"The Other Day" pics

I have this and more! FS on another blog :)

~please visit us at the link below for this Gorgeous Gown and a goodly amount of other various and sundry readers,
writing instruction,
math texts...
inspirational fiction and apologetics material...
and more!
Visit http://www.thesmilespace.blogspot.com/!
There you will find the stats to the gown and accessories...

... Also there, you'll find more information on the readers and texts etc.
They are all (slightly irregular) items from the folks at The Keepers of the Faith.

These consist of McGuffey Readers and Workbooks,
Math texts from Mott Media
~as well as many inspriational fiction readers for varied ages...
Come visit us here and bookmark us as we'll be adding many more items as we go along!
Have a Blessed Spring!
Suz and Fam :)

Fun & Stuff....

OH MY!
I cannot believe I'm sharing this! (These kooky pics!) BUT...in the name of fun, I thought I'd dare to share! lol.

As you can see, we get bored up here, so we make our own fun!
I was interested in stage make-up for a minute... not too shabby for just my 'ol make up pouch of stuff to work with...
what do you think?




Now this is how I would prefer to stay for the time being (as long as possible!!)

Like I said... we make our own fun...

~For me...a slow day and a camera... and I'm content...

At times I am just exaltant!... but that's when we're riding in the car down 'ol US 2 and I see an eagle or some other wildlife... that's when I leap out of the car and and take aim... hand shaking like mad... cozI so badly want to get that pic...(to impress my dad) of course !

;)

~~there you have it... how many others go through there adult life trying to impress their fathers?

ok, so I fessed up...

Oh well, it's a cleansing thing... no doubt.

Noelle and Ava

~Noelle and Ava at the window 'wishing for spring'

:(

Time to pick on Hobbes again! :)

I just love my little buddy... that's why I pick(post) him so often... lol!
he has such the personality anyway... and some of the shots I get of him are just too funny to leave alone...
:) (he'll never know !)

A Confession to Share

...It's another day, and it's been long time since I've posted on my blog.

My heart is heavy as the Lord is opening my eyes to some issues that I can only begin to touch on so far... but I need to share them...
I see some things about me that I am deeply ashamed of... and they have everything to do with needing to
repent of trying to find my worth in accomplishments.

I want to repent of stealing so much precious time from my family, by not being more of an encourager and not putting more of my creative outlet into making my home a more comfortable, unique, user friendly-with a high comfy quotient as well as a sedate and content atmosphere where is is a refuge and more of a quiet and safe place to be...

I repent of not being more gracious in the hosptality department... not looking for more creative ways to save money by for example, maybe creating unique personalised gifts with my talents instead of looking for ways to make more money so that we have more money to spend.

I am so sorry for all of the lost opportunities where I obsessed with things that the Lord just wanted me to accept... and to sit back and make the most of what I had already been blessed with.

I feel as if there has been a deluge of wasted opportunities for growth in the name of striving to earn income in order to have or to give and share ... concentrating on what money can buy...and worrying about how to afford thus & such at the expense of being thankful for what I already had, and using what I already had to share with others...freely and ministering to hearts and giving of myself in ways that matter the same... and in fact, at times, matter more.

To some, this may not seem like such a travesty or even worthy of going on about... but to me, it has been a big deal.

The Lord is beginning to open my eyes to this truth that knawed at me from the periphials of my conscience for too long... yet I didn't heed the promptings.
I have been betraying Him-His highest calling for my life...
As well, I have been betraying myself, my own conscience and have been selling myself way short.

Never mind that I have been trying tirelessly to make money via my different mediums for years now and have never made a thin dime to speak of...

Never mind that depsite opportunity after opportunity for me to live out my heart's desire and serve... to order my days with the blessing of others who cross my path... and on and on, I believed the lie that my first aim ought to be to "help bring in income"... to lighten my husband's financial burden... etc. I have found, as I have really pondered recently ...with our Lord's patient dealing with me once again...that I have been selling myself a bill of goods.
I have been believing the lie that what I generate monetarily via my own efforts... directly dictates the degree of my own self worth.
I have been been striving to feel accepted, worthy, equal to others, etc... by these futile efforts that the Lord never blessed, but actually seemed to thwart, every step of the way.

I am so sorry for all I have squandered because of my not facing up to what could have been dealt with a long time ago. I wonder how my life and the lives of my beloved family might have been richer or more fullfilled had I been walking in step with the Father.

You know the old saying... "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"... We, as mom's and wives ... set the tone for our days and in our households by our own attituds and our own willingness (or lack of ) to lay down our agendas and be poured out for all... with a cheerful heart tuned in the the Father with a readiness to use our unique gifts and talents, blessings and intuitions... and servant attitudes... to aim for the highest good of our loved ones.

All this and more, whether for example, that means making table time (school or meal table time) special with soothing or upbeat music... nice (special for the occasion) lighting, maybe freshly sharpened pencils and pens -- and for the littles... maybe with pencil toppers to stick on the top of them (fun quotient:)

A variety of healthy finger friendly snacks all together... ready for the learning session!
Or for example... where meals are concerned... the same with the lighting and the music (soothing and conducive to healthy digestion)
Another neat idea... just for examples sake...
could be something like letting this idea... letting everyone know they're special and hold top place in your heart by constructing simple, personalized place mats (even if just a piece of paper) with a name and a blessing written on each, for each family member ;)

Just a couple of a thousand little things that can mean so effectively minister to the hearts of those that matter most.
I grieve that I let so many chances for this type of thing slip by... not to mention the time I could have been studying the word or concentrating on ideas for service to neighbors or friends or my own husband...
I think now, how much lighter his load would be if I would have been there, I mean really have been there for him... to be in touch with where his concerns were and shared in the burdens, thus helping to carry them.. or how many times I could have endeavored to save money here and there... cut more corners to ease the pressure.... done things differently... or how I could have spent precious time being a student of his deeper needs, thus being more enabled to speak life giving affirmations to him... (hard to pay close attention to when you are otherwise distracted by an occupation that was not your calling in the first place)... not to mention the personal little niceties that are worth not neglecting that go a long way in keeping the flames of romance ignited... and burning strong.

So, with all of these things weighing on me, I thank you all for sharing in this (if you've read this far) with me... I'm not sure if this will be of use to anyone else... I hope it might be. I just know that it was a personal wake-up call for me. I was out of balance ... I am not on any way claiming that others who are doing things differently have the same issues at stake that I struggled with in all of this. If you do, I pray you too can hear from the Lord in your own partciular circumstances. I know many of you have already traveled this road of discovery (or one similar, but equally significant)... I am just thankful that the Lord is opening my eyes and that he is gracious to forgive...
I am humbled by all that I see... I covet any prayer for strength throughout this journey that I can here, only skim the surface of....

Blessings all,
Suz

Wee 'lil Ava... the sweet little girl we babysit for...

Senior Pics of Kodi (a really neat kid from our town

...The pics were shot in his High School, which turned out to be a reat place to do the session with it's turn of the century charm...
The Principal was a sport and let him bring the dog in for the afternoon ;)

MEGAN PROMPTED ME TO POST...thanks megs!

A few Misc Pix

the Swing noelle belle in frozen mode

Master Joseph and Miss Dianna

My way cool dad
homeschool's cool ;)

************************************************************
I haven't posted anything in a while but tidbits of info... Truth is, I haven't been feeling well and haven't been taking many photos lately :(
I did, however go through this a.m. and post a few things on my heart (the last 3 posts or so) and choose a few pictures that I enjoy... to share with you all...

One being a cool literally shot of Noelle... and one of a very few pics I have of my dear dad :)
so...here they are...
a bit of this and that (wink)

Looking forward to the summer

"Love is to the heart what the summer is to the farmer's year -- it brings to harvest all the loveliest flowers of the soul"
Anonymous

A Reminder

Stop Shooting Auto (you're smarter than your camera!)

http://stopshootingauto.com/2007/09/24/aperture-why-you-care/

click the link above to find a tutorial for the bone-fide newbies out there. ;D

The author claims it is written at a grade-school level and I did find it extremely elementary... and believe me, I needed elementary with brain fog and all....!
Suffice it to say, it served me well... and I thought that maybe I'd post it here .. as it may benefit others too!
Happy Snapping!

Hrumph! (someone else here is anxious for spring!)

A hardy plant that "you can grow" surpasses Fish Oil and other fatty acid sources!

Nutritional Powerhouse: Sea Buckthorn

Some natural substances seem to be endowed with an unusually high number of benefits, and Sea Buckthorn definitely falls into that category.
This plant, labeled by some as a Synergistic Superfruit, is a powerhouse of nutrition that contains almost 200 known nutritional compounds, and is useful for the prevention and treatment dozens of diseases.

In fact, history indicates that the Mongol conqueror, Genghis Khan, who put together one of the world's largest empires spanning from China to Eastern Europe, relied on three beliefs for a strong military: well-organized armies, strict discipline, and Sea Buckthorn.

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is originally native to parts of Russia and China, and has been used by Eurasian people for thousands of years. In addition to its nutritional and medicinal qualities, this hardy species is also a very versatile plant that can grow in both warm and cold climates, wet and dry soils, prevent erosion due to its deep roots, act as a nitrogen stabilizer, and provide shelter both for other crops and in landscaping applications. In recent years, Sea Buckthorn plantations have sprung up across Canada.

Sea Buckthorn: Health Benefits

The health benefits of this amazing plant are almost too many to name, but I will provide some of the highlights. The seeds, leaves, fruit, and oil of Sea Buckthorn are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as numerous trace minerals. It is also very high in antioxidant phytochemicals such as carotenoids and flavonoids.

Sea Buckthorn is additionally one of the most potent plant sources of essential fatty acids on the planet, being especially high in omega-3s, and to a lesser degree, omega-6 fatty acids.

All of these qualities make Sea Buckthorn a legitimate superfood that may promote wellness in a variety of ways. Some of these include immune system support, treatment of autoimmune disorders, cardiac health, cancer prevention, care for many common skin conditions, anti-inflammatory properties, pain reduction, healing for ulcers and other intestinal concerns, and as an organic food crop.

Let's take a look in more detail at several of these uses.


Sea Buckthorn: Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory action of Sea Buckthorn is one of its most outstanding features. Due to the way it is formed, and the manner in which its components compliment each other, Sea Buckthorn is truly a synergistic giant in the nutritional world.

Its numerous bio-active agents include an almost 50-50 balance of omega-3s and omega-6s, several other rare fatty acids, and potent antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), beta carotene, vitamin E, and folic acid, making for a powerful combination.

Volumes of recent research indicate that the control of inflammation is one of the most vital necessities for wellness. Because of its anti-inflammatory strengths, Sea Buckthorn can help to prevent and treat heart disease and stroke, autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, and skin disorders like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, sunburn, and ulcers.

Such a highly nutritious plant is also an excellent tool to prevent many types of cancer.

Sea Buckthorn: Mucus Membrane Repair

Scientists now believe the most delicate of body tissues, the mucous membranes, have the greatest need for Omega 7 fatty acids. Just as the skin protects the outside of the body, mucous membranes protect the inside of the body. They line the digestive, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, as well as the inner surface of the eyes. They are important channels for interactions between the body and the environment, and are the major routes for pathogens, toxins, and allergens to enter the body.
Thus mucous membranes play an important role in the health of the entire body.
Environmental stressors like pollution and toxic chemicals, toxic foods, and even natural aging processes such as menopause can challenge the sensitive mucous membranes.

Fortunately, Omega 7 fatty acids, which contain palmitoleic acid -- a fatty acid found in human skin that helps moisturize and repair -- are now being recognized as nourishment that can protect, replenish, moisturize, and restore mucus membranes.
Omega 7 is also very important for women going through the pre-menopausal and menopause years who suffer from symptoms of vaginal dryness or the feeling of dryness through the entire body.
Vegetarians who may not get a good level of omega 3 fatty acids in their diet will also benefit from omega 7 fatty acids.
Those who suffer from a dry respiratory tract may also benefit from the addition of Omega 7 fatty acids.

Sea Buckthorn: Immune System

The benefits of Sea Buckthorn to the immune system are also significant.
One of the reasons for this is the high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA and others, found in this plant. The diet of the typical American has a much larger percentage of omega-6s than omega-3s, and this imbalance can lead to a multitude of health concerns. One result of a diet that includes insufficient amounts of omega-3 is a weakened immune system. To make matters worse, too much omega-6 (in relation to the amount of omega-3) can actually work synergistically against the immune system by inhibiting its disease-fighting and anti-inflammatory functions.

Up-to-date research now indicates that one of the best improvements that can be made to one's overall health is to increase omega-3s in the diet. Traditionally, fish and fish oil have been one of the best sources of omega-3. However, oils such as Hemp Seed oil, Flax Seed oil and now Sea Buckthorn are better choices, as they are so rich in other nutrients as well, and are a renewable resource, unlike wild fish.

Sea Buckthorn: Food Source Finally, let's consider the value of Sea Buckthorn as a food source. Besides all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutritional aspects of this superfood, the leaves of the plant contain about 25% protein. Virtually all parts of Sea Buckthorn, including the seeds, fruit, oil, and leaves can be consumed directly or can be used in cooking and preparation of other foods. Considering how hardy and versatile this plant is, and how easily it fits into renewable agriculture, organic Sea Buckthorn may be a key crop in both developed and Third World countries.
In fact, some are predicting that the production of this plant will increase dramatically in the near future. As more people become aware of the many health advantages of Sea Buckthorn, perhaps we will see this incredible plant come into more common use throughout the world both as a source of food and for its bounty of nutritional wealth.

Lead Your Heart

Oh, I miss my chickadees!

but as an aside...I am trying to take the advice I quoted here on the caption of my chickadee photo..., It is a hard thing for me to rest at times,

Sometimes it seems quite impossible.

Why do Christians , who have access to the ressurection power of Christ, who most definitely calls us to rest in Him, find it so hard to train our hearts to rest?

I don't know, for me, to not rest is a learned pattern. It is a knee jerk response to life and stress. I keep telling myself (as quoted on a movie I watched recently)... to lead my heart as opposed to it leading me (and creating tyranny in my inner life). I believe that our feelings and state of being, whether in peace from the Lord, or in turmoil and anxiousness is a matter of obedience, a matter of renewing our minds and deciding to align our thoughts with the Lord's ... and in doing that ... we can enjoy the fruit of our feelings following our God-ward thoughts! How Glorious. Good ripe fruit that grows exponentially in the hearts of others touched by it's sweet savor in our everyday interactions with them.

I opt for the fruit, the obedience, I opt for Jesus' way! I pray I can keep up the pace and not so readily slip backwards. I pray I can continue to lead my heart. Any prayers coveted.

(smiles)

Blessings to you all, dear friends,

Suz

Natural Alternative Cleaning Concoctions and Needed Supplies

I had a restless night and went on to peruse my old files... as I did, I came across this neat list of home made cleaners!... I'm gonna be using then myself...and thought some of you may like them as well...
So here they are :)

Have a great day!

Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Disinfectant:

One Gallon...
Fill your gallon jug up with water or take a gallon jug filled with water from the grocery store.
add 160 drops of your choice of essential oils and 40 drops grapefruit seed extract.
You can mix and match your essential oils to get up to 160 drops.
Also I find that 40 drops is approximately two dropperfull's of essential oil or 1/2 teaspoon.
To make 32 ounces divide by 4.
Use10 drops each.

For example:
40 drops of Thyme,
40 drops of Lemon,
40 drops of Cinnamon,
40 drops of Clove
40 drops of Grapefruit seed extract

Homemade Bleach,
1 Cup Pure Food-Grade Hydrogen Peroxide
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
10 Cups Distilled Water
Mix together and store mixture up to three months in glass container.

DISINFECTANT
Mix a half-cup of borax (a natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria)with 1 gallon hot water.
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
Steep for 10 minutes,
strain and cool.
Store in a recycled plastic spray bottle or better yet, a GLASS spray bottle.

Easy Homemade Cleaners

All Purpose Cleaner:
Combine in a clean spray bottle:
Two teaspoons of borax
Two teaspoons baking soda

1 quart water Window and Glass Cleaner:

Combine ingredients in clean spray bottle:
1 part vinegar,1 part water.

Oven Cleaner:
3 parts baking soda,1 part water
nylon scrubber
elbow grease
Combine baking soda and water and use like a paste with the scrubber and
your elbow grease.
For really stuck on stuff, instead of three parts baking soda mix half baking soda half salt (increases abrasiveness).
Keep baking soda off the heating element.

Floor Cleaner:
1/2 cup baking soda
1 gallon warm water
Dissolve baking soda in warm water and apply with rag or mop.
For extra disinfecting add 1/2 cup borax.

Fruit Cleaner:

Mix in sink,
and scrub and rinse vegetables well with:
3 parts baking soda, 2 parts water

Drain Cleaner:

1 cup baking soda
1 cup salt
1 quart boiling water
Blend together and pour down drain followed by boiling water.
Let set several hours or overnight.

Scouring (Dish cleaning) Powder
- Sprinkle baking soda directly on a sponge or rag.

Toilet Bowl cleaner - Scouring powder (see above).

Sprinkle in baking soda and brush as you would a scouring powder,
or if the toilet is stained try mixing:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup vinegar.
Beware, it bubbles.

Tub and Tile Cleaner - Scouring powder ( See above).

If mold and mildew are present try adding enough water to the baking soda to make a paste. Dip a toothbrush in it and scrub the area.

Room Deodorizer

Mix in a clean spray bottle:

4 Tablespoons baking soda, 1 quart warm water Carpet Deodorizer - Sprinkle carpet with baking soda and vacuum as usual.

Furniture Polish

Mix together:
1 part olive oil
1 part lemon juice
Apply lightly with a soft cloth.
Don't make much more than you need.
t doesn't store well.

Hardwood Floor Polish/ShineMix:
1 part vinegar
1 part olive oil or vegetable oil.
Apply to the floor,
then rub it in well.

Brick and Stone Cleaner:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 gallon of water.

Uses for Tea Tree Oil
General Antiseptic & Cleanser
Add 1 teaspoon of 100% pure oil to 1 1/5 gallons of water when washing
windows, floors, toilets, bathrooms and kitchen surfaces.

Add 2 teaspoons of 100% pure tea tree oil to washing machine for a fragrant, fresh wash.

Household ants and other pests dislike tea tree oil, so a few drops put at the point of entry will deter them.
Wipe cupboards out with an oil and water solution to deter cockroaches. Remove scuff marks from a vinyl/linoleum floor by rubbing with a damp cloth to which pure oil has been added.

Room Spray:
5 drops of tea tree oil to 2½ cups water.
Spray around room to refresh and give a cooling effect.
Refrigerator gaskets stay fresh and clean if you wipe them over occasionally with a tea tree oil/water solution.
Shower doors stay cleaner if you wipe them over with a tea tree oil/water solution.
Helps prevent soap sum build-up.
After washing down walls and removing grime and mildew, wipe over again witha tea tree oil/water solution to prevent mildew regrowth.
To remove chewing gum from hair, apply pure oil.

Diaper Cleanser:
Add 20 drops tea tree oil to approximately 1 gallon of water,
stir, then soak diapers overnight.

:) 'n More as I find them :)

About my daughter, A young lady, a warrior with a heart for God...

My sweet daughter turned a big 14 yesterday. I just wanted to share what a blessing she is to her father and me. Noelle is loyal and faithful, and a good friend, she is an advoctae for the oppressed, a shining heart!, a talented writer and photographer, and my right arm in all things that need done!
Noelle is compassionate and has a zeal for the lost... eg: she mentors a young neighbor faithfully in the ways of the Lord. She is a quick wit--keeps us in stitches... she is gracious and giving... never holding on tight to things, she gives of herself and freely gives of her belongings or shares her money where there is a need. She seldom complains. She is a warrior in the spirit realm, and cares deeply about the things of God. She aspires to be a keeper at home and be a blessing to her husband and children someday. She has many, many interests and talents... loves music, has a soft heart, is a faithful friend...is trustworthy, is not foolish (but can get real silly! LOL!) ... oh, I could go on!
~~We are blessed to have been chosen for the priviledge of being her parents.
Love you Noelle,
Love Mom & Dad

~~A shot of the day before last (of 13) for Noelle

:)

~~Finally THE day... 14

~~a few snacks, a couple good friends and a "Black Forest" Birthday cake that I forgot to take a shot of

:)

~~opening a gift from a dear friend...

a Bubbly Life or a Bubble Life?

Hi there all,
I have no idea where I'm going with this, but my heart yearns to post. I have a burden , burning in my heart for souls that won't be assuaged. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled for this, yet at the same time, I find it so hard to break out of the same old--same old monotonous shell of semi (safe) isolation where I needn't stretch myself too much or get real uncomfortable.

What a sham, what a travesty!... Whose life is this anyway? Of whom do I claim to belong?
Tears trickle forth as I write this.Though, I welcome them and wish they were more constant companions, more constant reminders.

~~When I was a young woman of 25 I had a brand new relationship in my life. It was my first (real) love. I had a fresh and vibrant zeal and no fear. I was bubbling and busting at the seams to share the good news I had found. I wanted everyone to experience the hope that newly lay before me. I walked (was carried away) , on a cloud of hope and devotion to my Lord for four years. Then things changed radically. I was plunged (plunged myself) into a situation where I had to learn to walk beside the Lord and not leave Him behind me as I strolled on into the new excitement I was living in the midst of.
Along with this zeal and exuberence and passionate devotion to my Lord was the love of His people and the desire to be with them, often and in meaningful ways. This changed as I changed and I mourn the loss before me now.

I am grieved to say, I let Him fall behind, I ran ahead, and things were never quite the same again. Definately the Lord was faithful. He was always there for me. I had only to call out to Him and He was there. Despite this, I grew independent. I grew toward man and away from dependence on my Lord. I so regret that journey, that detour , away from life and into pretense and unfulfilled promises.

Yes, I have come back to my first love, (I have began to begin that journey back) that is...I have repented of my prodigal ways and have reclaimed my place in His fold, humbly surrendering my own way and letting my heart break for Him.
I am rejoicing to be here. The thing is that it hasn't been the same. I still miss a vital element of our communion. >> I have yet to break the isolation (as aforementioned) mode that still tries to keep me in it's grips. I long to again, have free flowing, sharing, and fellowship with others. I'm sure my family misses this as well. If a woman, if the mom is the heart of the home... then I may have an opportunity to set the tone for such sharing amongst God's people and others who need to know His Spirit, living in his people, in a home or in a life

We just cannot seem to quite make the break from the ill-learned self-protection and bubble living that is safe and easy and very exclusive of our brothers and sisters.

Now this discourse (above) is relative... as we do reach out and open our hearts and home. I say relative because, in comparison to where my heart began and the degree of sold-out-ness I lived... this is just not much to speak of (as I see things) It's not enough, It's not God's heart.
I am not discontent in a fleshy mode. I am grieved by the Spirit . I have learned from experience to tell the difference.

I guess I wanted to break a bit more of the bubble mode by sharing...I guess I am asking for prayer... and I guess I as I think of it, I would really love and feedback, if anyone has a mind to share on this.

I wonder how much time is left in this country or in this world as we know it.
I am burdened by the lack of revival and zeal I see in our midst... in the Christian church, in our hearts...

God have mercy on our souls... and please let us see things as You see them. Please bless us that we might be moved to tears and be moved to action.

Warm happy feet :)

cayenne pepper
Pronounced:KI-yehn

A tip for today

For any wives out there whose husbands work in the cold (or daughters whose fathers work in the cold), especially those with jobs where they stand still for long periods of time in the sub zero weather… as in (road construction crews) etc…
My husband raves about a tip that I found a while back and he has tried and tested many below zero days this winter as a night watchman in here in Northern WI and Upper Peninsula of MI areas…
What’s the tip? You have probably guessed it! Sprinkle that Cayenne Pepper into the socks or the soles of the boots.. and let the heat warm his feet!
It works as the Cayenne pepper is a very hot spice. It warms by causing the blood to come to the surface, much like physical warmth does when applied to your body.. it gets red and warms… so does the cayenne… and it keeps warming, all night long (or day!)

Have a “happy heated feet” kind of day!

More on health and a personal note :)

Hello fellow blog readers,
I have been posting more as of late, concerning Natural Health and issues and the freedoms being threatened in this country pertaining to it.

WHY... well, though multi-faceted, a couple reasons are that I desire to affilliate with a company with whom I whole-heartedly trust and who (I believe carry some of the Most Superior Nutricuiticals that are available anywhere-- One being the Moxxor Omega 3 source available (click on Hobbes the Dog pic at top right of blog for more info, and the other?, well, the info is forthcoming :)


... and Secondly,

I feel strongly about the issues that are being published here. I have been an advocate of natural health options for quite some time, having been made aware out of necessity... as a self initiated campaign to regain my opwn health and overcome chronic conditions that plague me.
I have been aware of healthy food and nutrition from a young girl growing up in Western Pennsylvania. My Father was very health conscious even before it became popular! (or a more common practice)
I remember high protein powder in my shakes before swin meets and mega doses of vitamin c in the winter.. I remeber honey , daily on a big tablespoon... and more :) Though despite all of the healthy beginnings, I let myself go health wise as a young adult and am reaping the consequenses of poor choices over the yeras. So, Thank you Lord, that Your mercies are new every morning and I have another chance, every day to make the right decisions.. I pray they might enable me to undo damage and conterbalance things in my favor once again ....
I have hopes that all would benefit from the health related posts and tips to come...

~and for anyone out there that might have enjoyed my blog; post health posts!,

I will continue to write from amidst the other corners of my heart...and hope you all check back and see what might be new here and again !
I'm planning to keep the health artices to 1-2 x's a week...

So with that I'll be on my way,
Blessings and Be Well!
Suz

Will Obama Take on Big Pharma?? Maybe Not.

As we fast approach the beginning of the Obama administration, it is interesting to watch his team develop. You can tell a lot about a politician by the caliber of people he surrounds himself with. The opinion piece featured today makes it painfully clear that Obama's choice for Surgeon General, a key post that influences many aspects of the health industry, is the same ol' same ol' -- business as usual.

With the cost of healthcare continuing to skyrocket, even those with insurance are straining their budgets between premiums, co-pays, and deductibles. Even sadder is the fact that most of the "care" offered only throws dangerous drugs -- another added expense -- at symptoms, rather than addressing issues through lifestyle changes that lead toward wellness and prevent disease.

If the government won't change their ways, perhaps we should rethink our own choices. Consider purchasing a catastrophic insurance policy that will keep you from bankruptcy if you experience a major medical event. Then invest what you were spending on other insurance costs into nutritious, organic food and natural supplements along with finding a healthy diet that will help your body to balance in a natural way. It is also wise to establish a working relationship with a natural-minded healthcare practitioner that can help educate and coach you toward wellness. It is time to take personal responsibility for the health of ourselves and our families.
Foreword By: Tom Mathison -- my hubby 


Here We Go:
Obama Wants CNN Doctor Sanjay Gupta as Surgeon General
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, January 6, 2009


President-elect Barack Obama's choice for U.S. Surgeon General is reportedly CNN journalist Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a pro-vaccine pusher with ties to Merck.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a strong proponent of the Gardasil HPV vaccine, and the television show he once hosted ("Accent Health") was primarily sponsored by Merck, makers of Gardasil.

Now he's poised to become the Surgeon General of the United States. Just what we need, huh? Another pill-pushing, vaccine-pushing Washington bureaucrat with ties to Big Pharma.

I told you folks that Obama wasn't going to end Big Pharma's business as usual, and this vaccine-pumping choice for Surgeon General is a disturbing example of yet more pro-Pharma decisions to come.

So who should really be U.S. Surgeon General? Well Dr. Julian Whitaker, of course. His knowledge of nutrition and public health is vastly superior to that of Dr. Sanjay Gupta. But Dr. Whitaker would teach the American people how to cure diabetes, heart disease and cancer using nutritional therapies, and then the whole economy would collapse thanks to all the out-of-work disease industry doctors. So they can't let that happen, right?

Then again, Dr. Gupta is, indeed, a bonafide brain surgeon. That might come in handy in Washington, come to think of it. Maybe he can perform a little brain surgery on his fellow Washingtonian bureaucrats and find a way to restore the common sense they all apparently lost when they got elected.

Get ready for a whole new mandatory vaccination push under the Obama administration, folks. It's the same scam that's been running under the Bush Administration, but now it's going to be disguised as "public health policy." Yep, all those vaccines are President Obama's way of caring for the American people, didn't you know?

Big Business always wins in Washington. As long as the corporations are running the lawmakers and the politicians, the People are always going to lose. The only thing that changes is the face of the person fronting the scam -- and the name of the political party he belongs to. Republican or Democrat, it doesn't matter: Virtually all politicians secretly belong to the same, single party called the Big Business Party, and their decisions are made to please Big Business, not to protect the People.

You might as well start making your vaccination protest banners right now. With Gupta at the helm, America is going to be a whole new

Should we blindy trust the AMA?

More Antibiotics? You Must be Kidding!

At first I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this story. Free antibiotics from a major grocery store chain? Even conventional medicine has recognized the dangers of the promiscuous use of these drugs and the hazards that can result. Where is the watchdog of our drug safety in America -- the FDA -- when a company comes up with a marketing ploy such as this? They get militant with anyone that dares discuss the benefits of natural foods or supplements, but yet allow the encouragement of these harmful drugs that, as the article points out, don't even effectively treat most of the ailments they are typically prescribed for.

Not only don't antibiotics help with viral ailments such as flu, colds, and others, but they actually weaken the body's ability to fight disease by compromising the balance of flora in the digestive tract where approximately 75% of the immune system is located. A better alternative is to take a quality probiotic product that boosts the number of "good" bacteria in the gut, thus strengthening the body and increasing its ability to absorb more nutrients from food as well. This plan to hand out antibiotics only encourages doctors to overprescribe and is one of the finest examples that I have ever seen of the pretzel logic that has long been the hallmark of Big Pharma and the FDA.
--Foreword by my hubby, Tom Mathison--

Antibiotics -- Even Free Ones -- Won't Cure Most Winter Ills
January 07, 2009 01:01 PM ET

The eastern seaboard will soon be awash in free antibiotics, as Wegmans yesterday announced the 72-store supermarket chain will make a 14-day supply of nine generic oral antibiotics available at no charge.

Giant Foods and Stop & Shop had already announced similar programs.

Wegmans says the program is aimed at helping people get through cold and flu season and will end March 31.

This is a nice public relations effort, and it is truly helpful for consumers who need these drugs. But the fact is that most wintertime ailments -- cold, flu, most sore throats, bronchitis, sinusitis -- are caused by viruses, not bacteria, and won't respond at all to antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But doctors, pressed for time and perhaps not entirely certain that their patient's illness isn't caused by a bacterial infection, often go ahead and prescribe a course of antibiotics anyway. If the drugs are free, the temptation to prescribe is even greater. This can lead to a second problem: antibiotic resistance.

Overuse of antibiotics has led to an alarming growth in bacteria and other microbes that don't respond to the antibiotics that used to kill them. Antibiotic resistance is considered one of the world's most pressing public health problems.

Taking antibiotics when you don't need them may make your body resistant to antibiotics when you do, according to the CDC. If you've got a bug and your doctor says to let it run its course, do that instead of demanding antibiotics, even free ones.

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-health-and-money/2009/01/07/antibiotics_print.htm

(Photo taken from JupiterImages.com)

The Philosopher's Scales :: In Honor of the Pearl of the Season, "The Pearl of Great Price"

A monk, when his rites sacerdotal were o'er,/In the depth of his cell with its stone-covered floor,/Resigning to thought his chimercial brain,/Once formed the contrivance we now shall explain;/ By inspiration, dream, deep seated thought we know not; indeed, 'tis no business of ours.

Perhaps it was only by patience and care,/At last, that he brought his invention to bear./In youth 'twas projected, but years stole away,/And ere 'twas complete he was wrinkled and gray;/But success is secure, unless energy fails;/And at length he produced

THE PHILOSOPHER'S SCALES

"What were they?" you ask. You shall presently see;/These scales were not made to weigh sugar and tea./O no; for such properties wondrous had they,/That qualities, feelings, and thoughts they could weigh,/Together with articles small or immense,/From mountains or planets to atoms of sense.

Naught was there so bulky but there it would lay,/And naught so ethereal but there it would stay,/And naught so reluctant but in it must go:/All which some examples more clearly will show.

The first thing he weighed was the head of Voltaire,/Which retained all the wit that had ever been there./As a weight he threw in a torn scrap of leaf,/Containing the prayer of the penitent thief;/Then the skull rose aloft with so sudden a spell/That it bounced like a ball on the roof of the cell.

One time he put in Alexander the Great,/With the garment that Dorcas had made for a weight;/And though clad in armor from sandals to crown,/The hero rose up, and the garment went down.

A long row of almshouses, amply endowed/By a well-esteemed Pharisee, busy and proud,/Next loaded one scale; while the other was pressed/By those mites the poor widow dropped into the chest:/Up flew the endowment, not weighing an ounce,/And down, down the farthing-worth came with a bounce.

By further experiments (no matter how)/He found that ten chariots weighed less than one plough;/A sword with gilt trapping rose up in the scale,/Though balanced by only a ten-penny nail;/A shield and a helmet, a buckler and spear,/Weighed less than a widow's uncrystallized tear.

A lord and a lady went up at full sail,/When a bee chanced to light on the opposite scale;/Ten doctors, ten lawyers, two courtiers, one earl,/Ten counsellor's wigs, full of powder and curl,/All heaped in one balance and swinging from thence,/Weighed less than a few grains of candor and sense;/A first water diamond, with brilliance begirt,/than one good potato just washed from the dirt./Yet not mountains of silver and gold could suffice/One pearl to outweigh, -- 'twas THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE.

Last of all, the whole world was bowled in at the grate,/With the soul of a beggar to serve for a weight,/When the former sprang up with so strong a rebuff/That it made a vast rent and escaped at the roof!/When balanced in air, it ascended on high,/And sailed up aloft, a balloon in the sky;/While the scale with the soul in't so mightily fell/That it jerked the philosopher out of his cell.

by Jane Taylor (1783-1824)
(with a slight liberty taken by me in the intro)

Why Can't We Forgive Ourselves?

*Grace isn't grace if we have to be good enough for it to apply to us.

"Tear Free from the Shroud of Bondage of Unforgiveness"

The Lord has been dealing with me in my own life regarding the subject of forgiveness -- of others, but mainly of myself.

Have you ever found yourself thinking "I just can't forgive myself for thus and such?"

I wonder who hasn't thought that at one time or another? The devil would love to keep us in self-condemnation for the things we have done or failed to do. He knows it paralyzes us and prevents us from making the kind of impact in our lives and the lives of others that has God intended for us.

Many of us have read a while back of the young teenager who accidentally struck his 5 year old sister, with a car, tragically killing her in their driveway. And as tragic as it is for a child to die in that way at such a young age, the greater tragedy is the difficulty this young man will have forgiving himself.

Though few of us have faced something as dramatic as this, many of us have pasts that we cannot let go of... secret things--big things , horrific things, or nagging little regrets that the enemy tricks us into focusing on, making us continually believe we just don't measure up... we all need to overcome these thoughts that are aimed against us to render us ineffective in God's Kingdom

Let's beat these thoughts into the ground -- haven't they beaten us long enough?!

1. Realize that we only deserve forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus. Not because what we did wrong "never happened," or it wasn't that bad or ugly or wasn't sin. Give up rationalizations and excuses.

2. It was that bad, but God is even MORE good! James 2:13 says mercy triumphs over judgement. His mercy toward you TRUMPS your judgement over yourself. Believe that God is bigger than what you did, thought, felt etc. In Luke 22, Peter denied the Lord 3 times, and Jesus forgave him. Later, Peter preached the first sermon after Jesus rose from the dead, and 3,000 people were saved in a day! Peter was able to forgive himself when he knew Jesus accepted him. In the same way, realize that you have been accepted by God, no matter what you have done -- simply by believing on the work of the cross of Jesus Christ.

3. Give up your right to hold against yourself ANYTHING that God Himself does not hold against you. If God can forgive you, you can forgive yourself. His standard is absolute perfection, and He forgives you. Psalm 103:12 says, "As far as east is from west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

* It is as though our sins don't exist anymore--they are gone, gone, gone, gone!

4. Stop rehearsing what you did. It's done. It's over. Now accept the blessing that God offers;

Philippians 3:10 says "forgetting what lies behind, and reaching forward."

* Not forgiving ourselves is a subtle way of competing with Christ's atonement. God has already punished jesus for what we did. (see 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we don't accept our own forgiveness we are punishing ourselves (Dont we just always want to "do" something to earn our favor?)

Instead of accepting jesus' sacrafice for my failures. This competes with our Lord, Christ's finest work.

5. Believe that condemnation doesn't come from God. He doesn't condemn you toward repentence. The Holy Spirit will convict of sin so that we may repent and be in fellowship once again with a clean conscience.
Romans 2:4 says it is His lovingkindness that leads us to repentance. Since this guilt and shame and condemnation do not come from God, there can be only one other source -- the devil. James 4:7 says, "Submit to God -- resist the devil -- and he will flee from you."

* Walking in the light means following without compromise anything God shows you to do


6. Give up the SELF-PUNISHMENT -- some people have said to themselves in essence: "I'll make myself feel bad to pay for what has been done." Why should we pay the price that has ALREADY been paid for what we've done wrong? Stop beating yourself up -- no one beats us up better than ourselves. The fact is whatever we have done that we can't seem to forgive ourselves for is already forgiven. By trying to "pay for what we have done," we are insulting the very blood of Jesus that HAS PAID the price in full.

THINK IT AND SAY IT...

I receive mercy today, because of the blood of Jesus. Though I didn't deserve it, God proclaims over me, that I am "not guilty". Where I have failed, God's mercy triumphs over judgement.

I give up my right today to hold ANYTHING against myself -- I deserve to be punished, but Jesus took THAT punishment for me. I forget what lies behind and press on, moving forward in my life with God, even though I feel like I have blown it beyond repair.


*Relinquishing bitterness (even against yourself) is an open invitation for the Holy Spirit to give you His peace, His joy and the knowledge of His will.

I reject this guilt and self-condemnation that the devil is trying to put on me. God is the God of 2nd chances. I will no longer try to make myself feel bad to pay for what has been done. The price for what I did or failed at has been paid in full by God! In Jesus' Name!


* And finally, a prayer for when the devil tries to make you to go back on your resolve:
Father, I ask you to help me during these times of prayer, recommitting the devil's thoughts to you. I thank You that the weapons of my warfare are not carnal, human or fleshly but are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Christ and bring every thought unto the obedience of Him and His finished work and my identification with Him.


Pray diligently, Keep moving forward! and keep looking up!


God's Blessings to ya'll





Majority written by Pastor Gregory Dickow,
along with Pastor RT Randall


& some editing & editions from me :)

Katy kicks back

It's frigid outside, but cozy, warm in. Katy enjoys this weather, as do we... We take advantage of the intimacy that the early evenings and the home centered days with heavy draperies, warmth and the aromas of stick-to-your-rib meals for my dear hubby , as we help ready him for work in the late afternoons :) Lots to do this winter... but plenty of (in time) to get it done! Thank you Lord for small blessings as well as the big ones :)

A CALL TO ACTION

Protest the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008!
Share
shared by Pamela Vasquez
Thu 12:18pm

(My daughter posted this after I sent it to her and did such a good job expressing herself, I asked if I could copy and paste it.)
I would only add that in addition to Etsy and people who sell there, this will kill church bazaars, fundraisers, craft shows, and other home businesses.
At this moment, there is actually debate over whether one is able to make something to give to a child without having it tested. That seems rather outrageous and unbelievable, but so it the law in general, so why not?
This is not a rumor - some of the links go to the actual act on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.) If you're like me and love sites such as Etsy and the like, you can pretty much kiss them goodbye after January. I love Etsy because pretty much every product on there is hand made, one of a kind, no two the same, or they are very old and vintage.
Either way, if it is for children under 12, it'll be illegal to sell after January. Maybe they have good intentions, but it is NOT their right to kill small business like this.
These artists and DIY folks are not going to be able to pay to have everything tested, especially since EVERYTHING THEY MAKE IS UNIQUE. They would have to have EVERY item they sold tested. It's just not going to happen.
Things sold on eBay and Garage sales will be effected, too. It doesn't really effect the majority of us reading this now, because it's only for products for children under 12. But it does effect a lot of other people and it's just not right.Please take the time to read this and then take some sort of action against it.

Thanks,Christina

If you haven't read about the new Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of2008 (HR 4040), you need to. This will affect EVERY item you buy for your children or grandchildren. Clothing, bedding, feeding utensils, wipes,cloth diapers, disposables, toys and on and on.
Starting in Feb 2009, every item made for a child under the age of 12 must be tested AFTER MANUFACTURE (not testing the components) to ensure it complies with the flammability, lead and phthalate limits set in this law.
The law specifies that testing must be done at the SKU level (which means atthe SIZE level--so if you have a rack of blue shirts at Walmart, EACH size of that shirt must have 1 unit tested to ensure it complies).
And when the lot changes (new bolt of fabric, new batch of snaps, new batch of zippers,etc) it must go through testing AGAIN.
The tests are estimated to costbetween $180-$4000 EACH, and must be done at CPSC approved labs. Any inventory on the shelf on Feb 9 that does not have a compliance certificate stating it meets the requirements will be considered "banned hazardous material" on Feb 10, and will not be able to be legally sold in this country.
Obviously, this will be the END of the hand-crafted, one of a kind industry in our country, as there is no way someone with a small cottage business can afford the testing on small batches like they make.
This will also affect Goodwill, thrift and resale shops, ebaying your child's used items and even garage sales. The grandma knitting baby blankets for the church bazaar will be a felon.
Fines are $100,000 per violation, with felony jail time a real possibility.EVERYTHING you buy will be more expensive, and your options will be severely restricted.

I just read (may be hearsay, it wasn't from Fuzzi Bunz) that they will be reducing their selection to one color per size to comply with the new CPSI Alegislation. (they currently have 15 colors and 6 sizes. That's a cost fortesting for EACH lot, cost range 16,200-360,000.
Fabrite fabrics come on bolts of 50 yards, and you can get about 5-6 large diapers per yard.)
Also, Haba and Selecta (European toy manufacturers who make toys to a more exacting standard than the CPSIA requires) are pulling out of the US marketas of the end of 2008 due to the cost of the end unit testing requirement.
Their wood toys are made with wood and finished with beeswax. NO possibility of lead issues or phthalates, but doesn't matter, each sku must still be tested.

Thank you Washington for eliminating the option for consumers to choose something other than plastic MIC for our children.
It is really important that everyone contact their reps to protest this bill as written. Some links if you feel like learning more: http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

(scroll down to the video testimony linksof Rick Woldberg and watch--it is really good).
http://www.thesmartmama.com/bg/index.phpoption=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=23http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.html#102pppa (the cpsc faq page)

http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/
(Etsyadmin's letter about this)

If you are stymied about what to say, or short on time, use this: http://capwiz.com/americanapparel/issues/alert/?alertid=12274476
(there issome required text and then an editable portion for you to customize it, aswell as drop down boxes at the bottom to fill in who it needs to go to andfind the right addresses for you).

It is tempting to just stick our heads in the sand and think, "it can't REALLY be that bad, can it?" But it is. I've been reading a LOT about this in the past week. I've read opinions from lawyers, and others involved in the children's markets both big and small. It is HUGE. And Feb 10 is not being called National Bankruptcy day for nothing. Expect the next industry group to be in front of congress asking for a bailout to be the big boxretailers. But there will be no bailout for the thousands of home-crafters. Take the few minutes to write or call your reps, and spread the info on any other groups you are on to have them do the same. (You can copy this post if you like). The grassroots effort IS beginning to spread and build steam.We need to FLOOD Washington with protests about this legislation as it is currently written.The intent is good--to protect our children from harmful substances in toys. The implementation is HORRIBLE. The fact is, the toys that werere called in 2007 did not meet the laws on the books at THAT time. More legislation is never the solution to keep the bad guys from breaking the law. It only impacts the honest. Lawbreakers will still try to get around it.Thank you for reading, and taking action.

Thank Your Dear Lord

Lord, I thank You for my family, my dear husband and my sweet daughter. I thank You for my daughter & son back in PA and for the grandsweeties that You have blessed me with as well... Lord, keep them all in Your loving arms and put a strong hedge of protection around about them... Draw them nigh unto you, keep their hearts soft and help us all be sensitive to our sin. We need you Lord, Thank You for your graciousness... and keep loving and drawing us to yourself!

Another blessing... another deer visiting our yard shortly before the end of summer... I just love these creatures...

Open Arms

Reaching out to find surrender, Open arms can find a peace.

Faith becomes a holy blessing, hidden just beyond release.

In the depths of never knowing, trust can find a place to grow.

Seeds of deeper understanding, blossom into letting go.

Open arms can hold acceptance, letting us begin to see.

faith reveals the arms of Heaven, holding our security.

--jean pomeroy

Cozy Pages

Do YOU have cozy pages?
:)

I have always loved studying and reading from my own Bible. My Bible was given to me by my father, back in 1987, the year of my 2nd birthday... The day I was born into God's family.

For the past 20 some years... I have marked faithfully what The Lord has faithfully shown me or spoken to my heart through His word in that same Bible. So, suffice it to say, It is well marked, well loved and well marked ;)

I reading the other day and my daughter comented on my marked up book... I proclaimed that they were my "cozy pages!" coz they, to me are a comfort.. (cozy) and are a tangible reminder in a ambiguous "feeling oriented world" ... of God's faithfulness to me through the years. (well, At least My world is feelings oriented :) ~maybe a bit too much, but the Lord keeps me balanced in various and sundry ways, one being, sending me a pragmatic husband to walk by my side through my feely, feelings oriented life LOL! helping me keep my feet on the ground!
Never failing Is the Love and the reminders He sends my way when I open my Bible to seek Him and His truths...

~~Thank - You Lord for my many cozy pages!