October Newsletter

October, 2011

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...

 

Eucalyptus and  Rosemary

From The Herb Patch

Once again another month has past by swiftly! It seems to me that time just “flies by”. By the time I get one newsletter finished and out the door, it’s time for another. I thank the Lord that I am able to do this. It is a part of my ministry to the Lord and the people he has laid on my heart. So, feel free to copy or lend anything that I send out so that others may benefit.

The month of October is one of my favorite months because it is “fall time”, or “autumn” whichever one you wish to call it. This is so because of the unique “smells” and “colors” of the leaves in our area. But, as my son in law Todd so bluntly said to me when he first moved to our area from Texas years ago, “The smell of the leaves here just happens to be mold”. Oops! that sorta “busted my bubble” at the time. I was caught up in the nostalgia of the sights and smells of autumn! Also, the air at some point becomes crisp and cleaner smelling until the folks around the country area in which I live start burning leaves... which I am highly allergic.

And whether or not this means anything to my readers, I do not participate in Halloween! This is because I know that it is a pagan holiday used to promote witchcraft...And so greatly it does. I am amazed at how “big and important” this holiday has become. Even more amazed at how soon the stores and places of business start portraying the “witch” decor. No longer is it just “pumpkins”, it has become a “ghostly horror house”.

Last month I said that I would be finishing up the discussion on the herbs in Me Me’s Muscle Rub—Eucalyptus and Rosemary. So, here we go!

Eucalyptus genus comprises over 500 species of aromatic trees and shrubs with deciduous bark. It is a tall evergreen tree native to Australia, including Tasmania. The most common species, Tasmanian Blue Gum (globulus), has a blue-gray trunk, blue-green juvenile leaves, green adult leaves, and white flower stamens. Eucalyptus leaves, scented of balsamic camphor are used by Australian aboriginals to bind wounds; the flower nectar gives honey; and the oil, distilled from the leaves and twigs, is used in medicines, aromatherapy, and perfumes. Eucalyptus oil is antiseptic, expectorant, and antiviral, treats pulmonary tuberculosis, lowers blood sugar levels, and is useful for burns, catarrh, and flu. It is used in salve preparations for wounds and skin inflammation. According to Herbalist James Duke, aromatherapists often suggest adding eucalyptus oil to the pain-relieving essential oils of lavender and peppermint. The compound cineole, which is found in eucalyptus, speeds absorption of the other aromatic pain relievers through the skin.

This is an herbal recipe taken from Jerry Baker’s Herbal Pharmacy and I intend to try it, by using eucalyptus oil I made myself last winter.

You can keep your house (especially your bathroom) smelling lemony fresh and kill germs floating in the air with this herbal disinfectant spray.

      1 cup of water                        ½ cup of isopropyl alcohol      ½ cup dried eucalyptus leaves  
 2 tsp. eucalyptus essential oil

 In a small saucepan, boil the cup of water and soak the dried eucalyptus leaves in it. Reduce the heat and let it simmer 15 minutes. Then let it cool. Strain out the herbs and pour the infusion into a glass spray bottle, along with the alcohol and essential oil. tighten the nozzle lid and shake well. Spray into the air as needed. This elixir will last up to 6 months if stored in a cool

                              
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen, needle-like leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family, which also includes many other herbs. The name rosemary derives from the Latin name rosmarinus, which is from "dew" (ros) and "sea" (marinus), or "dew of the sea because in many locations it needs no other water than the humidity carried by the sea breeze to live. Since it is attractive and tolerates some degree of drought, it is used in landscaping, especially in areas having a Mediterranean climate. It is considered easy to grow for beginner gardeners, and is pest-resistant.

Rosemary grows on friable loam soil with good drainage in an open sunny position, it will not withstand water logging and some varieties may be susceptible to frost. It grows best in neutral to alkaline conditions with average fertility. Rosemary is easily pruned into shapes and has been used for topiary. When grown in pots, it is best kept trimmed to stop it getting straggly and unsightly, though when grown in a garden, rosemary can grow quite large and still be attractive. It can be propagated from an existing plant by clipping a shoot (4–6 in) long, stripping a few leaves from the bottom, and planting it directly into soil.

Culinary use

The fresh and dried leaves are used frequently in traditional Mediterranean cuisine; they have a bitter, astringent taste and are highly aromatic, which complements a wide variety of foods. A tisane can also be made from them. When burned, they give off a distinct mustard smell, as well as a smell similar to that of burning wood, which can be used to flavor foods while barbecuing. Rosemary is high in iron, calcium, and vitamin B₆. Rosemary extract has been shown to improve the shelf life and heat stability of omega 3-rich oils, which are prone to going rancid.

Medicinal Uses

The real medicine in this herb is in its twigs, flowers, and leaves—they’re packed with volatile oils including eucalyptol, flavonoids, and other healing goodies. Rosemary can work wonders, making tension headaches, gas, and even blue moods disappear. When you put it on your skin, it eases achy muscles and arthritic joints by increasing circulation to those areas.

Herbal Hair Care

Don’t get your dander up! Rosemary works great as a hair rinse. In fact, some store-bought shampoos list rosemary as one of their ingredients. Even if you don’t have dandruff, your hair can look glossy and gorgeous. Just massage a tablespoon or more of rosemary oil (homemade) into your scalp, giving your hair a good going over. Then cover your hair with a plastic shower cap. Wrap a warm, moist towel around your head, like a turban. Leave this on a couple hours. Then wash with a mild shampoo.

On another note...

Since many of us older folks (especially women) need to be concerned about osteoporosis and bone problems, I have decided to do a series on bone health. The following excerpt comes from a magazine The Herb Companion.

BUILD YOUR BONES

By Linda B. White, M.D.

Our bones define us, make us beautiful, provide leverage for movement and allow us to stand upright. We build bone until our third decade. After that, a steady loss begins, like sand slipping through an hour glass. Nevertheless, while osteoporosis has become a major public health problem, it is not inevitable. A number of strategies will keep your bones strong—and some of them run counter to the party line on osteoporosis prevention.

Granted, some of the osteoporosis risk factors are outside of your control—namely being older, female, menopausal or white. Happily, you have some control over a fleet of bone-robbers: being excessively thin; hiding from the sun; and excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, sodas, salt and acidifying foods. The point is that you can put the brakes on bone loss. Here’s how.

Move Your Bones

Physical activity tones bone and muscle, and strong muscles minimize the risk of bone-shattering falls. To stimulate new bone formation, the exercise has to stress the bone. Weight-bearing exercises—walking, jogging, jumping rope, climbing stairs—maintain hips and spine. Strength-training exercises (working against the resistance of weights, elastic bands or tubes, or your own body weight also strengthens your bones. It’s never too late to start. Research shows that endurance and resistance training boosts bone mass in elders.

Eat for Bone Health

Acidic Diets Affect Bones

What does acid and inflammation have to do with bones? A lot, as it turns out. Inflammation has been linked to osteoporosis, as well as a number of other diseases. Anti-inflammatory diets—those rich in vegetables, fruits and omeag-3 fatty acids—appear to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This kind of diet is also alkalinizing (which reduces acidity).

Diets that generate acid cause calcium loss. here’s why: Acid base balance is critical for many bodily processes. When dietary acid enters the blood, calcium compounds come out of bone to neutralize it. Eventually, that calcium is flushed out in the urine. Although the loss is small, the theory is that, over time, acidic diets slowly, steadily deplete the bone’s calcium stores.

On the other hand, alkalinizing foods are fruits (especially dried fruits) and the vast majority of vegetables. While higher-protein foods generally produce acid, plant foods—even those rich in protein—contain alkaline nutrients. Protein is critical for bone health. Plants have that, plus a host of other bone-essential nutrients—calcium, potassium, magnesium, vitamin K, boron and others. And, as noted above, they’re more likely to be anti-inflammatory. Studies have indeed shown an association between high fruit and vegetable consumption and greater bone mineral density. Next month I intend to talk more about different bone-building plants and herbs!

 SMOOTHIES

In the past, I have talked about using fruit smoothies for a quick way to get nutrition without actually eating a lot of food. The following information and recipe is taken from Recipes for Life from God’s Garden, by Rhonda Malkmus. Fruit smoothies are a wonderful taste treat that can be substituted as a meal at lunch time or when life’s activities make it seem impossible to have a meal. Even though they are made of fruit and fruit juice, their creamy consistency reminds one of a shake made from dairy. Fruit smoothies, however, contain none of the dairy, additives, cholesterol, fat or artificial ingredients found in those milk shakes made commercially. (My note: Although, if you want to add milk or something similar you could.) For the weight conscious, it is interesting to note that when fruit smoothies are consumed on an empty stomach, no weight will be gained...only energy and valuable nutrients.

Use bananas that are very ripe and speckled. (If your bananas are green, allow them to set a few days at room temperature to ripen before they are used for this recipe or any other consumption. Until a banana is speckled and no longer green, it is not ready to eat.) Before freezing, peel and place bananas in an airtight container or double bag them in plastic bags. Freeze only as many bananas as can be used in seven to ten days as they begin to discolor if kept longer.

To make a smoothie, place the following in a blender or Vita Mix:

1 cup fresh or organic apple juice 1 cup fresh or frozen fruit

1 ½ to 2 frozen bananas 1 or 2 organic dates (optional)

Blend until a creamy consistency is reached, which takes about 45 seconds. Smoothies are best when consumed immediately, before the bananas have a chance to oxidize and turn brown. ENJOY!!

Note: Smoothies can be made with fresh ripe bananas, cold fresh fruit and cold juice; however, they will not be as cold or thick as when using frozen bananas and fruit.

I have decided to somehow put together recipes using herbs and/or organic vegetables in which sometime in the future will be transferred to an “herbal cookbook”. This cookbook will also include recipes from some of the people in my family. The recipe below is an all time favorite. Use only organic ingredients when possible.

Delicious Garden Salad

1 head leafy green or red lettuce ½ red onion

1 head iceberg lettuce 1 tomato (optional)

3 or 4 fresh mustard leaves 1 carrot, grated

1 medium sweet red pepper ½ can of 3 bean salad mixture (optional)

3 or 4 radishes 1 cucumber

Wash above ingredients; remove stalks from lettuce. Pat dry or run in salad spinner. Cut into bite sized pieces. Combine lettuce and mustard in large bowl. Chop pepper, tomato and onion and add to salad mixture. Add sliced cucumber and carrot. Toss all together. Drain 3 bean salad mixture and add to salad. Mix well. Use dressing of your choice. *Anything from the garden can be added.

Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

Genesis 1:29

September 2011 Newsletter

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...

  Comfrey             St. John’s Wort      Arnica

From The Herb Patch

Howdy once again folks!

Betcha missed me last month. Anyway, I missed writing the August newsletter due to traveling to another locality in what I will esteem as a “vacation”. Sometimes a person just needs to get away from it all, but the downside is that when that person gets back home, there is a lot to catch up on. During the month of August, I got to spend some time with some great people in the Virginia Beach area in which I go from time to time and visit Bible Believers Baptist Church. No, I don’t go to lounge on the beach. As a matter of fact, I try to go with the church down on the street for preaching and handing out gospel tracts. There are thousands of people coming through there and it is a wonderful opportunity to reach people for the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, I got to do some chicken watching! Try to explain that one. Really, my son in law and daughter went with their children to Texas to visit his parents and to visit a friend in Pensacola, Florida and I was asked to feed and water the chickens that they are raising for food purposes as well as selling the eggs for profit.

This month I have decided to finish talking about the herbs that I use in Me Me’s Butt Salve. Also, I will talk about two more ingredients, St. John’s Wort and Arnica, found in Me Me’s Muscle Rub. And then hopefully I can finish next month with Rosemary and Eucalyptus. The brochures I sent with the last newsletter had pictures of these two products, but I have decided to change the labeling on the salve back to the original label. So, once again you will get a better looking product according to a trusted friend of mine named Sandy that buys this salve for many purposes. She has used this salve on different ailments. The latest was when her husband was in an accident (four wheeler) and scraped the skin on his leg. He was in so much pain from bruising she rubbed it all over  praying that it would heal up quickly and take away the pain knowing that he had to go back to work pronto! Thanks to the healing power of Calendula, Marigold, Echinacea, and Plantain, he was so much better that he actually was able to go back to work sooner than expected! I have taken out the cocoa butter and coconut oil because it makes a “mushy” salve and I don’t like it. Another young friend of mine named Keyra who just had a baby has written that the salve is wonderful! The muscle rub is in a different container than shown in the brochure due to my realizing that this is a better container. So, bear with me while I use some trial and error on what I’m doing. I always welcome feedback on my products. So, this month we will talk about Comfrey which I added to Me Me’s Butt Salve.

C

omfrey is among the oldest herbal remedies for skin problems, dating back to ancient Greece. Modern researchers have discovered that it contains allantoin, a chemical that promotes skin repair. Allantoin is an ingredient in a number of commercial skin creams. A review of the scientific literature by Commission E uncovered evidence that comfrey is also anti-inflammatory. That’s why the commission endorsed applying it to the skin to treat bruises, dislocations and sprains. This herb is also known as Bruisewort, Knitbone, and Boneset.

This vigorous self-seeder originated in Europe and temperate parts of Asia. Comfrey has dark green, long and oval shaped leaves that grow on upright branches on top of the plant. Soft, bell-shaped flowers in yellow or purple bloom from May until September. Comfrey enjoys a wet, shady area and will do well in most soil types. Though it makes a beautiful addition to the garden, it can sometimes be bothersome to get rid of, as new shoots grow easily from pieces of severed roots.
More recently, Comfrey has been the subject of a hot new composting trend. Because the plant yields large amounts of leaves, breaks down quickly and contains natural compost activators, you can create a compost tea from comfrey for fertilizing your plants.

According to Herbalist James Duke research seems to bear out the claims for the healing properties of comfrey leaf. In one major European study, an ointment based on comfrey root proved more effective at relieving both pain and swelling in 142 patients with sprained ankles. In another study with over 300 participants showed that comfrey leaf treatments of varying types (ointments, salves, compresses and other topical applications), were very effective in treating eczema, dermatitis, viral skin infections and ulcers of the lower leg.

Comfrey also is a great herb for after sun care. Just steep fresh comfrey into a tea, strain the leaves and let it cool. You can then soak the sunburned areas in the cooled tea to help reduce pain and discomfort, and promote healthy skin regeneration.

*A note from Alice: This is why I felt it would be a good additive to the salve which already has so many great healing flowers and herbs. This salve is truly an all purpose salve!

NOW FOR ME ME’S MUSCLE RUB!! This ointment is a combination of herbal ingredients known to greatly reduce inflammation of the muscles and joints while decreasing pain and increasing circulation. It contains Wintergreen oil, olive oil, peppermint leaf, calendula (marigold) flower, and cayenne peppers which I have already talked about in past newsletters. So, I will introduce two more of the herbs known as St. John’s Wort and Arnica flower.

A

rnica Montana is also called Leopards Bane. The plant has a bright yellow flower that blooms mid summer. Preparations made from the flowering heads have been used in homeopathic medicine for thousands of years. It is one of the most popular holistic remedies in Germany, and over one hundred prescription drugs are made from the herb. It is a perennial species that is protected by law in some parts of Europe. Arnica works by stimulating the activity of white blood cells that take care of much of the digestion of congested blood, and by limiting trapped fluids from bumped and bruised tissue, joints and muscles. It is known to stimulate blood circulation and can raise blood pressure, especially in the coronary arteries. The plant is used externally for arthritis, burns, ulcers, eczema and acne. It has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce pain and swelling, improving wound healing. Part Used: Extract of the blossoms. Common use: It is typically rubbed on the skin to soothe and heal bruises, sprains, and relieve irritations from trauma, arthritis and muscle or cartilage pain. Applied as a salve, Arnica is also good for chapped lips, irritated nostrils and acne. Care: Arnica grows in moist, sandy soil with adequate drainage. Likes full sun.

S

t John’s Wort(Old English for plant). This herb has woody-based stems, with pairs of small, balsamic-scented leaves and clusters of lemon-scented gorgeous yellow flowers that turn blood-red when squeezed into tincture. It grows on the East Coast, West and Midwest in semidry soils. Taken internally, St. John’s Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, which gives it a place in the treatment for neuralgia, anxiety, tension and similar problems. It also has antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing. Great for collapsed veins. As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, minor cuts, rheumatoid arthritis, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially useful for the healing of sunburn. According to Jerry Baker, America’s Master Gardener, St. John’s Wort works to reduce pain and swelling in the ear canal and also kills viruses.

Well, enough of that!

RECIPES

*I thought it a good idea to forward a few recipes on “Delightful Dressings” from Rhonda Malkmus’ Recipes for Life cookbook.

Herb Lemon Dressing

1/3 cup lemon juice                   1/3 cup water

1/3 cup honey                           Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

1 garlic clove                            1 Tbsp. minced onion

½ tsp. basil                               1 tsp. oregano

Mince garlic clove and onion and combine with liquids. Add herbs and allow to sit several hours for the flavors to combine.

Cucumber & Herb Dressing

1 large cucumber                                  1 small garlic clove

2 Tbsp. lemon juice                              2 Tbsp. organic maple syrup

3 Tbsp. dried dill                                  1 tsp. flax seed oil

Peel and seed cucumber, put all ingredients into blender, and blend until smooth. If not thick enough, chop celery to add to the mixture, and blend until pureed.

You may substitute 1 tsp. cilantro or ½ tsp. cumin, for dill if desired.

Cilantro Dressing

¼ cup raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar           

4 cloves of organic raw garlic

1 cup extra virgin olive oil                                            

  2 Tbsp. raw unfiltered honey

 1 cup fresh cilantro stems and/or leaves

Put into blender and process until desired consistency of dressing is reached.

*Note: According to recent studies, raw cilantro helps to remove mercury from brain cells.

*Article taken from the Herb Companion by Susan Belsinger

Create your own herbal first-aid kit with these 23 helpful healers.

OVER THE YEARS, my idea of first aid has changed as I have learned to make poultices, salves, teas, tinctures, and synergistic blends of herbs and essential oils. I also took an herbal apprentice class with Rosemary Gladstar, which was an amazing learning experience. These adventures are reflected in my first-aid kit.

            One of the first steps to making an herbal first-aid kit is selecting a container. I considered many boxes, but finally settled on a heavy-duty, three-tiered plastic toolbox. Here are some herbal items in my first-aid kit. Perhaps my kit will inspire you to create an herbal remedy kit of your own.

Dried Herbs to Have on Hand

            I keep these to make herbal infusions. Use them regularly, and replace yearly.

• Chamomile soothes, relieves stress and aids digestion.
• Comfrey. Use ground root and/or leaves externally as a poultice for bruises, sprains or strains, and bone injuries.
• Lemon balm soothes the digestive tract and helps aid relaxation and sleep.
• Milky oats. The seeds of this plant make a good-tasting tea to relieve stress and anxiety.
• Peppermint and spearmint soothe the stomach and freshen breath.
• Sage makes a good mouth and throat gargle.

Pack Powdered Herbs

            Powdered herbs can be packed in capsules, used in poultices or dissolved in tea. use mixtures within a year.

• Echinacea boosts the immune system and speeds recovery from colds and flu.
• Slippery elm soothes sore throats, scalded tongues or mouths, digestive complaints or constipation.
• Powdered goldenseal root is used in poultices for infections and abscesses; discontinue use after two to three weeks; it can irritate mucous membranes.
• Cayenne is a warming, stimulating powder that is good for the circulation and the heart, as well as digestion and congestion. Use sparingly because of its potent heat.
• Use powdered, dried yarrow leaves to stop bleeding and to disinfect wounds. Gladstar recommends placing a pinch in the nose to stop a nosebleed.

Really Essential Oils

            Don’t use these oils directly on the skin; dilute in carrier oil (oils blended with herbs or essential oils that are used for specific ailments.) Be sure your essential oils are pure and not synthetic.

• Lavender relieves pain, burns and bee stings, and is superb in the bath and in aromatherapy treatments for relaxation.
• Tea tree  has antiseptic, antibiotic and antifungal properties. It is well-suited for wounds, insect bites, rashes and for cleansing purposes. A skin test is recommended before using.
• Add eucalyptus to baths to relieve achy muscles or cold and flu symptoms; use it for a steam inhalation to alleviate coughs and congestion; mix into insect repellents.
• Thyme has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties and is good for cleaning bites and stings. Add it to bathwater to sooth muscle aches.

Other Healing Oils

            The following are carrier oils:

• Arnica oil is for bruises and muscle aches.
• Castor oil is used for swelling, for contusions and to pull out toxins; it will stain clothing and skin.
• Mullein flower oil is for earaches.
• Calendula oil soothes most minor skin irritations. It also regenerates cell growth.

Until Next Month!!!

Rock Music and the Blues

Recently, I stumbled onto a list of music that greatly surprised me and actually caused me to despair, mainly because I realized it was some of the same music that I had either listened to before salvation, or while learning how to be a Christian, I made a decision to completely get this out of my life. And, after being saved a while, I had the opportunity to hear a lot of preaching on the subject of Rock Music and Blues and other types that are known to be sensual and totally unscriptural. Rock Music as I know now, has its origin in the hellish Luciferian doctrine. Most of the musicians and singers make no bones about being Luciferian. The lyrics themselves speak mainly of  such as "see you in hell my friend". I have seen some lost and saved folks alike get totally messed up mentally and spiritually from listening and participating in this stuff. The worst part is when we as parents allow our children to get involved with it. Rock Music has a background of causing rebellion in those that listen to it. Many times this leads to drugs and illicit sex. It has been proven that not even potted plants growing inside of someone's home can thrive in this type of environment.

As for Blues...I remember as a teenager actually loving the screaming of Janis Joplin singing "Me and Bobby McGhee"! Among other things that I listened to. Yes, they had a major impact on how I viewed things. I was very liberal in my thinking. I believe from my standpoint that this type of music and singing can literally grab hold of a person's body and soul. It is sensual and devilish! As I said before, I am speaking from past experience. It has been many years since I desired to listen to or participate in this type of music.

I really believe that the devil has done such a good job of cleverly pulling people, especially saved people, into his stronghold without them even suspecting. Most movies over the last years have cleverly intertwined all types of music into their previews, scenes...TV has very cleverly done this and most of the time no one pays attention to it. Just as the Hollywood crowd and movie industry has cleverly incorporated nudity, outlandish women and men, and those portraying the "god of forces", people saved and lost flock to spend money and time to the nearest movie theatre, movie rental store, retail store and online movie rentals. Countless dollars have been spent on this entertainment, while those spending it complain of having no money to pay their debts or even buy food. They have told themselves they are "collecter's items" and an investment in future entertainment.

Just to mention a few titles of especially the Rock Music that is what is known as the head banger music:
Hotel California                           I Love Rock and Roll
Poison Arrow                             Drastic Fantastic
Deep Purple                               Accept-Restless and Wild
Moontan-Radar Love                The Allman Brothers

This is some blatantly wicked stuff! I cannot understand how a blood-washed born again child of God who has been saved for years and known the right ways of God can actually allow this type of stuff to become prominent in their life. I hope I never return to this myself and I work hard on keeping it out. The devil never stops knocking on our door, does he! But, just to think that a child of God actually spends their money on such devilish things is to me a slap in the face of Jesus Christ, just as turning your back on the book he has written (KJB) for us to know to put evil away from us.

Jeremiah 23
10) For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.
11) For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord.
12) Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the Lord.
14) I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of the evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Ezekiel 14: 3-4
3) Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be enquired of at all by them?
4) Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the Lord will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols...

Pirates of the Caribbean

It amazes me how much influence "Disney" has on Americans, especially on those that claim to be Christians. Even after much has been said and done to expose the unbiblical teachings that are portrayed in Disney movies, Christians simply just don't care anymore. Sorcery, witchcraft, idolatry are all blatant in most of the movies put out by Disney these days. There is no fear of God before their eyes.  Disney has become a rich land all its own! There is a movie that has been out named Pirates of the Caribbean. No, I have not seen this movie, neither do I intend to. But, I want to take this time to at least write what is written on the back cover of the DVD that has become so popular today.

"Finally, A Movie Worth Seeing Over and Over Again!"

Charming rogue pirate Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is back for a grand, swashbuckling, nonstop joyride filled with devilish pirate humor, monstrous sea creatures and breathtaking black magic. Now, Jack's got a blood debt to pay--he owes his soul to the legendary Davy Jones, ghostly ruler of the Ocean Depths...but ever-crafty Jack isn't about to go down without a fight. Along the way, dashing Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and the beautiful Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) get caught up in the thrilling whirlpool of misadventures stirred up in Jack's quest to avoid eternal damnation by seizing the fabled Dead Man's Chest!
**This movie is rated PG-13 and states that Parents should be strongly cautioned--Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13--For Intense Sequences Of Adventure Violence, Including Frightening Images

Definition: from Webster's 1828 Dictionary

Pirate
A robber on the high seas; one that by open violence takes the property of another on the high seas. In strictness, the word pirate is one who makes it his business to cruise for robbery or plunder; a freebooter on the seas.
An armed ship or vessel which sails without a legal commission, for the purpose of plundering other vessels indiscriminately on the high seas.
A bookseller that seizes the copies or writings of other men without permission.

It seems to me that promoting this type of madness as entertainment is teaching our children that it is okay to steal, cheat and hurt those in order to obtain something not legally ours. This is all anti-scriptural and it is no wonder things are such as they are in our homes and in our country.

I leave my readers with the following scripture verses taken from the one  and only source of life:
King James Bible
Isaiah 59:1-
1) Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
3) For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
4) None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
7) Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.
8) The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
9) Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.
10) We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.
11) We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.
12) For our transgressions are multiplied before thee, and our sins testify against us: for our transgressions are with us; and as for our iniquities, we know them;
13) In transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
14) And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

 AMEN

Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

Recently, while doing some house sitting for my daughter Beth, I discovered the Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary that my husband and I gave our son-in-law Todd a few years ago for his birthday. Funny how different this dictionary is from an updated version that we have at our house. It makes me realize how so many people, especially Christians, can live such licentious lifestyles. Just like the other versions of the Bible have taken out many of the words that are in the King James Bible, the dictionaries, when updated took out and even changed some of the meanings that were intended by God for us to read in order to know the full meaning, especially when it comes to practical living. I feel that the devil through subtlety has come into our homes and stolen the truth from under our noses. 

I have taken the liberty to look up a few words that I feel  are very necessary in the age which we live. All around me I see so many departing from the faith and from the lifestyle that the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostles penned down in our beloved Bible. I have also added some scriptures that it seems many Christians have taken lightly due to either reading a different version of the Bible or not understanding the impact of what the scriptures teach by their definitions.

Definitions according to Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary

     Doctrine
     1)  In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or                position in any science, whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. “The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truth taught by Christ and his Apostles. The doctrines of Plato are the principles which he taught. Hence, a doctrine may be true or false; it may be mere tenet or opinion.

2) The act of teaching.- “He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine…Mark 4

3) Learning; knowledge -“Whom shall he make to understand doctrine?” Isaiah 27

4) The truths of the gospel in general. “That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2

5) Instruction and confirmation in the truths of the gospels.

Ephesians 5:3-4

3) But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

I Thessalonians 4:1

1)  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

2) For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus

3) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6) That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forwarned you and testified.

7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given to us his Holy Spirit.

Fornication
1) The incontinence or lewdness of unmarried persons, male or female; also, the criminal conversation of a married man with an unmarried woman.
2) Adultery  Matthew 5
3) Incest  1 Corithians 5
4) Idolatry; a forsaking of the true God, and worshipping of idols  2 Chronicles 21; Revelation 19

Fornicator
1) An unmarried person, male or female, who has criminal conversation with the other sex; also, a married man who has sexual commerce with an unmarried woman. (See adultery)
2) A lewd person
3) An idolater

Lewd

1) Given to the unlawful indulgence of lust; addicted to fornication or adultery; dissolute; lustful

2) Proceeding from unlawful lust; a lewd action

3) Wicked, vile, profligate, licentious

Incontinency

1) Want of restraint of the passions or appetites; free or uncontrolled indulgence of the passions or appetites, as of anger.

2) Want of restraint of the sexual appetite; free or illegal indulgence of lust; lewdness; used of either sex, but appropriately of the male sex. Incontinence in the men is the same as unchastity in women.

Concupiscence

1) To covet or lust after

2)  Lust; unlawful or irregular desire of sexual pleasure. In a more general sense, the coveting of carnal things, or an irregular appetite for worldly good; inclination for unlawful enjoyments.

Malice

1) Extreme enmity of heart, or malevolence; a disposition to injure others without cause, from mere personal gratification or from a spirit of revenge; unprovoked malignity or spite.

2) To regard with extreme ill will.

Perverse

1) Literally, turned aside; hence, distorted from the right.

2) Obstinate in the wrong; disposed to be contrary; stubborn; untractable.

3) Cross; petulant; peevish; disposed to cross and vex.

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Grace

1) Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; as a grant made as an act of grace.

2) Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all benefits men receive from him.

3) Favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.

4) The application of Christ’s righteousness to the sinner.

Titus 2:3-5

1) The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.

2) That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.

3)To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not     blasphemed.

Sober

1) Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary or heated with passion. Having the regular exercise of cool dispassionate reason.

2) Regular, calm, not under the influence of passion.

Discreet

Prudent; wise in avoiding errors of evil, and in selecting the best means to accomplish a purpose; circumspect; cautious; wary; not rash.

Chaste

1) Pure from all unlawful commerce of sexes. True to the marriage bed

2) Free from obscenity

3) In language, pure; genuine, uncorrupt; free from barbarous phrases, and from quaint, affected, extravagant expressions

     I Peter 3:1-4

1) Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

2) While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

3) Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

4) But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Meek

1)Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries.

2)Appropriately, humble in an evangelical sense; submissive to the divine will; not proud; self sufficient or refractory; not peevish and apt to complain of divine dispensations.

*This is definitely something that I need to work on!

Life on the Other Side

I am presently being afforded the great adventure of "house sitting". My daughter and husband Todd along with their 3 daughters have suddenly decided to take a trip to the hot wonderland of Texas Hill Country in order to visit Todd's parents, brother and his grandmother amongst the other activities they've got planned to fit in during this visit. They have and will also revisit Pensacola, Florida where a long-time friend lives named Sue and will try to visit the church that Todd and Beth attended when they got married some 14 years or so ago! I forget how long! Anyway, I have been awarded the opportunity to come and stay at their house in order to tend to the chickens that need to be fed and watered in the morning and evening. This has been quite an adventure. The chickens (there are 30) are not old enough yet to lay eggs but are pretty well on their way to doing just that. In the evening I have been going to the building that they roost or sleep in at night and giving them fresh water and feed that is put inside of the building to lure them all inside. Most of them go right in there since by this time they are nearly beside themselves with hunger. Of course, there are a few strays that obstinately decide they would rather stay outside, so in this case they are left to do whatever they wish during the night and are not to be worried about. So far, I have not lost any of them. And, oh yes, of course I have to put on these trudging boots when going inside the gate of the fence that houses the chicken coop (it's pretty big) in order to keep from being bitten by a snake. I usually pray that the Lord will send the snakes away. A few weeks ago my granddaughter Ariel actually got bitten by a copperhead while being inside the fenced chicken yard and had to spend the day in the emergency room taking anti-venom and running up a humongous emergency room bill! That in itself is a whole new story.

Meanwhile, during the day I have also been going back to my own house and trying to tidy up some things and fix a decent meal for my husband who has had a terrible cold all week. Sounds like fun, huh? So goes my life. I have actually enjoyed staying at my daughter's house due to the fact it is a very calm place to live. I have spent my extra time here catching up on some much needed blog writing and copying preaching cd's that I wasn't able to do at my house. Also, I plan to use the time to teach myself the updated version of 2007 Microsoft Office which I don't have on my computer at home. There are many things to do so I don't have time to get bored.