A Single Christian's Duty

I recently  listened to a sermon by Bro. Jason Cooley, pastor of Old Paths Baptist Church in Minnesota. The title: A Single Christian's Duty. Now, grant it if you live at home under your father's authority/ protection(1 Cor. 11) as I do as an unmarried young woman then technically you are not single because you are part of a family unit.

The sermon was a real encouragement to me even though I had already asked the Lord what it was He wanted me to do. And the Lord showed me that I am to be a faithful daughter. My duty is to serve others, to be a blessing, to encourage girls and other  young ladies to be faithful daughters and even faithful sisters, to give their hearts to their dads until it is time for the dad to give it to someone else. To encourage young ladies in the spiritual walk with the Lord. There are so many ways to serve the Lord even in the daily domestic chores. Every day gives opportunities to serve the Lord. I recently had a friend tell me they didn't feel like they had served God enough. I told that friend that there are many opportunities all around them to serve Him even in the smallest ways. It could be helping their parents with something or encouraging their siblings, etc. God wants us to serve Him right where He has us. My first ministry is as a daughter and a sister then helping others in one way or another.

And to touch on the fact that yes, the Lord hasn't brought me the one He has chosen for me, yet. The Lord has some more refining to do in me to prepare me spiritually. We don't need to wait to get married to be complete because the fact is if we are in Christ then Christ completes us. I encourage you that when you struggle with an overwhelming desire to get married to keep giving it up to Christ and keep asking Him to take it away until He sees fit to give the desire back...this is what I do. I came to the end and started asking God to remove it. You see I almost made a most horrible mistake out of rebellion and to escape problems by marrying the wrong person. 2013 WAS a HARD year. My dad wasn't where he should of been in his walk. He was coasting in his relationship with the Lord at that time. He lost my heart. I struggled. It was terrible. My dad knew me well enough to know the relationship would of been bad in the long run if I had married the "guy". He could see how we weren't even a good match. Something just wasn't right in the whole thing. I turned 25 that year and it is hard the older you get when family members keep putting the pressure on you (well meaning but it is inconsiderate) as if that's the only thing in life that matters. As if that's what life's about. I hate to break it to everyone but IT IS NOT WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT OR WHY WE WERE/ARE CREATED.  The Lord created us for His good pleasure. The chief end of man is to glorify God. End of story! Anyhow, since I broke it off in 2013 the Lord has repeatedly shown me how bad of a match it would of been! There were so many things wrong with that courtship. If only I had heeded my dad's warnings and let him interrogate the guy, yes I said interrogate. It's the dad's duty. And if the guy's the right one then he will handle it well and the Lord will show him how to respond. It's a dad's duty to protect his daughter (and daughter's need to let their dad's be protective rather than resist his protection) because he will have to give an account to the Lord someday for it.

Well, I learned so many things from that. I have given my heart back to my dad and it doesn't matter if you think your dad deserves it or not. It's being obedient to the Lord (in the spirit of Malachi 6 of children's heart turning to the fathers and the fathers to their children). You see one of the problems I was having was that I expected my dad to be completely perfect...expectations ruin relationships. The key is to accept our parents for who they are. We can pray for change but it is only God who can truly change them. Praying for them to have a tender heart towards the Lord is a start.

I can't say enough how grateful I am that I chose to follow God and my dad's good/right counsel. The Lord showed me truth and I heeded. When you need to know the truth about someone all you have to do is ask the Lord to reveal the truth of  what's in that person's heart and He is faithful to do it. Sometimes we may be scared to find out but it is better to do that than to find out later when it is too late.

So, my last words are lean on and trust the Lord. Let Him do His work in you during this time Ask Him to show you what it is that needs work and then ask him to change you in those areas because only He can do it not you.

Here's the sermon I mentioned at the beginning by Jason Cooley:  http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12815233400


The King Reigns & His Son, Jesus Christ!

Karla

During WWII...

"Persuading thousands of young mothers to go out to work and to abandon the care of their children to others is one of the most disastrous things at the present time. What is it going to profit the nation if we gain the dollors-or even the whole world-but lose the souls of our children? Now that the State is lifting so much responsibility from the parents, the bond of love between parents and their children is in danger of being loosened. It is when the mothers of the nation begin to fail in their duty to their children that religion disappears, moral standards fail, and the nation begins to go down."

~Enid Blyton, discussing woman in the military during WWII

What is Candida & Candidiasis

Two of us in my family are taking Oregano essential oil in capsules 1-2 times a day and rubbing a mixture of virgin coconut oil and Oregano essential oil together on our feet before bed time for yeast infection. Garlic is also excellent for yeast infections. But, not many of us really want to eat crushed/ whole raw garlic so I plan on making a garlic tincture to take internally probably mixed with honey.

Here's an article I found on Candida:


By Disabled World - 2007-11-15
Candida, or Candida albicans, is a type of yeast that is generally found in the regular flora of the skin, intestinal track and the mouth, rectum, and vagina. Although Candida is naturally present in the body, it can cause problems if there is an overgrowth, resulting in Candidiasis.

* * *

What is Candida and Candidiasis?
Candidiasis is the common name for a condition that results in the overproduction of a form of yeast normally found in the body at low levels.
Candida is not considered anything to worry about; however, recent research has put a spotlight on this form of yeast that is causing the medical profession to reconsider its totally benign assessment of candida. It is inside all of us - in the digestive tract, mouth, and throat. In women, it is also found in the vagina. The most common species of candida is called candida albicans.
When the human body is weakened it is vulnerable to attack. Consider that at all times various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are waging an unseen war against the body. Likewise, the immune system is always on guard, waiting for the attack. In response to outside invasion, the body produces various weapons to fight hostile aggression. Sometimes, if the body is weakened through a host of conditions and situations, the immune system cannot do its job properly.
One common condition caused by candida is thrush.
Thrush is a buildup of candida that can effect men and women alike. As many as seventy-five percent of women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime - caused by an overgrowth of candida.
These common conditions are annoying, but they do not represent the symptoms of chronic Candidiasis. Chronic overproduction of candida can lead to a wide range of physical and mental symptoms. It can manifest as abdominal pain, fatigue, skin infections, and even cognitive difficulties. There appears to be such an extent of problems related to candida overgrowth that candida is often dismissed as a cause.
In chronic Candidiasis, the rapidly multiplying candida changes form. It morphs into its dangerous fungal state and spreads. The fungal form of candida produces rhizoids - hook-shaped barbed appendages that cut into tissue and membranes, causing pain and other harmful symptoms. If not treated, a condition called Leaky Gut Syndrome can develop in the intestinal tract.
Leaky Gut Syndrome allows toxins to leave the digestive tract and feed right into the bloodstream. It is also interesting to note that once someone begins treatment to kill the excess candida growth, the initial reaction to treatment will often result with the patient actually feeling worse! This is due to the fact that the fungal form of candida does not want to die and it fights like heck to survive!
In addition, there are indications that candidiasis can affect people who do not have compromised immune systems. New research has indicated that people who have healthy immune systems can also fall victim to the rhizoid-reach of candida. This is important because it presents a way for science to pinpoint root causes instead of simply treating symptoms.
Candida is most likely responsible for more problems than it is given credit for. Before you start treatment for candida, you should try and read up about the subject and fully understand what is involved. As with anything else, knowledge is power.

Disabled World - Disability News for all the Family: http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/candida_.shtml#ixzz2MiBkuuRN

Tooth Powder

Dear DIYers, herbalists, etc....

How many of you have tried different recipes of making tooth paste/powder? Well, I have and  I think I may have found the one I like. (I  enjoy trying out new recipes for fun and you never know if you'll like one  better than the other.) I recently decided after I saw Neem powder  at the health food store that I would try that in my tooth powder. I recommend only putting a tiny amount since it is bitter. For now, I have just baking soda and Neem plus spearmint and a little bit of Stevia. My plan though is to add a little bit of bentonite clay( supposed to remineralize your teeth), powdered Myrrh gum, and clove essential oil to it. I might powder some Sage that I grew last summer in the garden and add to it, as well. Sage is supposed to whiten teeth. Of course, naturally our teeth are supposed to be slightly off white not yellow or bright white. Oh, and Neem twigs is what they used in India to brush their teeth with at one time. I will include a link to the benefits of Neem and clove essential oil.

http://www.theneempeople.com/neem-bark-powder/

http://www.neemfoundation.org/neem-articles/neem-in-health/neem-cures/dental-care.html

http://www.beeyoutiful.com/clove-essential-oil.html

I think this book would be worth buying: http://www.beeyoutiful.com/the-complete-book-of-essential-oils-aromatherapy.html


http://www.etsy.com/listing/119401535/neem-herbal-clay-tooth-powder  Andrea's sells Neem tooth powder and tells you how to make tooth powder here:  http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/03/the-benefits-of-brushing-with-tooth-powder-and-a-make-your-own-recipe/

What new DIY "thing" or "project" have you made?


Have fun trying something new!


~Karla

Grinding Grain

Howdy! I just thought I'd share these pictures I took of my brother grinding wheat with our Country Living Grain mill. He had wanted to give grinding a try.

Our grain mill is held in place by c clamps instead being bolted down.

Hope everyone has a blessed day!`


Sincerely,

Karla

A Healthy, Delicious Punch

This is very good, different, but delicious!

Makes 2 quarts
juice of 6-8 lemons
1/2C Rapadura (Turbinado sugar- Sugar in the Raw is one brand or Zulka Morena which is a natural, non gmo cane sugar/cane juice crystals)
1/2C whey
1/2tsp grated nutmeg
2 quarts of filtered water

 Punch comes from the Hindu word meaning "five", because it was made with five ingredients. During colonial days in America, the five ingredients were water, sugar, tea, and liquor. The earliest description, in a poem thought to have been written by Samuel Mather in 1757, calls for water, sugar, lemon juice, grated nutmeg, and a small amount of "spirit." We substitute Rapadura(which was the type of sugar in India) sugar and whey(which would of been readily available in India) for "spirit." The result is a delicious non-alcoholic fermented drink.

Place all ingredients in a 2 quart glass container. Cover tightly and leave at room temperature for 2-3 days. Skim off any foam that may have risen to the top. Cover tightly and refridgerate. The punch will develop more flavour over time.

~Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon Morrel and Mary Enig

Oregano Essential Oil, the King of oils

 If you struggle with a yeast infection why not give this a try. A good probiotic would work great with Oregano essential oil for a yeast infection.

The King of Oils for its across-the-board contribution to internal and external health. Especially in these uncertain economic times, it’s prudent to keep a bottle (or two) on hand to help you avoid extra trips to the internist, dermatologist, allergist, and dentist. Beeyoutiful’s pure, therapeutic Oregano Essential Oil is distilled from origanum vulgare, the oregano plant which grows wild in the Mediterranean region. You will probably not find this oregano in the grocery store. The one labeled “Oregano” in the spice section is in most cases not really oregano. It’s Spanish marjoram (origanum marjoram) which does not share wild oregano oil’s healing abilities.

Hippocrates—the ancient Greek “father of medicine”—knew oregano oil to be a potent agent for reducing pain and inflammation. Its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties enable it to fight off infection of all kinds. The Greek philosopher Aristotle noticed that tortoises who ate snakes, then ate oregano. This appeared to prevent them from being poisoned, so he began to recommend it as an antidote for poison.

Oregano Oil has a strong, spicy, camphorous aroma that can be as uplifting and invigorating as it is cleansing and refreshing. Used for centuries by many civilizations, it's modern day popularity stems from it's volatile oil content and strong purifying properties.Beeyoutiful's Oregano Oil is 100% Pure and Natural and steam distilled from dried flowering tops.

Probably best known as a workaholic in the kitchen, oregano also has many valuable therapeutic uses. In fact, it may well have first been used for its health properties before its seasoning properties were discovered. Ancient Egyptians prized oregano for its ability to disinfect wounds and aid the repairing process. It's also believed that they used it in mummification.

Throughout the centuries, oregano has been used to soothe coughs, calm digestive disorders, relax tension, and relieve sleeplessness. As far as kitchen use, it was the Roman gourmet Apicius who loudly proclaimed oregano to be an important part of his culinary creations, leading it to play an vital part in Mediterranean cuisine. When GIs returned from overseas after World War II, they demanded to have the Mediterranean herb staple in their dishes back home. Their insistence on enjoying this herb is what helped to make it popular in the United States. Today, oregano not only reigns in the kitchen, but also rules in the world of aromatherapy.

Good for Whatever Ails You

The compounds carvacrol and thymol are the oil’s unique, healing ingredients, and its flavonoids provide natural antiseptic action. Oregano oil also contains many minerals such as copper, niacin, and beta-carotene along with essential nutrients and anti-oxidants that some experts believe help to lower blood pressure, help degenerative arthritis, and slow aging.

Some experts recommend calming an upset stomach and mild indigestion by drinking a glass of milk or juice mixed with 2 to 3 drops of oregano oil. Or you can chug it in water (if your lips burn after drinking, apply lip balm or carrier oil for instant relief).*

Try it to ease the sniffling , sneezing, and watery eyes from an allergy attack. Oregano Oil contains rosmarinic acid which acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing fluid buildup and swelling during an allergy episode. Some experts recommend taking a couple of drops internally* while inhaling the vapors from a diffuser, a drop on a tissue held to the nose, or even dissolved in a bowl of steaming hot water.  

Some recommend to boost your immune system, especially during the cold and flu season, with a daily dose of 3 drops 3 times a day.* A European study showed wild oregano to be the best of 70 plants in immune-boosting capability. If you travel on planes or spend time in other enclosed areas, you can’t help but breathe stale, re-circulated air, but regular oregano use will keep your system fit for combating the germy-ness. If you still manage to succumb to the flu, get extra sleep, drink plenty of water, and frequent doses of oregano oil to shut down the illness. Rub diluted Oregano Oil onto the chest (Check for sensitivity first!) to break up mucus and act as an expectorant. If it can be avoided don’t confuse your body with over-the-counter, symptom-treating medications.

Lab tests show that oregano oil treats even strong, antibiotic-resistant superbug staph infections like MRSA. Strep, E-coli, and other bacteria also hate Oregano Oil, which kills bacteria without downside effects such as yeast infections. Oregano oil has even been shown to combat giardiasis. For empatigo or other flesh-eating sores, try applying the diluted oil while taking regular doses internally throughout the day.*

Gargle several times a day with 2 to 3 drops of Oregano Oil in water and then swallow it to help combat a strep throat.* Take 4 drops 4x/day as a remedy for bronchitis,* and breathe vapors from a few drops in a bowl of steaming hot water—preferably with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil added as well. This regimen may be able to help whooping cough because of oregano’s anti-spasmodic effects.

Dilute Oregano Oil with carrier oil for acne, being careful to avoid contact with your eyes. This will help to kill bacteria that aggravates even hormonally-induced acne.

Candida is an overgrowth of fungal yeast in the body which starts in the intestines— often due to use of antibiotics or a diet of processed foods and sugars—and then spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. Oregano oil combats systemic candida and treats yeast-related symptoms such as:

• Nail fungus—Dilute a drop of Oregano Oil with carrier oil and apply regularly to unsightly finger and toenails. Also rub into peeling, fungal athlete’s foot infections.

• Psoriasis and eczema can also be improved for many with regular Oregano Oil treatments.

• Thrush is yeast in the mouth. Gargle and swallow 2 drops of oil in water 3 times a day.*

• Vaginal yeast infections—Remove applicator from half a tampon, soak tampon in olive oil, add 2 or 3 drops of Oregano Oil, replace applicator, and insert. Repeat several times per day. If oregano oil is used around genital area, be certain it is diluted and carefully check for sensitivity ahead of time!

• Dandruff is frequently based in a yeast infection of the scalp. Add a drop of Oregano Oil to a dab of shampoo in your hand, and massage it into the scalp when washing your hair. Or add a few drops of oil to the entire shampoo bottle, and shampoo frequently.

Mouth ulcers and cold sores can respond to oregano oil, also has been an effective remedy for herpes.

Work to neutralize the poison and lessen the pain from bee stings, spider bites, and even snake bites with oregano oil (and see a doctor immediately!) Mix Oregano Oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz liberally to help repel mosquitoes and other irritating bugs.

Research in Turkey, where medical use of oregano oil is common, shows that oregano oil works better than ibuprofen and nearly as well as morphine for controlling chronic pain, making it valuable for arthritis and fibromyalgia sufferers.

As “icky” as it sounds, if you eat any imported fruits and vegetables or have pets, you almost certainly have parasites. These pests cause many symptoms from fatigue to anemia and worse. But before you spend money on expensive parasite cleanses, consider giving your body a few months of oregano oil treatment. Start with two weeks of heavy attack (4 drops in liquid 4x/day). Then scale back to a maintenance dose of 2 or 3 drops 3 times a day. You should notice an improvement in your energy level. The cavacrol and thymol phenols work together for a double punch of microbial power.

Try oregano oil in cooking, too! It makes mouthwatering Italian dishes with just a drop. And the anti-bacterial qualities make it one of nature’s finest preservatives. Used in meat, eggs, milk, or salad, it slows the growth of microbes and reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Directions for Safe Use Diluting with olive, coconut, or another non-petroleum carrier oil is important when using oregano oil externally because full strength it is stout enough to burn the skin (a ratio of 1:4 oregano oil to carrier oil works well). Internally, oregano is generally considered safe by many experts when taken even daily in small amounts (9 to 10 drops per day in juice, water, or milk for adults—half or quarter the amount for children). Taking larger amounts (4 drops 4x/day) for illness should be limited to 2 weeks at a time, and you should take a 2-week break between heavy usages. High levels of prolonged use can damage the liver and kidneys, including reducing the body’s ability to absorb iron. Oregano oil may be put into capsules to avoid the taste. Some health experts discourage the use of oregano oil by pregnant mothers—especially during the first trimester—because it may cause contractions and bleeding. Moderate use after then likely will cause no problems, but it is very important to check with your health care provider to be sure its use is appropriate for you.

The secret to healing well with alternative treatments like Oregano Essential Oil is to jump on a health problem before it gets out of hand, and treat it consistently. Since oregano is not addictive and has no side effects when used in the moderate amounts described above, repeated use is not a problem. So if you have ailments or want to avoid getting them, Oregano Essential Oil will treat you royally.

Important: While most people are not allergic to oregano oil, it is recommended that you test to make sure you’re not one of the few who are. Apply a drop diluted with a bit of olive oil to the inside of your elbow. If there is no reaction after 10 minutes, you are probably not allergic to oregano oil.

Mixes well with: Atlas cedar, basil, bergamot, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, tea tree, thyme, and wintergreen.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

More information on essential oils, please read the following article: Good Scents of Balance and The Essentials of Essential Oils