Attitude of Gratitude....series

Today we are doing part 2 of this section.

"Thankful people are refreshing, life-giving springs, while unthankful people pull other down with them into the stagnant pools of their selfish, demanding, miserable ways."

 

I have learned a lot about thankfulness from a young woman I met a number of years ago. Since birth, Fran has been the victim of crippling cerebral palsy. She has suffered through many painful surgeries, as well as the divorce of her unsaved parents, the death of her father, and a relatively isolated existence. A couple years after she met Christ, Fran wrote to share with me what God had been teaching her. She detailed many of the "thorns" that she has to contend with on a daily basis. Then she closes with an original piece of ho9mespun verse entitled, simply:  

 

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is something you learn

to do.

It involves a daily walk in trust and

prayer.

When circumstances get so big you can't

understand,

Just stop and look at the cross and you

will see

The amazing love that is shown for you

there.

 

Realize it is a part of God's plan

You don't have to understand.

Just take hold of His hand,

For you see, God is unlimited.

 

Therefore, in every circumstance there is

a purpose.

No matter how dark it looks, just look to

Jesus,

Take hold of His hand and know that He

is working on your behalf.

 

And so, we are called to e thankful people, to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits that we have received from God and others. We are all debtors, and we repay those debts with grateful hearts and words of thanksgivings. It is not enough to feel gratitude in our hearts. That gratitude must be communicated to those to whom we re indebted.



 

 

From time to time, I find it helpful to stop and take stock of my "gratitude accounts." I ask myself, is there any circumstance in my life for which I have never given thanks? Is there some blessing I have received for which I have not expressed gratitude? Is there an individual ) a family member, a friend, and acquaintance, and associate, a teacher, a pastor) who has in some way touched or benefited my life, to whom I have not yet paid my debt by saying, "Thank you"?

 

In fact, as I began to write this piece, God brought to mind the names of a number of people to whom I owe a debt of gratitude--among them, three authors that I have never met, whose writings have greatly impacted my life and walk with God. I have since had the joy of paying that debt, in the form of heartfelt letters of thanks.

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The month of July my son will have his daughter and I will be caring for her while he is at work. It will be a very busy month for me and I will probably won't have as much opportunity to work on blog posts.

In August we will resume this series - with a part three of this section, a couple of poems and we will get some homework. :O)

 



Gaining and Losing Physical Fitness

I wanted to share a quote from a book I have glanced through. I found some very interesting information and wanted to share it with you.

 

"If you exercise once or twice a week, you can increase your aerobic capacity by eight percent.. Exercising for 20 minutes three times a week will double that capacity. Working out four times a week will increase aerobic capacity by 25 percent. Optimal benefits are four or five exercise periods per week. Don't exercise four straight days and then rest for three days. It is better to exercise on alternate days. Three days of rest allows some of your fitness to be lost. In five weeks of inactivity you can lose 50 percent of your fitness. After ten weeks, you will be back to square one and will have to start over again."

John 15 series...verse 4

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."

John 15:4

 

As I was studying this verse - I noticed a little note in my Andrews Study Bible that I wanted to share:

"Abide~ Remain, continue, stay.

No one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand, but we are free to leave if we wish."

 

Isn't that a beautiful thought- "No one can snatch us out of Jesus' hand"

 

The entry in the SDA Commentary for this verse helps us better understand this verse:

 

A continuous abiding in a living connection with Christ is essential for growth and fruitfulness. Occasional attention to matters of religion is not sufficient. Riding high on a wave of religious fever one day, only to fall low into a period of neglect the next, does not promote spiritual strength. To abide in Christ means that the soul must be in daily, constant communion with Jesus Christ and must live His life(Galatians 2:20). It is not possible for one branch to depend upon another for its vitality; each must maintain its own personal relationship to the vine. Each member must bear its own fruit."

 

Let's look at what Galatians 2:20 says:

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

 

"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus; that if One died for all, then all died; (15) and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again."

I Corinthians 5:14-15

 

I love a little note in my Andrew's Study Bible for "all died~ However, everyone has the potential for a new life." And all because Christ was willing to leave Heaven and come down to this sinful world and die on the cross for our sins. What a powerful incentive to help drive our desire for a personal relationship with Him- the daily relationship that will keep us connected to the vine, which will lead to the production of fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

"'Herein is My Father glorified,' said Jesus, 'that ye bear much fruit.' God desires to mainifest through you the holiness, the benevolence, the compassion, of His own character. Yet the Saviour does not bid the disciples labor to bear fruit. He tells them to abide in Him....

 It is through the word that Christ abides in His followers. This is the same vital union that is represented by eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The words of Christ are spirit and life. Receiving them, you receive the life of the Vine. You live "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matt. 4:4. The life of Christ in you produces the same fruits as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ." Desire of Ages, page 677

 

(if you are interested in reading the chapter that this quote was borrowed from - click on the link above. It is the chapter called ~  "Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"

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We will be taking a break from most regular postings on my blog during the month of July since I will be busy - so hopefully we will resume this study in August. See ya then. :O)

 



We won't play cheap and loose with God's grace if....

Another great quote from this book:

photo bummed from internet 



"But even though it is possible to have a relationship with God and a known sin going on at the same time, sooner or later one of the two is going to go.
Judas was the smart one. He understood this principle. He decided he didn't want his sin to go, so he deliberately scrapped his relationship with Jesus in favor of the sin.
Now we have come to the real issues in cherished sin, presumptuous sin, known sin. Judas understood what to do to overcome sin, and he deliberately chose not to do it. And when someone scraps a relationship with Jesus in favor of continuing in sin, he is on exceedingly dangerous ground. Perhaps you have met people who didn't want to get too religious, because they were afraid their lifestyle would change. Such was the case with Judas.
But the rest of the disciples wanted to stay with Jesus regardless. John, for example. HE was the disciple who was always there. Nothing could take him from the side of Jesus. Yet it still took him three years to learn how to accept the victory Jesus had to offer. And in spite of his problems, which were fully as bad as those of Judas, he continued to walk with Jesus. ....

Please, my friend, may I remind you that if you continue to know Jesus as your personal Friend day by day- by prayer and by study of His Word- if nothing takes you from His side, you will join John the beloved in experiencing a transformation of character. Whatever sin you struggle with, it will fade away.
Sometime we get impatient and try to put timetables on our growth. We'd better not. That's God's department. That's the Holy Spirit's Work. The principle of  Christian growth is first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. It takes time to grow fruit.
But love has its own built-in safeguard against license. The more we love, the further we go from wanting to play cheap and loose with God's grace. And while we grow, while we learn with the disciples to love and trust Him fully, how thankful we can be for the message of how Jesus treated known sinners."

Never Goes Out of Style

Denim is something that seems to never go out of style. And I am so happy it doesn't because I love Denim. Some of the hardest things for me to let go of on this journey with weight loss has been to let go of my jumpers. I had a black jean jumper and a blue one- totally different styles. I loved them and enjoyed wearing them. But they are gone now.

Thankfully I found this denim jumper in the things I had packed away. I will be the first to say that it is not the most flattering denim jumper that I have had. But I am choosing to wear it and enjoy it until I get into the other denim dresses I have found.

I am keeping my eyes open when I go shopping to see if I can find great denim dresses/jumper that will fit me. I don't want to spend a lot of money on things that fit me now - because it will be temporarily used. Here is what I have found so far:

This first one is a Carolina Blues brand dress that I found the end of May. It was originally $6.99 at GW that I have just discovered in a town about 30 plus minutes away. The day I was shopping the purple tags were on sale - 50% off - so I was able to get this dress for only $3.50! What a bargain! To be honest - it has been challenging to find denim dresses/jumpers - and when I do to find one in my size(to be size) is even harder. Oh and to find one that I really like on top of all the other things.

This next one I found at the beginning of March. This dress even though the tag said 6.99 - and it was not a sale day I still got it for a bargain! I had a Goodwill punch card that gave me $10.00 off my purchase. I was able to get this great dress and a pair of black Danskin  capri length. And the awesome thing - is that they had pockets- so I can use them to exercise in and get credit for my movements!! Both of these for free!!

So last week I found another great piece of denim!!

When I shop I continue to keep my eyes open for lovelies in denim- because I wouldn't mind adding another one or two or.....to my closet. Well I do need a black one to replace the one I had to let go of... lol 

My Best Deal and a Secret to Shopping

So I promised you all a "Best Deal" post today! I have been blessed to find some great deals so wanted to share them with you all.

So my sister and I have figured out a secret to shopping  - actually my sister learned and then taught me- to look for things off season. We have had a super hard time finding summer tops - and had learned last year to start looking for them ALL year long. Then we realized that we needed to start doing the same thing for fall/winter things as well.

So over the last week or so I have began to look not only for the summer stuff and short sleeved things that I love to wear most of the time, but I also began to look for things for fall/winter. And I have been blessed by two great pieces!!

This first one is a cape- it is one of those on size fits all things - so it works great now and will work great when I reach my goal in weight loss. I think it is so pretty. And for only $3.00 I say that is a great deal!!!

Today I went to the same little thrift store in a nearby town that is only open a couple of days a week - and found this awesome denim jacket!!!

 

Picture does not do it justice.

(Be watching for a post about denim later this week.)

 

I love denim. And this beautiful white denim jacket is just perfect! There is a chance that it might be too big once I lose the rest of the weight that I want to lose to reach my goal - but thankfully I have the ability to take it to the consignment store and get the $3.00 out of it that I paid for it- if not  maybe even more $. It was worth the $3.00! I love it and can not wait for weather that will give me the ability to wear it!!

 

Have you found any good deals lately? I would love to hear about them.

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By the way - I have been getting slammed with what I believe to be spam comments. So I just wanted to say on here - if you  have commented lately and I have not responded - I am so sorry, it is because it is hard sometimes to know if the comments are legit or not. I really think they are spam though.

 

Farm Cooking.... "Guacamole Plus"

Have you noticed how expensive avocados have been lately? I love avocados. In fact, I love them plan and simple just as they are grown!! But sometimes we like guacamole. I was very excited when I was introduced  to this new way to make guacamole using only one avocado. That helps with the food budget - and helps add other nutrients as well by adding the peas. :O)

*another great recipe from the seminar at camp meeting*

enjoy :O)

Guacamole Plus

1 cup frozen green peas or drained and rinsed canned peas

2 ripe avocado, peeled

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 T fresh cilantro, chopped

1/2 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1. Blanch peas in boiling water for 2 minutes , then cool with cold water and drain well.

2. Mash peas using potato masher or fork, for creamy texture use food processor.

3. Add avocado to mashed peas.

4. Mix in onion, cilantro, and seasonings.

5. Serve with chips or your favorite dish.

*Cook's Comment: This guacamole is enriched with fiber and protein from the peas. It also contains cancer-fighting phytochemicals from the garlic, onion and lemon.

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By the way, I have made this and I have to say it is SO good!! It is good enough to eat straight up!! Yum!! This recipe will be added to my frequently used recipes!! Try it - you won't regret it! :O)

** by the way- be on the look out for a "My Best Deal" post, hopefully I'll get it ready to post this afternoon :) 



Beloved Names of God...series..Star out of Jacob

Star out of Jacob

"I shall see him, but not now. I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smile the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."

Numbers 24:17 KJV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as the "Star out of Jacob" once in the KJV.
• The Star out of Jacob symbolizes a descendant of Jacob who will outshine all the rest.
• Speaking under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Balaam tells King Balak he has had his eyes opened by God, and he can now see what will ultimately come from the Israelites--the people the kind now opposes.

 

"I shall behold him, but not nigh" (Numbers 24:17 KJV). Balaam lived about seven hundred years before Christ, but he knew he would see the Messiah- just not in his lifetime.

 

Many People believe that the Lord was coming long before He actually arrived. Some suffered and died for that belief. Now that is real faith!

 

How much stronger should our faith be, knowing that these ancient prophecies came true? We know Jesus arrived- and one day He will return!

 

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For the Month of July we will be doing a series about Brain Health -so I will probably suspend most series I have been doing. I just don't know if I will have time to keep up with them. So the next part of this series will probably be August 5th and the name we will be looking at is "Abba." 

 

 

The Attitude of Gratitude..series

Thankful people are refreshing, life-giving springs, while unthankful people pull others down with them into the stagnant pools of their selfish, demanding, miserable ways.

We have all known people who were unpleasant to be around because of their negative, down-in-the-mouth way of looking at life. Perhaps we also know what it is to have our own attitudes affected adversely by such people. Thankfulness is infectious; it poisons and contaminates the atmosphere of our hearts, homes, and other relationships.

But gratefulness is squally contagious. Do you remember the story of Pollyanna, the orphaned child who was sent to live with a cantankerous aunt who didn't want her? Do you remember how the whole climate of that home and community was literally transformed as Pollyanna introduced a joyless, thankless town to "The Glad Game"? At first, people made fun of the strange little girl who insisted on finding something to be glad about every time anything had happened. But ultimately they were compelled by the power of "the attitude of gratitude."

*part one- come back next week for part 2*

Essential Oils ...series ...some warnings

Today I wanted to share a couple of the power point photos talking about those who need to be careful about using certain essential oils, some can be dangerous.  

This first one is Epileptics- they need to avoid Basil, Birch, Dill, Fennel, Rosemary and Wintergreen essential oils.

If you have High Blood Pressure- You need to avoid Rosemary and Thyme essential oils.

 I decided to write those out just in case anyone has problems reading what is on the photos.

Ok - sometimes people who are on some medications are told not to drink grapefruit juice while taking the meds. And according to some studies it is safe to use the grapefruit oils because apparently they do not contain what ever it is that is in the juice that will cause a bad reaction when taking meds.

You should be able to click on the photo and read what it says. If anyone has any problems and is interested in what is said on the photo - just leave a comment and let me know and I will type it out.

Again - I am not selling any essential oils and I am not even saying that anyone should use them - I just wanted to pass the information along that I learned - just in case it is something that you, too, are interested in. Come back next week - I will have some more information. We will even have some recipes to help with different disorders and also recipes for cleaning supplies coming up. 

John 15 series...verse 3

Today we will be looking at verse four of John 15.

 

Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you.

John 15:3

 

 

The red letters in my red letter Bible tell me that these are words spoken by Christ. Hew as talking to His disciples.

 

A wonderful book that I just finished reading has a wonderful quote speaking of this very verse. I'd like to share it with you today:

 

"Just a short time before, these disciples had been bickering and arguing- unwilling to humble themselves and wash one another's feet. But in ministering to them Jesus humbled Himself, and their hearts had been touched. Now He could say to them, Ye are clean. They didn't have a very good track record, yet they didn't have to put in several weeks of good behavior before they could be forgiven. He said, Now ye are clean. Don't you like the sound of those words? We are cleansed as soon as we come to Him.

 

Not only that, but these disciples were not yet perfect and mature, never to sin or fall or fail again. In just a few hours they forsook Jesus and fled. one of them denied Him. All of them were ashamed of their connection with Him. Their faith failed so miserably in the difficult time of trial.

 

But Jesus, even though He warned them of what was going to happen, still could say to them, "Now ye are clean." They could be accepted by Him and be branches in the Vine. They didn't have to bring forth the fruit first- but rather, through the continued connection with Him, the fruit resulted."

 

 Quote from this book by Morris Venden: 

 

Sometimes in order to better understand a verse, it is a good idea to read the verse in different translations. Because this verse was a bit challenging to me - that is what I did. This time I was best able to understand this verse by looking at a paraphrase version:

 

"Your characters have been shaped already because I shared the Word of God with you and you accepted it as such."

John 15:3 from "The Clear Word Bible"

 

Another great verse that goes right along with this verse and its message is 2 Corinthians 3:18

 

"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

2 Corinthians 3:18

 

Preaching to the Choir and More

I love sharing about the important and benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I also realize that many of you that read my blog are probably much healthier than I am. So sometimes I feel like I am preaching to the choir. But it is so very important for people to know the importance of taking care of the body that God has blessed us with. I also feel there is a lot of false information floating around or the newest craze in this area or that - that is actually not that good for us. So I hope that by sharing things that can truly benefit our health, that I am able to combat just a bit of the false information.

I wish Dr would study for themselves the natural things people can do for themselves that would help with different issues and then be willing to take the time to share the valuable information. It seems there are certain people who will only listen to what the Dr days and then when all that Dr is doing is prescribing pills- pills that, in fact, cause worse side effects than what the patient was dealing with before hand- well that is frustrating and wrong.

There are things we can do for better health. We can make better choices in what we eat, drink and what we do with our time.

So I hope you all don't mind if I do my best to affect the little part of the planet that I can reach with important information. Information that I don't think is shared enough. Especially with all the false information that is going around.

God has given us free will. We are able to make our own choices. We are so much better off when we turn our wills over to Him and allow Him to guide and direct us. When we ask Him to guide us, He is faithful.

As long as there is false information going around. I feel that it is important for me to speak out for truth. And I hope by doing so that I can help encourage someone to choose to incorporate different elements into their lifestyles to bring them better health.

 

***You really can affect your health by the choices you make!***

 

** Make your choices wisely! **

Don't Waste Your Time

Last week I was on my computer looking for a photo that my husband had wanted. As I was looking I noticed a folder of some photos of me and my family that my Mother had given me several years ago. I began to look through the photos. Some I liked, some I did not. As I studied the ones I liked, I was surprised at the amount of photos that I thought I looked nice. I hadn't quite found my style in a lot of them, but thankfully as I have aged I have figured out more and more of what looks nice on me and what really doesn't.

As I looked at the photos that I was pretty happy with, I wondered if I had felt good about myself at the time the photo was taken. I again visited the old idea of liking myself and accepting myself. Too much of my life have put too much thought and attention into what I didn't like about myself. I have spent too much time focusing on the negative instead of the positive. That is another place in which I am choosing to grow in. These days I am trying to focus on the positives although I have times that I slip into the dark side of being negative. I try to focus rather on the fact that my body has been through a lot and it had gotten me through a lot. I had continued to be strong even in the midst of chemo. I had days of low energy but never did it give out on me.

Instead of allowing the negative to steal my joy, I will continue to do my best to appreciate my body and accept it. And to recognize the positives and the improvements. I will probably always have negatives that I could focus on, but I don't want to waste any more time with that. I wasn't to live a life being happy with myself and the improvements that I have made. I will put my e3nergies into taking care of myself and realizing that this is the body that God gave me. And I need to accept it and appreciate it.

So please join me - Don't waste any more time with the negativity- focus on the positive. Appreciate the body God has given you. If there are areas you are not happy about ask Him to guide you in what you can do to change it and if there is no way to change what ever it is. That is the time to ask Him to help you to accept it and to even like it. He is faithful. I know- I had to ask Him to help me like what I saw in the mirror when I was bald- as He did. As my acceptance of my situation would fade as it did ever so often- I would pray again for God to give me acceptance and to like what I saw and He always answered my prayers.

Farm Cooking....Paula's Quick Granola

One of the awesome seminars that I went to while attending Camp Meeting - was a Quick Vegan Cooking class. Well, I am not vegan but I wanted to learn more about healthy cooking. The presenter handed out some booklets "Farm Cooking" with about 15 recipes. I am planning on sharing these recipes with you as I get a chance. The very first one will be a quick granola. I make granola - more so during the autumn and winter because I cook my granola for several hours at a low temperature. But this recipe - is one you cook much faster - in about 30 minutes! And it is also one that you would put in lunches, take with you when you have to eat on the go, or just to have a healthy snack.

 

 

Paula's Quick Granola

 

2 C. rolled oats

2 C. quick oats

1/2 C. wheat germ(optional)

2 T. ground flax seed

1 tsp. salt

1/2 C. brown sugar or Sucanat

1 tsp. vanilla

1/3 C. oil

1 C. coconut

1/2 C. nuts, chopped

1/3 C. HOT water

 

1. Preheat oven to 350*.

2. Spray 16x12 cookie sheet with oil.

3. In a large mixing bowl, mix oats, wheat germ, salt and sugar.

4. In a small bowl combine oil and vanilla. Stir into the oatmeal mixture.

5. Add coconut and nuts and mix.

6. Add hot water. Mix well.

7. Press flat into cookie sheet. Do not stir.

8. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before removing from pan.

 

Easiest way to press down - is laying a piece of wax paper over the top and press down maybe even with another cookie sheet. The idea is to press the mixture together really well. Because when it is done - you will break it in to bite sized piece(or what ever works best for you). And that way you can use this Granola on the go.

 

** Be sure to add the ingredients in the order given.

** You may use applesauce in place of oil.

** Place in freezer to keep granola fresh.

 

Beloved Names of God...."Spirit of Adoption"

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;

 but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Romans 8:15 KJV

 

• Name of God the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit is referred to as the "Spirit of adoption" once in the KJV.
• Adoption means to accept something or someone and make it your own.
• In Romans 8:15, Paul was describing to the Roman Christians how they were in a new relationship- not one of bondage but one of love to and from the Father.

God doesn't force anyone into a relationship. He will try and try again to kindle trust and acceptance within us, and even when we have walked away countless times, He will still be loving us and eagerly awaiting for us to embrace Him. That acceptance is adoption. Through it God fully accepts us as family and we fully accept Him as our Father.

 

 

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Come back next week when we will look at  the name "Star our of Jacob" 

The Attitude of Gratitude....series

 

"A grateful heart will be revealed and expressed by thankful words, while an unthankful heart will manifest itself in murmuring and complaining."

 

A grateful spirit is what enables people to view and respond to the most painful circumstances in life with thanksgiving. As one person observed, "Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns."

 

Again, thankful believers from the past have much to teach us in this matter.

 

Matthew Henry, the well-known commentator of the 19th century, was once accosted by robbers. Reflecting on the experience, he wrote in his diary.

 

Let us be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed!

 

 

David Brainerd, that devoted missionary to the American Indians, who died before the age of 30, was characterized by a thankful spirit that enabled him to count his blessings in the direst of difficulties. On one occasion, while visiting friends, he suddenly developed a toothache and a shivering cold. During the night, he was attacked by a high fever and great pain throughout his body. Yet he thanked God that this distress had fallen upon him while he was among friends, rather than alone in the wilderness.

 

Another time while ill in his little hut and suffering severe pain, he again found grounds for gratitude. He penned in his diary, "Blessed be the Lord, I am not exposed in the open air. I have a house and many comforts to support me."

 

On yet another occasion, when facing long weeks of solitude, forging through swamps, on rocky terrain, through dark nights, and cut off from all human companionship, he exclaimed, "What reason for thankfulness have I on account of this retirement." He explained that contact with people afforded him the friendship and companionship of the world but loneliness drove him to experience intimate fellowship with the Lord.

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When we face difficult times - let us try to find things to be grateful for. :O)

 

 







Essential Oils...series Blends

Today I wanted to share some essential oils blends that are suppose to help with different problems.

These first three are blends that are to be used topically.

 

Fractionated Coconut oil is the most popular carrier oil. Be sure and get the fractionated kind though - the kind that is solid at room temperature will not work as a carrier oil.

 

 

 

The next couple are blends that you will take in a veggie capsule or by spoonful.

 

I am going to repeat what I heard - doTERRA and Young Living are the two companies that have pure oils that have been said to be safe enough to ingest. There maybe some of the others that are - and if you have more information for me about this - I would love for you to leave a message and help educate us. I have a hard time believing that these companies that use the pyramid scheme -(sorry to say it like that - I just mean when they keep their products where only certain people can sell them and then each person makes money off another person- well that makes me a little uncomfortable- because I feel like there is a lot of hype behind the products- just to make them sell and make the people towards the top - rich. You know if you make more money if everyone wants your product - then you are likely to say what ever needs to be said in order to make the sales. I know people that sell some of these things - and I know that they have good hearts- but it seems to me that in any of these companies - they use the crowds excitement in order to make the big bucks. I am not saying any of this to hurt anyone's feelings - I just wonder if other brands might be as helpful.

Like I said I usually use NOW brand - for my thieves oil blend and for lavender - I also have a boo boo blend that I have used and it seems to help.

 

Just use your best judgement. I just want you all to be safe.

Be sure and come back next week when I will share that sometimes a person needs to beware of using certain essential oils if they have some medical conditions.

John 15 series...verse 2

"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away;

and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

John 15: 2 KJV 

 

"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.

John 15:2 NAS 

 

I had always thought that this parable was talking about those who follow Christ and those that don't. But when I slowed down and really paid attention to what I was reading, I noticed that the verse says, "every branch in Me" So that would indicate that the two branches being spoken of are, in fact, talking about those who follow Christ. The difference in these two is one bears fruit and the other does not.

 

"As the branches are dependent upon their connection with the stock for life and productiveness, so the Christian is dependent upon union with Christ for spiritual life and fruitfulness."

SDA Comm. Vol. 5 pg. 1042

 

The fruit that this parable is speaking of is the fruit of the Spirit - we find a list of them in Galatians :

 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Meekness, self-control: against such there is no law." 

Galatians 5:22-23

 

 

The branch that does not bear fruit would represent one who does not stay in an abiding relationship with God, because only through an abiding relationship does one bear fruit.

 

And what happens to the branch that bears fruit?

"He purgeth it."

 

In my Bible commentary, the Greek word for purgeth is "kathairo"(with line over the "o") = "to cleanse," in this case, by removing the superfluous growth. There is a word play in the Greek in the words for "taketh away" (airo - line over the "o" again). And "purgeth " (kathairo ~line over the "o" again) that can not be reproduced in English. The character is "purged" by the tests and trials of life.

 

Lucky for us, our heavenly Father is the husbandman and He oversees the process!

 

"There can be no life without growth. As long as there is life there is need of continual development. Character development is the work of a lifetime."

 

If there were no growth in our lives we would become stagnate. And that is no good. The purging may be painful at times but it's the only way to develop our characters and bring us more and more into the likeness of Jesus.

 

I wanted to leave you with this thought that I found in my Andrew's Study Bible:

 

A grapevine has only two uses: either it produces food and drink

or it must be cut down to provide fuel.

 

Come back next week when we look at verse 3



 

 



God's Provisions

Losing weight and changing sizes can cause a dilemma. The clothes that you once wore nicely become too big causing you to need a new wardrobe. This can be expensive. Lucky for me, I have had some things packed away that were a size or two and even small amount of things even smaller.

Over the last couple of years I have gone through the clothes that I have saved and gotten rid of things that I didn't think would work even if I lost weight. Aging and menopause can cause changes to the body- which changes the way things fit. Plus there is also the fact that over the years I have finally figured out my style and what I really enjoy wearing and what I don't. Thankfully I ended up with something that have helped this transition from my starting size to where I am hoping to end up. This has been a real blessing, but not the only blessing.

In a town nearby, I have access to a consignment store which allows me to make some money from any clothes that do not work for me any more. They keep the items for a full 2 months and at the end I have the option of allowing them to donate the things that do not sell or I can pick them up. This has really helped me replenish my wardrobe, giving me a little extra money. I am so thankful for the ability to do this.

In the past I have found people bless by giving them the clothes I no longer wore. In fact up until the beginning of April I gave quite a lot of clothes to several of my friends. To the point that they are probably glad to have a break from getting clothes - you know with the clothes they already had plus a lot more- might equal too many clothes.

I am so grateful that God gave me the wisdom to hold onto the things I did. I had truly came to the place of thinking I'd never be able to lose weight and get down into the smaller sizes. Not only does your body change after menopause, but it also gets harder to lose weight. I am also grateful that God has made provisions for me to be able to sell some clothes to help replenish my wardrobe.

These are just a few blessings that I notice in my life.

**Be sure to keep your eyes open for the blessings in your life.**

 

**You don't want to miss out on the joy that comes from being thankful!**

Brain Health

During Camp Meeting they had a seminar on brain health. I took some notes and thought I would share a few things that I learned. Also during the month of July I am thinking of doing a Brain Health Enabler series- we shall see.

So first we will look at Water. Water is very important for our brains. In the seminar, I learned that sometimes when we get headaches - if we will go get a drink of water our head ache will go away. The head ache was caused from being dehydrated and then instead of the brain floating around like it should it may have caused pain instead. 

Another little tidbit - I had not heard this before. Gatorade(and things like it I am sure) dehydrate you. I am not a big Gatorade drinker- in fact I hardly ever drink the stuff. If this does not seem true- do some research - I haven't - I am just passing on what I heard.  

Light- We need light - morning light is very good for us. If possible get some bright light by 7am.  When we are exposed to early morning light it helps get us on the circadian rhythm. So a great thing to do is to open up your shades and blind in the early morning to let the light into you house and into your eyes. If you are able, go outside and let that sunlight into your eyes. Being outside will help with several other aspects of brain health.

Working in the garden or in your yard between 10-2 helps you get your Vit D. And when you are working out side - it is more benefit to you.

Exercise - Exercise before your breakfast for brain health. When you exercise you are building serotonin. And an added bonus when you exercise on an empty stomach - you will burn fat. Exercising also brings the LDL levels down.
We were told that when we walk that it is best not to have earphones - something about them in our ears doesn't allow us all the benefits as we would get without them. It is best to be able to hear the birds sing and nature around us. God can speak to us when we are out in nature - it's like a second book - to us to show His love.

Sleep- The hours before midnight are worth more than the hours after midnight. So try to get to bed earlier. Having a schedule of going to bed earlier is better for you.

Deep Breathing - It is very good for you get some deep breathing done - outside in the mornings- you can go on a walk and get the deep breathing along with the sunlight and deep breathing. And the best way to walk is to listen to nature while you walk. It is good to practice deep breathing - deeply breath in for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds with tongue behind your teeth.

Music- classical music is best music for brain health.

They also suggested that we try to get ground flaxseed or chia seeds every day so we can get the tryptophan and Omega3 needed for brain health. One suggestion is to put 2-3 T. of Chia seed in a glass of Juicy Juice. Another suggestion was just to add some chia seeds to cold water and let it set for a bit and then drink it. You can sprinkle the ground flaxseed on yogurt or oatmeal. Or add to salads. Experiment and see what works best for you.

Thinking Positively- when we think negative thoughts we actually can create ruts in our brains. When you start to think something negatively - stop yourself and see how you could restate it into a positive - or turn your thoughts to something positive. Praising God is always a great activity or reciting Bible verses. Just remember negative thoughts can cause holes in the brain - do we want holes? No- then lets choose to think positive thoughts.

Reading our Bibles is great for brain health. In fact, one thing that I have heard from several different sources is that it is good to get into the habit of reading one chapter of Proverbs every day -so on the first of the month start with Proverbs one and on the second - chapter two and so forth. I have to admit this is not something that I do. But I do think it would be a good habit to get into.

So if everything works out for the month of July - I would like us - you and me- to read through Proverbs together. A friend once did a study on Psalms and she went into greater depth about certain verses- I don't know if I will be able to do that but I want to at least have us read Proverbs together.

For brain health - you want the best of everything - the best food, exercise, light, air, sunshine, and rest.

"Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise." MH251

My Best Deal/ A Blessing

Last week-end a town nearby was preparing for a big curbside pick up of trash. As my husband and I were driving to the bank- we noticed this on a side street- which called for us to turn right around and go look at it. It was in pretty good shape and so we loaded it up into our car!!! I had been wanting something like this for all my cats!

 

As soon as I got it home I cleaned it up and then we put it out in the sun room - where our kittens(that are a year old now) spend their nights. And I just have to say - all the cats love it!! They take turns- and as you can see - several can be on it at a time. It was our best deal - at ZERO dollars!! And a BIG blessing indeed!! Praise the Lord for His blessings!

We are thankful for this token of His love- little did we know that the week would begin with pretty tough trial- as always God was faithful through it all.

Beloved Names of God....series "Amen"

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and the true witness, the beginning of the creation of God."

Revelations 3:14 KJV

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is referred to as the "Amen" twice in Revelation.
• Amen is usually the conclusion to most Judeo-Christian prayers. It translates from the original Hebrew as "verily" or "truly."
• John was reciting Jesus' warning to the church in Laodicea that He was disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm in their faith. He would prefer they were either "hot or cold."

Laodicea was suffering from lukewarm faith. Laodicea, a thriving metropolis in Asia Minor, a cultural and educational center, was not suffering from plague or drought. No, its condition was much more serious.

 

Turning the mirror onto this twenty-first century, the parallels between Laodicea and our society are obvious. What Jesus said to the Laodiceans stands today. The Amen(our trustworthy God) is waiting for you to answer His call.

 

~ Taken from "The Top 100 Names of God" by Ellyn Sanna

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Come back next week when we will be looking at the name "Spirit of Adoption"

 



The Attitude of Gratitude....series

People with grateful hearts are easily contented,

 while ungrateful people are subject to bitterness and discontent.

 

Years of counseling with people who are chronically unhappy, depressed, frustrated, and emotionally unstable, have convinced me that these "disorders" often stem from an unthankful heart, regardless of any external circumstances that may appear to provide an explanation.

 

An ungrateful person holds tightly to his "rights," and sets himself up for hurt and disappointment when God or others fail to perform according to is expectations. But the individual who has yielded all his rights to God, sees all of life through thankful eyes, and has no room in his heart for selfish, destructive emotions.

 

Great saints of the past sing in unison on this point. A. W. Tozer observed,

 

Thanksgiving is a proper answer to dark disquieting thoughts, and may be an effectual means to silence them. Songs of praise are sovereign cordials to drooping souls, and will help to cure melancholy. When we have no other answer to the suggestions of grief and fear, we may have recourse to this, "I thank Thee, O Father."

 

John Henry Jowett put it this way:

 

"Gratitude is a vaccine, and antitoxin, and an antiseptic." Another preacher expanded the analogy:

 

Gratitude can be a vaccine that can prevent the invasion of a disgruntled attitude. As antitoxins prevent the disastrous effects of certain poison's and diseases, thanksgiving destroys the poison of faultfinding and grumbling. When trouble has smitten us, a spirit of thanksgiving is an soothing antiseptic.

 

Friedrich Ruckert said it succinctly: "Wouldst thou first pause to thank thy God for every pleasure, for mourning over griefs thou wouldst not find the leisure." 



 





Essential Oils.....series

As you all know I was able to attend Camp Meeting recently. One of the seminars that I went to - was one about Essential Oils. I took photos of some of the power points so I could share some information with you all - just in case you are interested in them.

She started off by saying that DoTERRA and Young Living essential oils - are pure and the only ones that they know for sure are safe to take internally. I don't know about you but I really can't afford to stock my cabinet with DoTERRA or Young Living essential oils. I was given a tiny bottle of the orange essential oil - and oh my goodness it smelled SO good. But mostly I use "Now" brand essential oils. I do not use essential oils internally at this point though.

SO first off is a list of the EO's that are safe for Internal Use:

There are some Essential Oils that are NOT safe for internal use - Please read the list below to find out which ones:

Next she tackled the question what are the best places for topical use:

 You can layer your essential oils if you would like and here is the directions if you choose to do so:

 There are some EO's that are called Driver Oils - So if you layer EO's you would want to use the driver oil last - then the Carrier oil - I am guessing.

This one was shown - probably to help people with the cost of the doTerra oils. They are quite expensive.

She also shared the following to show how fast oils work.

I have a lot more to share with you all about what I learned about essential oils. I have divided it up into several posts to make it easier for me and also so that you don't have to read a post of 100 (I'm exaggerating) photos! lol :O)

I hope that this has been helpful.

Oh and I figure it is very obvious - I do not sell doTerra or any essential oils. I am not even recommending that you use them. However- I am totally sold on Lavender Oil for help with burns! I have never in my life had any product that has helped with burns the way Lavender Oil does. So that I would highly recommend.

Oh and by the way - They had a drawing at the end of the seminar and guess what!?!?

I won something!

A 15 ml. bottle of Lavender!! How about that!! :O)

John 15 series...verse 1

Today we will be looking at the first verse of our study.

1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

John 15:1

We start with looking at "I Am" not only because they are the first two words of John 15 but because they are significant.  



There seems to be a little bit of controversy over how many "I Am" statements are in John- some say 7 some 8 and like the last photo - even 9.

The mighty God of the universe, the one who created our world in seven days, called Himself "I Am" in Exodus 3:14

14 And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.' "

Exodus 3:14

There is so much deeper we could go in studying the "I Am" statements but because this is not going to be an in depth study we will stop at this point. However, while I was looking for the images for this post, I noticed an interesting answer on Yahoo answers that stated that the "I Am" statements in John referred to the "Seven objects described and placed in the Israelite Tabernacle." And it seems to me to be a very likely conclusion since the earthly tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the one in Heaven.

5 who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Hebrews 8:5

And the whole system of the sanctuary(or Tabernacle) on earth was to help us understand what Jesus was going to do and is doing for us in heaven. So it seems very likely that is the reason why John wrote about these "I Am" statements throughout his book.

A very good book to do more research on this topic is called "The Cross and Its Shadow" by Stephen Haskell.

Moving on we look at the words "the true vine". "True" = comes from the Greek word alethinas, which means "genuine." This tells us there are counterfeits and we need to make sure we are connected to the True Vine.

Vinedresser- in other versions - it is called gardener. The KJV uses the word Husandman. This is a Greek word georgos which means "a worker of the soil."

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I hope you will come back next Wednesday when we look at verse 2.