Set Your Affection On Things Above!

It seems to me that every where I look that most saved people are ever trying to get something more than they already have. Their affection seems to be on everything except the Lord Jesus Christ and eternal things. Have you ever seen so many people continually striving to have more things, better things, more entertainment, more, more, more....

Then there are those who truly haven't set their affection on things here, their mind seems to be in the heavens...these are the ones that are ridiculed and looked down upon as someone who just needs to "get with the program". Please read and consider the following verses:

Colossians 3:1-17
1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3) For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4) When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8) But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13) Forbearing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also, do ye.
14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

For your convenience I have taken the time to look up the definitions of some of the above words. Sometimes we think we know what they mean, but find out they mean something different than we thought. Or, maybe we just plain out don't know what a word means:

mortify-to kill; to punish (one's body) or control (one's physical desires) by self-denial, fasting, etc.
fornication-voluntary sexual intercourse between unmarried persons.
uncleanness-dirty; filthy; foul; morally impure; unchaste; obscene.
inordinate-disordered; not regulated. Without restraint or moderation; excessive.
concupiscence-strong desire or appetite; sexual desire; lust.
covetousness-greedy; too much desire to get and keep money.
idolatry-worship of idols; excessive devotion to or reverence for some person or thing.
malice-active ill will; desire to harm others; spite.
blasphemy-profane or mocking abuse of God or anything regarded as sacred. Contempt for God.
filthy-indecent; obscene; lewd; dirty; foul.

May the Lord Jesus Christ help us to seek the things above and not the things of this earth...This is especially thought provoking now with so many evil things coming upon this earth.
AMEN!!

A Missionary's Sarcasm

Why I Sometimes Wish I Was Black

An article taken from a Missionary friend's website: Robert Breaker lll who is a missionary whom we support to the Spanish speaking people, especially to those in Honduras.  I couldn't help but laugh and say, Robert...ah, so true!

I unfortunately was born a pale white guy. I say "unfortunately," because I've been conditioned by college, the news media, society, etc. to feel guilty for the color of my race.

I've been taught that I'm the bad guy in the eyes of the rest of the world, which says my race is the one that's guilty of owning slaves, and taking people's land through "colonization." And, they say I'm the one who needs to sacrifice to pay back everybody for all the evil my race has done. They say that's just plain "social justice."

This is why I sometimes wish I was born black. For, I'm sure I'd be a lot happier. For one thing, I wouldn't feel guilty at all! And for another, I'd feel everyone owed me something for mistreating my ancestors under slavery!

I'm sure I'd also be a whole lot richer, because under the President's plan of "redistribution of wealth," I'm sure I'd be able to get some money coming my way that I could use on myself.

And, because of the laws on the books of "affirmative action," I could certainly get a job much easier than my white cohorts!

I also wish I was black because society has taught me to believe that it's cool to be black. I'm so tired of being this unhip, uncool white guy. I sometimes wish I could be cool too.

I also wish I could call myself something I'm not, like "African-American." (Even though I wasn't born in Africa, nor have I even visited there). How neat it would be to be able to call myself by two nationalities instead of one, even though I wasn't born in Africa! You see, it just sounds stupid to call myself what I really am, a "German, Irish, Polish, Prussian, Swiss-American." That just doesn't sound as neat as "African-American." Why can't I just have one heritage instead of all those mixtures? Oh, if only I was cooler.

Also, when I walk into a room, I'm not the one everyone looks at. How I hate that. I sometimes wish I was black, so I'd get all the attention when I walked into the room! How great that'd be.

I also wish I could be black, cause then I could find myself a white blond-headed girlfriend. As a white guy, this is my desire, but many times I can't get that because they want black guys instead of me. So I sure wish I was black, then I wouldn't have to worry about that!

And, I sure wish I could have rhythm. I just don't know how to dance. Why, if I were black, I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem!

Also, how cool it would be to be a black preacher. I'm sure I'd have a bigger audience. As a matter of fact, now that I think about it, I'd have a really neat set of loud color suits as well, that would make sure I'm seen from a far. How great that would be!

I also could use the "N" word and nobody would say anything! How great would that be? I could call myself that or call my other brothers that, while putting down the white guy, and that'd make me feel much better about myself. Yep, that would sure be nice!

And one neat thing about being a black guy would be that I could get away with certain things just because of the color of my skin. Hey, I could use that as an excuse, and claim police brutality, or discrimination, as I try to get what I want! How great that would be to have that to fall back on and use as a crutch as I try to get ahead! Men would cower before me as they'd be afraid of being guilty of "discrimination" or "racial profiling." Why, I could get away with a whole lot if I played the color card! Would that be nice?

I also wish I was black cause it'd make me a better player at sports. I bet if I practiced a little, I could play basketball or baseball or football, and get me a scholarship to a college, and then get a big multi-million dollar contract with some big sports league team. That sure would be nice to make the big money. Of course, that would cut in on my whole "discrimination" thing, and my "race card" as I'd be getting ahead based on my ability, and not on the color of my skin, but I could live with that!

And how great it'd be to be black, as people would be afraid of me as I walked around at night, thinking I was a criminal or something. I'd have a lot of fun with that, jumping out and saying, "Boo" to passerbys as they go to and fro. How fun that would be!

And who knows, if I was black, I could probably cook better, being able to fry foods so well they melt in your mouth, or make the best bar-b-que. I can feel my mouth watering already.

And how cool would it be if I was black. Why I could rhyme better, and probably spend my days writting "raps." I could also use bad English and nobody would correct me. How cool is dat?

Finally, the greatest thing about being black is that I could join the NAACP, and sit around all day and talk about how "oppressed" I am, like these guys:

NAACP RANTS

And absolutely no one would think I'm racist. (Even though I probably am). And I could brag about my race and keep pointing out that I'm black, just in case people forgot!

Oh, if only I was Black!

But then again, would it really be that different if I were black? I mean after all, we are all the same, right? Right? Aren't we all citizens of the United States under the same laws and protections? I'm mean there is no difference between white and black, no favortism, no racism, no racial tension, is there? Is there?

(Note: This has been SARCASM in its purest form. Take it any way you like it. All I know is I'm white and I'm not a racist. In fact, I recently met some black folks here in town and spoke with them for a while. I told them about my friend, the black janitor in Elementry School named Mr. Blue, and how everyone loved him, especially us students. They informed me that Mr. Blue had passed away. I felt tears whelling up in my eyes, and I had to walk away as I cried. How I miss that man. Never a sweeter man walked the face of the earth. He cared for me, and knew me by name, asking, "How is ya, Mr. Robert?" I'd respond, "I'm fine Mr. Blue!"

Why can't Whites and Blacks get along like old Mr. Blue and I did? Why the special treatment today toward blacks? Why the trying to make whites feel guilty for something their forefathers did 150 years ago? Why the racism? After all, aren't we all human beings?)

Twelve Rules for Raising Gang Members & Drug Addicts

Many years ago while our family was traveling, we came upon a preacher doing some street work, handing out leaflets. Recently, I came across one of the pages that describes "How to Raise Gang Members and Drug Addicts", which I feel is profoundly true!

1.  Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.

2.  When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he's cute. It will also encourage him to pick up "cuter" phrases, that will blow off the top of your head later.

3.  Never give him any spiritual training. Wait till he's 21 and let him "decide" for himself.

4.  Avoid use of the word "wrong". It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him, and he is being persecuted.

5.  Pick up everything he leaves lying around~books, shoes, and clothing. Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility onto others.

6.  Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

7.  Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.

8.  Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?

9.  Satisfy his every craving for food, drink, and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified.  Denial may lead to harmful frustration.

10.  Take his part against neighbors, teachers, and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

11.  When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, "I never could do anything with him."

12.  Prepare for a life of grief. You will be sure to have it.

BE A RESPONSIBLE PARENT. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN CHRISTIAN MORALS AND VALUES. REFUSE TO FOLLOW THE RULES LISTED ABOVE.

WE  CARE...PASTOR FREDDIE GARCIA, AUTHOR OF THE BOOK,  "OUTCRY IN THE BARRIO"

Thwarted

"PLEASE, DADDY, LET'S GO"

A little girl with shining eyes, her little face aglow,
Said "Daddy, It is almost time for Sunday School. Let's go!
They teach us there of Jesus' love, of how He died for all
Those who on Him will call."

"Oh, no!" said Daddy, "not today, I've worked hard all week;
I'm going to the creek, for there I can relax and rest,
And fishing's fine they say, so run along; don't bother me,
We'll go to church someday."

Months and years have passed away, but Daddy hears that plea no more--

"Let's go to Sunday School." Those childish days are o'er.
And now that Daddy's growing old, when life is almost through,
He finds some time to go to church, but what does Daughter do?

She says: "O Daddy, not today~~I stayed up almost all night;
I've just got to get some sleep, besides, I look a fright."
Then Daddy lifts a trembling hand to brush away the tears,
As again he hears the pleading voice distinctly through the years.
He sees a small girl's shining face, upturned, with eyes aglow,
As she says, "It's time for Sunday School~~
Please, Daddy, won't you go?
~Author Unknown~

May Newsletter

May 2011

Thyme

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth...

From The Herb Patch

Welcome to the May issue of Herbs and Heirlooms Newsletter!

Is It Time for Thyme?

There are so many different herbs that start growing and flourishing in the spring that it is almost impossible to choose from among the many varieties to write about. So, I have decided to write this month about an herb that is used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Knowing what I do about thyme, makes me wonder why I don’t literally use this herb on a daily basis, and so I will probably somehow incorporate this herb in my daily life, whether through food or in a tea or tincture. I have already made herbal oil from this super medicinal dried herb and have found it to be what it claims in the following paragraphs.

*This article was taken from Countryside Magazine, March/April edition.

T

his common culinary spice of thyme, with the botanical name of Thymus vulgaris, is only one member of a larger general that includes over 400 species and even more varieties. The thymus genera are originally native to the Mediterranean region and are a perennial plant that grows wild. Thyme is a prolific, fragrant creeping groundcover and often displays an attractive spray of flowers spanning the spectrum from white to lilac.

The principal active chemical constituents of thyme consist of the phenols, thymols and carbacrol. A 1977 article in the scientific journal, Chemical Abstracts, revealed that thymol's antimicrobial activity is 18 times more powerful than phenol. Phenol is the major antiseptic used in commercial germicidal cleaners like Lysol.

Thymol is one of the most potent antimicrobial substances known and far surpasses even the strongest antibiotics. It has been illustrated in the Journal of Chemistry and the Merck Index of Drugs & Chemicals to destroy parasites, worms, fungi, bacteria, mosquito larvae, and many viruses, something antibiotics don't even touch.

Medical Properties
Anti-aging, highly anti-mocrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasistic, antiseptic, disinfectant. A solution of thyme's most active ingredient, thymol, is used in many over the counter products such as mouth wash and vapor rubs because of its purifying agents.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry is also privy to thyme's important medicinal effects of the oil of thymus vulgaris. They have used it in gargles, cough drops, vapor rubs and mouth washes for many years.

Uses
Infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, muscular atrophy, sprains, rheumatism, hepatitis, respiratory problems, digestive complaints, the prevention and treatment of infection, dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, bronchitis, pertusses, asthma, laryngitis, tonsillitis, styes and aid with pink eye, nightmares in children, and enuresis (bedwetting) in children.

Thyme just happens to be one of the many ingredients found in Me Me’s Superblast! I have had some great feedback on results of people using this product. Most have reported that their infected throats (some strep throat) have been healed in a short time. There was one young man that had a severe eye infection (usually has them several times a year) that works with my husband who actually tried Superblast in some water and made an eye wash! OUCH!
Anyway, he said it really stung for a few minutes, but the infection greatly improved within a few hours of doing this. His eye was completely healed within 2 days versus using antibiotic crème in his eye that cost him about $50 that normally took two weeks to completely heal.

Recipes

 Since Mothers Day is coming up very soon now I thought it would be a good idea to throw in a few recipes

Me Me’s stuffed eggs (I refuse to call them deviled)

6 eggs (Preferably from free range chickens)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use Duke’s or 365 brand) May need more mayo depending on taste
1 teaspoon mustard (to taste)

1 teaspoon of favorite herb such as dill weed or paprika (optional)
1/2 teaspoon honey

Place eggs in a medium saucepan and cover completely with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; boil for at least 10 minutes. Remove pan from heat and pour off hot water. Gently shake pan to slightly crack eggs while adding cold water to cool down the already cooked eggs. Let stand until cooled. Crack and peel eggs, then slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out yolk and put in a small bowl. Mash yolk and add above ingredients. Herbs can be mixed inside of yolk mixture or sprinkled on top. Taste! Scoop mashed yolk back into the egg white. Enjoy!!

Lemon-Chip Cookies or Lemon-Balm Cookies

My daughter recently had a spring tea party (country style) and I made these cookies. They turned out exceptionally well! You can use the original chocolate chips or use chopped herbs to make this great tasting cookie taken from an old cookie recipe book.
Cream 1 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar. Beat in 1 egg, 1 ½ teaspoons shredded lemon peel, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, (I used more) and 1 tablespoon water. Stir together 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt; stir into creamed mixture. Stir in one 1-ounce square semisweet chocolate, grated (1/3) cup. Shape into two 9-inch rolls Wrap in waxed paper or clear plastic wrap. Chill thoroughly. Cut into ¼-inch slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350º for 10 to 12 minutes. Makes about 6 dozen.

Cures in the Cupboard

Taken from The Herb Companion Magazine

Save money with 11 remedies that could be as close as your kitchen.
We expect to find help for our ailments at the health-food store or the drugstore. But for a surprising number of conditions, help is as near as your kitchen cupboard. We have been collecting, researching and testing folk remedies for more than two decades—and all of the remedies have been reviewed for safety by medical doctors, naturopathic doctors and other experts.
*If you have an existing health condition, check with your physician before trying any of these remedies.

BAD BREATH, GUM DISEASE AND TOOTHACHE
Coconut oil, baking soda
Coconut oil can ease ailments of the mouth, such as bad breath, gum disease and toothache. For help with any of these conditions, brush your teeth with a mixture of 1/8 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon organic extra-virgin
coconut oil (which you can find at a health-food store). You also can rub coconut oil on sore gums for relief.
*A note from Alice
I mixed together in a small container some coconut oil (hardened), baking soda, and a small amount of peppermint oil that I already had made.  The mixture tasted pretty good and it added a whitening and polishing effect to my teeth. I use this mainly before going to bed and it works better than some toothpastes. Normally, I use a brand of toothpaste by Toms of Maine that has propolis and myrrh in it, without flouride.

DANDRUFF
Thyme
We all have dead cells that fall from our scalp as new cells come in. But some people have a greater number of cells falling out that are bigger and easier to see. Dried thyme can help get rid of dandruff. Boil 1 cup water, and add 2 heaping tablespoons dried thyme. Let simmer 7 to 10 minutes. Use a strainer to collect the thyme, and discard. Let the tea cool. Wash your hair with a regular shampoo. While your hair is still damp, gently massage the cooled tea into your scalp. Do not rinse.

HEADACHE
Green tea, mint
Fatigue, anxiety and stress can trigger headaches. For fast relief, brew a cup of green tea and add sprigs of fresh spearmint or peppermint. If you don't have fresh mint available, use a peppermint or spearmint tea bag. Combine a bag each of green tea and mint tea to make a powerful brew that will diminish your headache in about 15 minutes.

MEMORY PROBLEMS
Carrot juice, milk, fresh ginger, sage tea, cloves
For mild memory problems, try this memory-improving drink. Mix 1/2 cup of carrot juice with 1/2 cup of milk and drink daily or use daily doses of fresh ginger in cooking or tea. Ginger is known to improve memory. Or brew a cup of sage tea, and add four cloves. Drink daily. Sage and cloves are believed to strengthen memory.
And who doesn’t need that!!!

SINUS PROBLEMS
Tomato juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, lemon juice
When your sinuses feel clogged and uncomfortable, this bracing drink can help. Combine 1 cup tomato juice, 1 teaspoon freshly chopped garlic, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (according to your spice tolerance) and 1 teaspoon lemon. Heat the mixture until warm. Drink slowly, and it should help clear sinuses quickly.

KEEPING CLEAN THIS SPRING

Try these simple herbal tips as you prepare your home for spring

With Spring Right Around the Corner, it's time to make your house a clean and happy home—and preferably a home of non-toxic chemicals. Use revitalizing herbs, such as basil, juniper, ginger and thyme, to energize your senses and inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

      Add a drop of your favorite herbal essential oil to a scrap of fabric or a handkerchief and toss it into the dryer with your clothes for a pleasing scent. Rosemary, sage, lemon balm or cardamom will keep insects away from your wardrobe.

*A note from Alice: Since I make some of my own oil, I have tried the oil on a scrap of cloth mentioned above and it really works. It also gives the clothes a softer feel without using fabric softener or sheets. Try using cinnamon oil! I have used lavender oil that I made from my own lavender dried stems, cinnamon oil and/or cloves smells wonderful. Orange or tangerine oil is great also. There are many options here!

      Hide dried herbs in sachets (made from scraps of cloth or paper envelopes) in your furniture to add subtle aromatherapy to any room. Use lavender flowers for relaxation and mint leaves for energy and focus.

*A note from Alice: A real quick way to use dried herbs in any room is to buy a box of herbal tea such as spiced teas or some of the mints and tuck them away in your dresser drawer or even under your car seat for a quick air freshener without chemicals. Since I am highly allergic to most air freshener products, I rely on natural ways to make my home smell better.

      Clean wood furniture and floors with tea: Just boil a few tea bags in a quart of water, wipe the surface with the cooled brew and buff with a clean cloth.

      Mix a few drops of essential oils with vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda for a natural cleaning agent.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!