Inspirational Home and Family Blog
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
From Ordinary to Extraordinary
by Beverly Suhr - 2011 - Used by permission
Mary—a young, virgin girl, from a poor family of oppressed Jews, engaged to Joseph, a common, Jewish carpenter.
No Cinderella story here
No debutante wedding a CEO
No movie star marrying a prince
No—just an ordinary girl, engaged to an ordinary man --but chosen by God to accomplish an extraordinary event—the Birth of the Savior of the world.
They both yielded to this turn of events even though it meant ridicule and rejection
Then you have an ordinary leader, legislating an ordinary law that would help him gather more ordinary taxes,
But God used this common decree to get a very pregnant Mary and a very concerned Joseph to take an extraordinary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem so the scriptures of old would be fulfilled.
Next on the scene you have a less-than-ordinary birthing room for the couple’s baby to be born. Oh, it was ordinary enough for cows and sheep but for a human baby?
Yet the Lord of all Creation humbled Himself to be born in a stable with no running water, no white sheeted bed, no mid-wife or nurse----just smelly animals, prickly straw, and an empty manger.
Indeed, the amazing humility and condescension of our Lord so He could identify with the lowest and poorest of humanity is nothing short of extraordinary.
Ordinary shepherds come next. Theirs was considered the lowest of jobs. They even worked at night. But this night became extraordinary as the sky filled with angels singing of the birth of a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Once they found and worshipped Him, these ordinary men became extraordinary messengers of the Good News---Jesus , God’s Son has been born. The Promised Messiah is here!!!!
But now in 2011 we have even more extraordinary news. This same Jesus grew up to be a sinless man, who performed many miracles and taught countless lessons on how to live a godly life. He never hurt anyone by His word or deeds but He was rejected by the jealous religious leaders of His day. They handed Him over to the Romans to be crucified on an ordinary cruel cross. Yet today that cross has become an extraordinary symbol of His victory over sin—our sin. He died there in our place, to secure our salvation from sin, death and Hell. Then , after laying in an ordinary tomb, He made an extraordinary resurrection!!!! Our Savior LIVES!!!!
He Lives!!!
Presently Heaven is His home but one day soon He is coming again and this time nothing will be ordinary about it. It will be completely extraordinary!!!!
Will we be ready? No one was the first time
Tell me, is there room in your heart for Jesus? Has He been accepted as your own personal Savior? If not, Pleas, please ask one of us how you can know Him as your personal Lord and Savior.
If He already is, then let us each be like the ordinary shepherds who became conveyors of this extraordinary Good News.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Where's the Line to See JESUS?
This is a one-of-a-kind story and video!
Please take the time to see this very meaningful, high quality video! You will never forget the message it conveys!
Thanks to my cousin, Elaine, for sharing this with me!
About the Song
by Becky Kelley
While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four year old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught as a toddler that Christmas is a holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, "Where's the line to see Jesus?"
My sister mentioned this to my dad, who immediately became inspired and jotted words down to a song in just a few minutes. After putting music to the words and doing a quick recording at home, he received a great response from friends. He sent the recording off to Nashville without much response, except from a christian song writer, who suggested adding a bridge at the end of the first chorus. My dad then asked if I wanted to record the song to see what we could do with it. I listened to the song, made a few changes to the words to make it flow better, and we headed to Shock City Studios.
It was at the studio where, Chris, owner and producer, rewrote the second verse and part of the chorus... with goosebumps and emotions high, we were hopeful and felt like we had something special. The demo was recorded in just under two hours and sent off again to Nashville ... still no response.
Then two weeks before Christmas last year, my cousins, Greg and Robbie, decided to do a video to see what we could accomplish on YouTube. The first day we had 3,000 hit and it soared from there. We received e-mails, phone calls, Facebook messages for people from all over, asking for the music - CD's, iTunes, anything... we had nothing. After a couple of meetings with Chris following the amazing response, we got serious. We headed back into the studio this past spring... this time with guitars, drums, bass, pianos, choirs... the real deal... and here we are today.
Getting iTunes set up, a website put together, and loving that thousands of Christians have come together... remembering the true meaning of Christmas. Out of the mouths of babes come profound truths that many adults can not understand. Hopefully Spencer's observation will cause people all ofer to reflect on the love of Jesus, and that one day we will all stand in line to see Him. We are most thankful to our Heavenly Father to have this chance to share our music with you. Merry Christmas everyone.
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Salts: The Wise (Wo) Man's Gifts
Make a batch of these and nestle the package in a gold basket for a beautiful presentation that mimics the Wise Men's gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh. These make great bathtime luxuries for yourself and wonderful holiday gifts. What a sweet way to share the message of Christmas. The recipe below makes enough for ten baths.
6 cups sea salt (Dead Sea salt is preferable; or use coarse sea salt)
3 cups Epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
Combine the sea salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda. Add 5 drops each of frankincense and myrrh essential oil*, or until the mixture is richly scented. (You can also add a sweet scent like lavender or orange to soften the smoky, spicy tones.)
Combine well and scoop one cup each into ten containers. (You can use cellophane baggies, colored plastic wrap tied with a ribbon, ceramic jars. Use your imagination!) Nestle the salts inside a gold basket with a Christmas card from you.
*Essential oils are simply highly concentrated versions of natural oils extracted from plants and plant matter such as fruit, bark, and leaves. Because the oils are concentrated, one tiny bottle will last for a very long time. It is important to buy these oils at a store where you can test the scent before you buy. Inferior oils of frankincense and myrrh will have a bad paint thinner odor. High quality oils will smell rich and warm.
Note: Essential oils can be found at health food stores.
Thanks to Paula Archer who shared this recipe from:
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/12/frankincense-and-myrrh-bath-salts-the-wise-womans-gifts/
6 cups sea salt (Dead Sea salt is preferable; or use coarse sea salt)
3 cups Epsom salt
1 cup baking soda
Combine the sea salt, Epsom salt, and baking soda. Add 5 drops each of frankincense and myrrh essential oil*, or until the mixture is richly scented. (You can also add a sweet scent like lavender or orange to soften the smoky, spicy tones.)
Combine well and scoop one cup each into ten containers. (You can use cellophane baggies, colored plastic wrap tied with a ribbon, ceramic jars. Use your imagination!) Nestle the salts inside a gold basket with a Christmas card from you.
*Essential oils are simply highly concentrated versions of natural oils extracted from plants and plant matter such as fruit, bark, and leaves. Because the oils are concentrated, one tiny bottle will last for a very long time. It is important to buy these oils at a store where you can test the scent before you buy. Inferior oils of frankincense and myrrh will have a bad paint thinner odor. High quality oils will smell rich and warm.
Note: Essential oils can be found at health food stores.
Thanks to Paula Archer who shared this recipe from:
http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/12/frankincense-and-myrrh-bath-salts-the-wise-womans-gifts/
Monday, December 5, 2011
Lots of Christmas Ideas
It's so easy for us women to become overwhelmed at this time of the year, convincing ourselves that we have to do it all! You may want to step back and take a minute to observe the big picture of Christmastime in your home. Please realize that by my giving you lots of Christmas ideas, I am not saying you should do everything - nor a fourth of these ideas. These are simply ideas from which to chose the best possibilities for your family, as we all remember the "Reason for the Season" - Jesus, and sharing His love with family, friends and strangers. These are all more important than a perfectly decorated home with lots of gifts under the tree!
You will find Christ-centered ideas for celebrating Jesus' birthday, as well as many gift ideas to make and give on a budget.
Rather than sending the eight Christmas newsletters from the past again this year, or taking extra space in this newsletter, I'm passing on these Heart to Heart links (below), now that the two Heart to Heart blogs have been in operation for almost a year. How well I remember last year at this time, working feverishly as I learned how to do a blog with the help from friends, and posted so much information to the two blogs! The links are always shown below the heading of this newsletter, by the way. I hope you will all check them out and give me your feedback.
You will find Christ-centered ideas for celebrating Jesus' birthday, as well as many gift ideas to make and give on a budget.
Rather than sending the eight Christmas newsletters from the past again this year, or taking extra space in this newsletter, I'm passing on these Heart to Heart links (below), now that the two Heart to Heart blogs have been in operation for almost a year. How well I remember last year at this time, working feverishly as I learned how to do a blog with the help from friends, and posted so much information to the two blogs! The links are always shown below the heading of this newsletter, by the way. I hope you will all check them out and give me your feedback.
http://heartfilledhomerecipes.blogspot.com/p/desserts.html Christmas recipes are included in this link.
More great Christmas ideas from Real Simple:
Geeting over Sickness Naturally
by Meagan DeLong - Used by permission
This informative article was included a year ago, but hopefully more of you will be saved from the misery of colds, flu, sinus infections and more by following this advice! ~ Lois
I know I posted about this last year when Karlie had strep throat and I chose to not give her antibiotics, but I have found several more effective natural remedies since then and wanted to list them all in the same place. These natural solutions really work!!!! If you can only do the first one, you will still lessen the duration and intensity of your sickness. If you do multiple ones, your ailments simply don't have a chance!! There is really no reason to buy all those over the counter cold and flu medicines filled with chemicals!!
1. Oregano oil -- Personally, I think this is THE MOST EFFECTIVE natural remedy available! If you don't do anything else, please stock up on oregano oil. It is simple and effective. If I start taking it at first notice of a scratchy throat, I can pretty much avoid a bad cold because most symptoms are gone within 24 hours. If I don't start it right away, it might not go away as quickly, but it will still help a ton! I put a few drops in an empty pill capsule and take about 3 times a day. For children, just rub it on the bottom of their feet. Oregano oil is a hot herb and protects against outside threats, promoting a healthy immune system without harmful chemicals. Make sure you read the label, though, and buy some that is not watered down with olive oil.
2. A tsp. of raw honey with 1/4 tsp. of good quality cinnamon. Both of these have great anti-bacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. If I'm feeling sick, I will mix up a bowl full of honey and cinnamon and take a spoonful about 3 times a day. It soothes a sore throat tremendously, helps fight your sickness, and tastes great, too! For even stronger honey for medicinal purposes, purchase raw Manuka Honey.
3. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide or put drops in your kids ear.
4. Garlic -- If you google garlic you will be amazed at how effective this anti-bacterial natural remedy is. You can simply cut it up into pill-sized bites, or (if you are like me and don't like swallowing those pointy edges :) chop up finely and put in an empty pill capsule. For my girls, I slice it and just rub it on their feet. Their feet are very porous and absorb it very well. I also try to make meals that contain large a mounts of garlic when we are sick. For instance, I will make a pot of our favorite cheesy potato cheddar chowder and add a whole bulb of chopped garlic to the recipe. Or you can generously spread Donielle's "Cold Kicking Garlic Herb Spread" on your favorite bread or crackers :)
5. Probiotics -- These are so important for replenishing your good bacteria! You want to take them on an empty stomach if at all possible.
6. Collodial Silver -- Another super effective way to fight bacteria and viruses. You have to make sure you have a good source, but it really works! I take a mouthful about 4 times a day when I am sick.
7. Unpasturized Apple Cider Vinegar -- If you can, taking a mixture of 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar with honey and plenty of cayenne pepper really works well. Take it 3-4 times a day. I can't do the pepper, but I just pour a little ACV in my water or tea and drink it throughout the day.
8. Steam Pot for chest/broncial/mucus issues. -- boil water on the stove in a glass pot – if you don't have a glass pot, boil the water in a tea pot and then pour into a glass bowl. When the water is boiling hard, remove from heat and add three shakes of Euchalyptus, lavendar, and pine oils into the hot water. The oil effectiveness lasts about 15-20 seconds so move quickly to get yourself over the steam. Breathe in through your nose, turn your head to the side and breathe out through your mouth. Continue this process until the scents aren't as strong. Be sure to close your eyes. With children, place a washcloth over their eyes as it can burn. You could also make a tent over the top with a towel for really young infants, but if they can get the concept of breathing through their nose, then it will get deeper into their lungs. You're doing it right if it just about takes your breath away or make you cough!
9. Grapefruit Seed Extract -- I add it to my smoothies, tea, or juice all year long just to boost our immune system. When I am sick, I take it in a capsule with my oregano oil.
10. Elderberries -- anti-viral, contains high levels of flavonoids and antioxidants, has cell-protecting components, soothes sore throats, and supports the immune system and respiratory system. I add some dried ones to my morning tea or make a simple elderberry syrup for the girls when they are sick. Lindsey gives a great little video of how to make your own on THIS post.
11. Kombucha -- it cleanses the body from toxins and aids in digestion and metabolism. Click HERE to see my review of it and some links explaining why I love this drink and how to make it yourself. My toddler and I drink this regularly (I'm still working on my husband :), and I was amazed that mybaby would even take sips of it when she was sick! When I make it, I usually try to leave a small jar of it fermenting for several weeks so that it will be even more potent for killing off illness.
12. Mullein for chest/cold issues -- Take mullein capsules – The amount taken depends on the size of the capsule. The larger 0 sizes can be 1-2 capsules 3x per day. The small 000 capsules can be 3 capsules 3x per day. This is not a hard science, can take larger doses if the lung infection is bad or persistent. Mullein is a safe herb. You can also make a tea for kids who can not swallow pills. Or add a small amount to applesauce or yoghurt and have them take it that way. I add it to bone broth through out the winter.
13. Home-made Chicken Stock -- Your grandma was right to tell you to eat chicken soup when you are sick because it is chock full of immune-boosting nutrients! But don't buy the store-bought kind full of chemicals, bad salt, and MSG. It is so simple to make your own with nourishing sea salt and immune-building herbs. Everytime I cook a chicken, I make stock for soups. Any time a soup recipe calls for water, I use my stock instead and it adds tons of flavor and nutrients! And anytime we are sick, I reach for my chicken stock!
14. Home-made ear drops -- these are helpful even if the sickness is not an ear infection, because it helps to get garlic and GSE into the body which fight infection. Click HERE for 2 different home-made ear drops, one that you can use right away and one that you can make ahead of time and store.
15. Cod liver oil -- Vitamin D is so important for your immune system and I prefer to take real food rather than just a vitamin D supplement that my body might have a hard time digesting and utilizing. I take it every day but take extra when I am fighting an illness. Don't be deterred by the gross-sounding name -- it comes in pill form so you don't have to taste it :)
16. Herbal Teas -- so healing! Click HERE for a list of which herbs help different ailments.
17. Stay away from sugar and white flour!!! This is so important, because they inhibit the natural workings of your immune system.
18. Let the fever run its course -- (That means NO Tylenol!) This is probably the hardest, yet most important thing for me to do when my girls are sick. God made our bodies to have a fever because the high temp. kills the virus or bacteria. Using Tylenol ruins this natural process and makes the body unable to fight the disease. It can also cause a fever convulsion by bringing the fever down too quickly. Without Tylenol, your fever will naturally break when it gets too high, then climbs back up and breaks again, etc, until it has killed the infection. So I just try to make my girls as comfortable as possible and if utterly miserable, I give THIS special bath for helping with the fever. The main thing you have to watch out for with a high fever is dehydration, but I will write about that soon...
19. Coconut water -- This is truly nature's Gatorade or Pedialyte without all the added flavorings and sugar! I get in the organic section at Kroger or buy when on sale at Amazon and always keep it on hand for any time we are sick. Coconut Water is rich in many vital minerals, vitamins, and proteins, not just the basic "electrolyte essentials" found in a lab-formulated drink. And believe it or not, the natural electrolyte & pH balance of coconut water even make it suitable for a rehydrating IV solution! And my girls love it! Smart Water/ Trinity Mineral Water is also a good option for dehydration because it has a lot of electrolytes, but my favorite is coconut water.
20. Lemons -- high in vitamin C, which is important when sick. Once again, I'd rather take real food than a processed pill, so I add a ridiculous amount of fresh lemons to my tea or water all day long when I am sick.
21. Chiropractor! The relief a chiropractor can bring during illness is simply amazing. I can see immediate relief in my girls' eyes once the chiro has finished. And the amount of drainage that immediately is released is even more proof :) A chiro is particularly useful if you think your child has an ear infection and can bring immediate relief to the pain. Our family chiro has a lot of medical training and gave me much encouragement and more advice on beating sickness naturally. If you live in my area, I can recommend a fabulous Christian chiro who charges a reasonable rate and doesn't even deal with insurance. I just love her! I take my girls to a chiropractor before I even think about taking them to a doctor.
22. Coconut oil -- Filled with anti-viral and anti-biotic properties -- I eat a few spoonfuls or spread it on toast or mix in my tea. But make sure you buy the raw, cold-pressed kind.
23. Smoothies with coconut milk, coconut oil, frozen fruit, raw honey, and grapefruit seed extract --The best tasting medicine ever! It is really the only thing I can get my girls to eat when they are absolutely miserable. It is dairy-free so it won't add to drainage, has tons of vitamin C from the fruit, contains bacteria fighting GSE and coconut oil, all the nutrients of coconut milk, and the honey is soothing and has many other benefits. We actually eat these all the time to try to boost our immune system. My husband likes them so much that he was willing to give up his nightly ice cream treat for them (and if you know my husband, that is saying A LOT!)
24. "Remedies" from my Christian Holistic Doctor -- I know not everyone has this resource available but I wanted to include it because if you live in my area, I can refer you to the BEST natural doctor ever. She can pinpoint any illnesses/ allergies without invasive treatment and makes remedies based on your body's particular needs. She has such a heart for helping others and I just love her!
25. Homeopathic remedies -- I've recently started trying out Homeopathic options like teething tablets and allergy tablets. I've used the Hyland's and Boiron brand and they both seem to work well. I plan to try out the cold remedy next time any of us get sick and I have the flu remedy in my medicine cabinet just in case! Homeopathy seems to be very safe and effective. It treats the individual with highly diluted substances given in mainly tablet form, which triggers the body’s natural system of healing. The idea is that by giving a small dose of the very thing that could trigger the types of symptoms that a person is experiencing, you can actually bring about a natural healing response that will help to relieve those symptoms! Pretty neat!
Precious Gems
I appreciate the following ladies giving me permission to include these gems in Heart to Heart! Everyone is welcome to send quotes to be considered for posting.
Savannah (4) said, "Mommy, I love you because you can always find my tag on my blankie even when it's dark. and you are warm. You are the bestest mommy in the whole wide world."~ Lauren in Virginia
Savannah (4) said, "Mommy, I love you because you can always find my tag on my blankie even when it's dark. and you are warm. You are the bestest mommy in the whole wide world."~ Lauren in Virginia
Today on the way home from dance class Eva asked me, " Mommy, if God is the father, then who is the mommy when we get to heaven?" ~ Elizabeth in Virginia
Alex (5) was just sitting on my back while I lay in the floor. Logan (3) walked over, pushed him off, and said, "Hey! That's MY momma! ~ Amanda in Virginia
Abbi recently learned to pull up and will use anything she sees to get her where she wants to be. Today I was in the kitchen and I heard Karlie (2) scream, "Mamma, she's trying to pull down my underwear!" ~ Meagan in North Carolina
I had forgotten Sam brought books home from school to read, and when looking for some, he says, "Mommy, you're so forgettable!" ~ Beth in Virginia
After a long day of hearing Halle (5) say over and over and over "Henri" (to the dog they were sitting for a week) and repeatedly getting in his face, which he did not like at all, I said, "Halle, if he bites your face I am NOT taking you to the hospital!" She looked up at me and said, "Well, will you put a Bandaid on it?" ~ Becky in Georgia
I overheard one of my little girls in class today saying, "I want to be a cowgirl when I grow up. I don't want to live on a farm--that would be too messy. I just want to be a cowgirl." Oh, to be 7 years old again!! ~ Cindy, a teacher in Georgia
Joshua (11) was talking to one of his friends and telling him about why he shouldn't buy a particular game station. He says, "My dad is into social security and stuff like that." I had to come upstairs to laugh out loud because his (young) dad is in Information security--not Social Security. So funny! ~ Penny in Virginia
Tips and Tidbits
Make Ahead Recipes are definitely a great time saving tip for Christmas, just as they were for Thanksgiving! I was able to spend more time with our family last week when they were all here because of this time-saving tip!
Push Pins Help in Painting ~ While painting a stool for the smaller grandchildren to stand on while washing their hands, my husband stuck a push pin in the bottom of each of the four feet of the stool. That enabled him to neatly paint all the way down to the bottom of each foot without making a mess.
A Great Mathematics Link ~ Mathematics ~ Thanks to Diana Bishop for sending this!
Winterize Your Home by making sure you have enough insulation. Having insulation blown into your attic will pay off in not only your heating bills but also during the summer when your air conditioner is running. Even if you don't have air conditioning, your home will stay cooler. Check all your windows, and if you have storm windows, make sure they are secure. Do an internet search for many more ideas on winterizing your home that could save you much more. This is only a start!·
A Great Mathematics Link ~ Mathematics ~ Thanks to Diana Bishop for sending this!
Winterize Your Home by making sure you have enough insulation. Having insulation blown into your attic will pay off in not only your heating bills but also during the summer when your air conditioner is running. Even if you don't have air conditioning, your home will stay cooler. Check all your windows, and if you have storm windows, make sure they are secure. Do an internet search for many more ideas on winterizing your home that could save you much more. This is only a start!·
Natural Immune Supporters - Oil of oregano capsules, echinacea, goldenseal root in capsule form and goldenseal tea. The tea flavor is not bad after adding stevia, a natural sweetener, and it beats getting on an antibiotic from the drug store.
A Lesson on Forgiveness
Thanks to Stacy Miller for this!
We had a fantastic lesson today on forgiveness. Since that is an issue we all have to face at one time or another in our lives, I posted the lesson on my blog, along with adding my own story of dealing with a bitter root. I hope it helps some of you who may be currently dealing with this issue.
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