS.

"Gradually I came to realize that people will more readily swallow lies than truth, as if the taste of lies was homey, appetizing: a habit."
- Martha Gellhorn

Alone with Yourself

Being alone once in awhile is Ok and possibly a blessing in disguise. The most creative ideas come through silence and spending some time with yourself and God. Easier said than done in this crazy busy life we have but not impossible.

It's funny how humans are so afraid of being alone and even see it as being selfish or even a sin. The truth is how can we give love or affection to others and share our true selves when we don't even know ourselves. This can only be achieved by being Alone with yourself!


Words to live by......

"take silence and respect it, if you have an art that needs respect stop neglecting it" -Tanya Davis

Skyfall: Hundreds injured as meteorite wreaks havoc in Russia's Urals

2013 H.E.B. SLIMDOWN CHALLENGE!!!

Didn't get in for the 2012 and you're regretting it?

No more regrets!

There is still some time left to join the 2013 Slim down Contest but you only have until October 21st to send it and they must recieve it by October 29th. You can download the application here at http://www.heb.com/page/healthy-at-heb/slim-down-showdown/faq as well as get all the details regarding the H.E.B. SLIMDOWN SHOWDOWN CHALLENGE!!

The Grand Prize winner gets $10,000 but don't do it for the money do it for your health. Think of all the health education you will gain that will set you to a lifelong journey of nourshing and caring for your beautiful temple.

You have to submit a video and picture of yourself telling them why you want to join. Try to send it priority mail with a confirmation number so it gets to them faster and you have proof that you sent it on time.

I wish I could join the contest but I don't think I would survive being away from my children for one week if they choose me to be a contestant. I think I'm doing my own challenge at home but I won't mention anything until I start or at least have a plan. Or who knows, maybe I'll decide to join the H.E.B. Slim down Showdown Challenge at the last minute! ;) I'll keep you posted if I do.For anyone thinking about joining or if you already applied let me know how it goes.  Asta Luego!! (@_@)

Letter to GOD

Dear God,

Thank you for always being there when I needed you
Thank you for listening to my prayers
When all seemed lost you gave me hope
Even through my dark days you gave me light
When I was to weak to seek change you gave me strength
When I saw myself as unworthy, You taught me that I am worthy of love and respect

I’m in a much happier place now even though I still have my days when I look at...

the past
But just knowing that you will always be there to guide me in my path comforts me.
I’m no longer that naïve girl who was afraid of being alone
Your love is all I need to get me through my days.
Everyday is a struggle but I become stronger and wiser

I watch the years go by so fast as my children grow up.
I don’t want them to grow up just yet.
I wish I could seize the moments and just forget.
There’s no doubt that my children are the most amazing gift you have ever given me.
They fill my life with love and strength.

I have something to live for what more can I ask.
Everyday is a challenge, everyday is a task
But I try to handle it with grace as best as I can
I do have my days though as I am not perfect
It’s easy to give all of myself to their special needs and lose myself in the process
But it’s OK I’m up for the challenge, I’m willing to accept my purpose.

I’ll see you when my journey is over
But not yet I have so much to live for and so much to do.
I won’t let you down.

-Vane D. Lopez

GUESS WHO'S BACK!! BACK AGAIN!!!

It's been a long time since I've been online let alone blogging. My life is just overdrive busy with being a single mom, fulltime-student, worker etc.. and my special needs children. My children always come first before anything and the great thing about writing is you can always come back to it either when you have some time to think or you just have a lot on your mind that you need to express.

Fortunately, I have alot on my mind and I am in great need to express myself yet my time is very limited and I'm going tthrough this on sonic speed so please escuse my grammer as I don't have time to edit that much.

Anyways, something that has been bothering me lately has been this political season surrounding my community, which I'm sure has been going on everywhere throughout the country. Though where I'm from Politics is involved in everything especially in schools. I don't know if this is necessarily a good thing or a bad thing but I do know this, where there is greed and corruption there is evil.

What's funny is that these people involved in school politics claim they want to help our community and make a difference in our schools yet they haven't done anything for our children so far.

If you really want to help our community stop with the lies, end the corruption, and end the greed
involved in politics and education, because as long as these things continue to be a part of our school, politics, law etc..the system will always be flawed.

My words to them are as follows:

The first thing you need to do is start with your own children. You can't claim that you will help our children
and community when you do nothing for your own but teach them greed. Talk is cheap, don't just say you will make a difference to get people to vote for you, actually do something before you claim you know what's best. I don't believe in paid advertisements or billboards, they're as fake as the person who paid for it.

I can't say that my family is perfect but when there is an issue I take action the best way I can, when possible. I start with my children first because even if I don't get to make a difference in this world I know that my children eventually will carry on the legacy.

I'm not perfect and neither are my children, I'm human and I make mistakes yet I have learned so much about life. I'm not done learning, I still have a long way to go before I become wiser.

We have struggled so much yet that is what makes us stronger not only as a family unit but as individuals. It is in the struggles that a person can actually learn, teach, and help others.


P.S.  Whoever says "Life's a piece of cake" must be joking. Life is a whole cake that might be missing some elements or ingredients but so what, eat it all up, digest it and make the most of what you do have or better yet learn how to make a better tasting cake each time until you get it right, then teach the children the same ingredients so they can make their own cake. Don't worry if their cake turns out better than yours, it's all part of the plan. ;)

-Vane D. Lopez

My Father

He is a man of strength and wisdom. Although he has lived many years, he stands strong like a vulture. His old age does not reflect his inner youth. It started with a dream within himself and sacrifice for his family. He does not regret what he did in search of freedom and survival for he now has not only one dream but many dreams for his family. His heart is made of gold yet it is priceless. Always willing to work hard with his hands like they taught him in his hometown of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He is proud of his culture and he makes sure to teach his grandchildren and children of his traditions but he is more proud of what it took to become a Mexican-American. He is an artist and singer who remained undiscovered for his art represents wisdom, courage, and survival. His heartfelt stories are impacting and circulating. His voice represents hope and life. He sings to his family and his grandchildren. He sings to nature while he teaches his autistic grandaughter how to draw and paint. He sings to his granddaughter while she falls asleep. He sings to God with his guitar everyday. He is an angel to everyone who has ever known him. He is a father, a grandfather, a brother, a husband, a friend. He is my father, Mi Padre, mi heroe, he is my strength and he is irreplaceable. 

Just When I Think I Am Done

You know that problem that just never seems to go away no matter how much you try to make it right or just forget about it?

That person who continuously spreads lies about you just to hurt you because you finally decided to move on with your life and not take any more crap from them but they still find a way to hurt you. 

The feelings of emptiness and helplessness that just never leaves you alone no matter how happy you try to be. And just when you think you are finally done it strikes you again and your back to where you started. In other words you regressed to the past, not physically but in spirit and mentally.

You want to move on but that thing or person keeps dragging you back into despair or in other words their level. Yes, I've been there too and possibly still am. The truth is the problem doesn't seem to go away no matter how much you try but it's how you deal with it that helps you move on at least in your mind.

"I'm proud of my heart. It's been played, Stabbed, Cheated, Burned and broken, but somehow Still works."

First of all you must face your problem or fear:

If it's a certain person making your life hell, then be courteous to them even if you can't stand them. Kindness kills all evil and it's the best revenge. Trust me nothing hurts your enemy more than seeing you happy. Showing them that what they are doing doesn't hurt you anymore and you won't put up with it, but that you forgive them anyway, is key to getting rid of some feelings of helplessness.

If it's a problem or fear then face it and if you can't fix it then just accept it and move on to what you can fix which is yourself. Work on things you can change about yourself that can prevent or create future problems or at least how you react to them. We can't always control what happens to us but we can control how we deal with problems and how we manage them.

Find Comfort in things that make you Happy

It might be hard to find time for yourself but it is key in being emotionally healthy. My happiness contributors = God, family, songwriting, poetry, music, school…, etc. There will be times though that I need a break from school and even family due to my busy schedule s that's where poetry and songwriting comes into the picture. 

I don't always have time for people because I put my family first but I have to find time for poetry or songwriting once in a while because its part of who I am. If you stop being yourself then who are you? Now I can say that I don't always publish my poetry or songs online. Most of my work is for my own personal gratification or humorous delectation (Yes I like laughing at myself through music&poetry..lol). I don't always feel that people will understand my words and they might judge me but when I create them they live forever in  my paper. 

If coffee is you're thing, then by all means take a coffee break once in a while. If your life schedule is overbooked, then try to reduce the things that can wait or are not that important. Taking some time for yourself is how you discover who you are as a person so that you can share your true inner beauty with others. If you don't find time to make yourself happy, then you will be a very stressed and angry person and that will only make others around you unhappy too. (lol)

Surround yourself with positive people or Family

It's always good to surround yourself with people who know you well and know your story since they will understand more than anything what you've been through. Other people will just assume they know you but they don't. Nevertheless be open to welcome new people in your life that want to be a part of your life. 

Keep your circle small as even some friends or family members pretend to care about you when they are secretly planning on stabbing you in the back. Nevertheless don't assume everyone is out to get you, just know how to tell the difference between people who really have your best interest at heart or who are only interested in breaking your heart.

People who are constantly criticizing what you do might not have your best interest at heart. A true friend listens and offers advice or constructive criticism but doesn't judge you maliciously. Surrounding yourself with people who seem to genuinely care about you and make you feel good is key in overcoming certain problems or issues but don't confuse constructive criticism with malicious criticism. 

Most people do have your best interest at heart and might not have the best words of comfort but it doesn't mean they don't care about you. They might not even know that their words hurt you, just let them know how you feel and talk about it before it turns into another problem in your life that can be avoided.

Use your feelings of emptiness/despair towards your talent or Hobby

Find out what your good at or if you already have a hobby or passion, use your feelings to create something amazing with it. It doesn't have to be to showcase it to anyone or to become well known but it will give you a sense of pride and joy knowing you created something beautiful out of your despair. 

When you're going through something unpleasant and you use it towards something that is your passion, it can actually produce some amazing internal feelings. I know that whenever I'm going through something I pick up my pen and start songwriting or write a poem that I immediately get a rush throughout my whole body. I know it's weird but it's the way that I deal with issues in my life and I believe it's the most healthy natural way to prevent depression but that's just my opinion. 

So whatever it is your good at or you love to do, use your anger, frustration, passion or whatever and release it into your talent and create something amazing. If you're an artist then your painting will be 1000 times more amazing if you PUT YOUR HEART into it.

Keep Moving: Don't Give Up

No matter what happens in your life, remember to never give up and keep looking forward. The more we focus on the past, the more we get dragged by it making it harder to move on. Like I said before the problem and that person might not ever go away but it's how we deal with it that makes a difference in how our emotional state will be. I can't say I have mastered this just yet because I still deal with these issues but I am a different person now than I was before. 


I have been through so much in my life and I have felt like giving up so many times but I also managed to overcome those fears by facing them and saying "no more." It's not easy to move on and demand respect. The old me would put up with being hurt for fear of change, but the new me is stronger because of what I've been through. I feel as though I'm not fully back to myself, but I am a wiser person who has evolved into who I was meant to be all along. I don't regret what I've been through as it was a test in my life that I have passed never to be repeated. 

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” ― Mother Teresa

Ema Jane Shabby Chic Girl Flower Headbands

These Flower Headbands are so beautiful and they are perfect for Spring. They fit babies, toddlers, and girls. I think I'm getting some for my girls. They are adorable!! You can find these at The Kidos Store > :)

Random Thought: Why I Hate Phones That Are Smarter Than Me

I don't like it when a phone is smarter than me. It makes me feel jealous. I like to be in control of my phone not have my phone tell me what to do.

Don't get me wrong, I used to own a smart phone and I loved it (that's the problem). I depended to much on it for everything and if I didn't have it I would go crazy and turn into a psychopath investigator being suspicious of everything and everyone.

Everywhere I went I had to use my phone and it was touchscreen so if I would put it in my pocket it would start dialing random people.

Anyways, here are just a few reasons I dislike Smart Phones:

I don't want people to laugh at me

My phone didn't have spell check but I've heard most new smart phones such as Blackberries have this and I've heard it's a pain in the a**. At least that's what I've seen from some FB statuses.

We got people calling themselves "gay" when they meant "wey" (dude) and "kiss" instead of "diss" and other words that are too rated for me to mention them here. Apparently these new smart phones are not Street Smart lol!

This type of words can make you the laughing stock and can really damage your online as well as offline image. People will look at you differently if you know what I mean.


Smart Phone APPS

Another reason I hate smart phones is because of the apps. I mean don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down people who like to play games on their phones or like certain apps. My problem is that certain other types of apps such as spy ware or malware can be installed into your phone without your knowledge.

 One particular spy ware that seems to be popular amongst smart phones is Mspy. This type of software is advertised as helping people catch their cheating spouses or businesses to spy on their employees if they are using the companies property such as company cell phones, computers, etc.

While it seems harmless to most, it can get out of control and most of these apps are being used unethically. Too much power in the wrong hands or SMART phones can get crazy or should I say Genious crazy.

THEY DIE

Theses smart phones are so smart that eventually they get tired and their batteries need recharging just like people except we don't always die on the spot. These phones are more unpredictable than a human's life and they require so much energy. 

When they don't have enough they die and it could leave you at anytime when you most need it. You could be having a special conversation with someone or an important phone conference that gets cut off all because your phone needs to be charged.

YOU LOSE BRAIN CELLS

I mean here you are depending on your phone for everything. You are using GPS to get to places and you are searching everything you need so your brain stops functioning like it should be. 

Don't get me wrong even computers do this to us sometimes but smart phones are so portable that people seem to carry it anywhere so they become dependable on it even for simple reasoning skills that they forget how to think for themselves. 

There are many more reasons why I hate smart phones but it would take a book for me to express my opinions (it's a possibility lol). I always get crap about not replying to phone texts and I have to apologize for my phone not being as fast or smart. 

It takes forever for me to type a text on my prepaid numbers only phone but since practically everyone owns a smart phone, not everyone understands me. I know I'm probably missing out on all the game apps mania fun but it's OK as long as I don't lose myself.

They think I'm just ignoring them, but I'm not. People can judge me all they want about me not owning a smart phone but I won't apologize for not wanting to own one. That's just my decision and believe me I am much happier now that I don't own one. 

Note: Not everyone who owns a smart phone depends on it as much and I'm not saying that these phones are for people who are not smart. It's just a concern I have that large corporations are making billions from these phones and humanity is paying a much higher price than just money, such as their freedom and their true selves but that's just my opinion. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here is solely of myself and I do not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of the above OPINIONS, neither would I be responsible for any consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from the actions resulting from such opinions. Reader is asked to do their own due diligence or research before taking any action! For the Smart Phone companies: I am not responsible for individuals or companies who stop purchasing smart phones or vice versa. As I mentioned before, I am only expressing my opinion. (I just had 2 put that here4legal purposes..lol)

Wow!! Longtime no SEE!!

It's been awhile since I've been on here but I've been busy with school, the flu, motherhood and YES I'm still looking for a job although I would like to think that writing, motherhood, and school is my job for now. I would also like to share that I'm trying the Sacred Heart Diet again in a couple of days or a week.

The first time I tried it I lost 14 lbs. in a week but I weighed over 200 lbs. I'm still overweight but at least I'm not obese anymore and I know it was this diet that helped jumpstart most of my weight-loss but since the holidays I gained 10 lbs. but luckily I got the flu and lost them back (Yes I know that's not a good way of losing weight but I was sick, I couldn't help it..lol).

Anyways, back to topic, In case you haven't read my article where I explain my weight-loss experience, Read Here. I need to get back on track, not only for myself but for my family. Plus, I could use all the energy I can get especially if it's natural.

After being sick for over a month with Flu, I'm longing to feel better and gain some of the energy this vegetable soup provides. I'll let you know how it goes next week. I doubt I'll lose as much weight as the first time since I weigh less but it's worth a try! Wish me luck!

The World Day of the Sick

On February 11 it will be The World Day of the Sick. So what does this mean? It doesn't mean we are celebrating sickness rather its a way of celebrating life.


This day should be used as a reflection of our health as well as others and how we must help each other especially in times of sickness. It's a time to remember God's love and the power of healing in times of sickness.


Isn't it weird that sometimes sickness brings people together but it shouldn't always be like that. If we took care of one another and looked out for each other then we could somehow prevent some types of sicknesses or at least lessen the prolongs of it.


God gave us this life for a reason and he gave us salvation through his son Jesus Christ. Although we are not perfect and we will never be in this world since we are all sinners, the least we can do is try to live a worthy life and change our bad habits that can not only destroy our own lives, but the ones who love us too.


Life is a test and each day is a lesson learned. We weren't born perfect but if we continue to learn from life then we will eventually gain the wisdom we need to fall into the likeliness that God intended us to be with a heart of Gold!

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth His word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Psalm 107:19-20