Thank you to Jenn for sharing important information regarding our food by referring these videos along with the wealth of information you’ve collected and posted on your blog.

Here’s a link to one of the videos which you can view on vodpod.

The World According to Monsanto

This is an email newsletter I received that had helpful information regarding the flu and H1N1 vaccination.

__________________________________________________________

BEAT THE FLU THIS WINTER!

Dear friends,

As we approach flu season, it is good to be reminded of ways to prevent it. There are better ways to prevent the flu than being vaccinated. Check out the following points to keep yourself and your family in good health during this winter season.

1.    AVOID ALL SUGAR

This means to not only refrain from sugar, but all foods containing sugar, which are most foods on the shelves of the supermarket. Read labels very carefully. In fact, when you read the labels first, will find that you will have to put most foods back on the shelf.

Sugar makes a perfect environment for viruses. Sugar completely destroys your immune system. It destroys the germ-killing ability of white bloods cells to kill bacteria and viruses up to five hours after intake. It interferes with the transport of vitamin C which is needed to fight the flu and robs the body of nutrients such as zinc that are vital for the immune function.

Sugar affects everyone, but has more serious consequences for children. Keep your children away from all sugar and especially when flu viruses are around. That means at Christmas time too!

Also, please reduce carbs as they turn to sugar in your body. Especially eliminate all whites–not only white sugar, but white flour, white pasta and white rice. Completely eradicate pop and sweet teas. I refuse to have sugar in my pantry.

2.    BUILD UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

The stronger your immune system, the less likelihood of getting the flu or any disease.

Here are some ideas for building up your immune system for you and your children. You can do what suits you best–or do them all!

My daughter, Serene, who has eight children, gives herself and the children the following once a day or more as needed.

COLD AND FLU FIGHTER
½ cup chopped onion
A whole bulb of chopped garlic
2 TBS chopped fresh ginger root
1 chopped jalapeño

Put all ingredients in a quart jar, cover with raw vinegar and let sit 4 – 6 weeks. Strain out vegetables and use 2 TBS. or more each day. If you do get a cold or the flu, take every hour. Serene gives her children 1 TBS. each day as a preventative.

VITAMIN C
1, 000 mg morning and evening

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
Give children three drops in water once a week. If you notice any signs of flu or colds in the family, give three drops in water once a day. Adults should take 10 – 15 drops in water at the slightest sign of a cold or flu. You can obtain this extract at a health food shop.

TODDLER MIX
To make it easier for toddlers to take these vitamins, mix the following:
1 TBS. or more of yogurt (no sugar added)
Crushed Vitamin C tablet, smaller dosage for toddler
Juice of ½ orange
2 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract
Stevia for sweetening
Mix together and give to toddler as needed.

VITAMIN D3
1,000 mg each morning to children
1,000 each morning and evening for adults. Most adults need much more than this. The consensus is that anything up to 5,000 mg a day is safe and beneficial for most people. After a hydroxyl test, most people find they need more than this. The optimum levels for the body are 60 – 90 ml.  Vitamin D builds the immune system and also fights cancer.  

COCONUT OIL
This is a marvelous food that builds up the body’s own natural defenses against viral infections, disease and cancer. Take as much as you can each day. You can’t take too much.  Use the Extra Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil for medicinal use. Put 1 TBS. or more in your smoothies. Use it for all your cooking instead of other oils. You can use Expeller Pressed for cooking.

If there are any signs of flu in even one of the children, Serene gets her children to take a banana and dip it into coconut oil (about 2 TBS coconut oil). This is an easy way for the children to eat it.  You can also get the children to put the coconut oil behind their ears and massage it into their lymph glands and also in their nose.

Use coconut way every way you can. Use it for all cooking instead of other oils. To try some delectable recipes with Coconut Butter (it is called butter when it is cold and goes hard, and oil when it is soft in the summer or heated) you can order COCONUT RECIPES by Serene Allison from the Above Rubies website: www.aboverubies.org

RED PALM OIL
This is another super oil. I only use Coconut oil or Red Palm oil for cooking in our home. Every other oil turns to Trans fat when it is heated. Not only are these safe oils to cook with, but they add many nutrients to your body. Both Coconut oil and Red Palm oil strengthen the immune system.

You can put a little Red Palm oil in your smoothies. My husband spreads it on his bread, but I have to admit, I cannot take it that way. But use it as much as you can in your cooking. The following is a smoothie recipe to try:

Ginger Sunrise
2 fresh oranges
2 lemons, peeled with knife, removing yellow rind, but keeping the white pith
1 – 2 bananas (great for children, eliminate for adults as fattening)
2 TBS. Red Palm Oil
1 large handful of flax seeds or chia seeds
2 TBS. Coconut oil
2 chunks fresh raw ginger (about 1″)
Sweetening – Stevia
Ice cubes
Blend very well in Vita Mix or good blender until smooth.

TO ORDER COCONUT OIL AND RED PALM OIL:

Also www.TheHomeGrownFamily.com
Charity Callis, Toll Free: 1 877 841 2861

Go to http://www.rainforestcoconutoil.com/ and check out their website.
Email: rainforestmkt@gmail.com 
Toll Free: 877-558-5518

To find out more about these immune boosting oils, check out THE PALM OIL MIRACLE and THE COCONUT OIL MIRACLE by Bruce Fife.

3.    SLEEP

There is nothing like lack of sleep to run down your immune system. Sleep and a healthy diet are your best preventatives against the flu and colds. Make sure you have adequate sleep, especially during flu season. Try to get to bed early.

I grew up with the old wives’ tale that the hours of sleep before midnight are the most beneficial. Science has now proved this adage, although I must admit I have broken the rule most of my life. I am now trying to go to bed earlier. The plan is to go to bed no later than 10.00 pm–9.00 pm is even better.

Staying up much later than 10.00 pm causes your adrenal glands to make cortisol. This is taxing on the adrenal gland and can lead to adrenal fatigue.  Does this sound too hard? It is actually better for your health, and you will accomplish just as much by getting up earlier in the morning. And remember, I am preaching to myself!

4.    OTHER PREVENTATIVES

I have a friend who uses the following for her family. The taste is wonderful.

ELDERBERRY COLD AND FLU FIGHTER SYRUP
½ cup elderberries (check the Internet for dried elderberries)
4 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 TBS grated fresh root ginger
2 cups water
Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes. Add ½ cup honey. Store in refrigerator. Take 2 TBS. each day to prevent colds and flu. If you have the flu, take every hour. This recipe only keeps two weeks in the fridge so you will need to make a fresh batch every two weeks.

CHOPPED GARLIC
Any easy fighter is to chop up 1 or 2 garlic cloves very, very finely. Pop in your mouth and swallow before you have a chance to taste the flavor or imbibe the smell. This is an easy and wonderful way to fight the flu. I find this simple and effective.

THIEVES OIL
Many folk use the following Natural Antibiotic Recipe using Young Living Therapeutic-Grade Essential Oils. Here is the recipe from Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils, compiled by Connie and Alan Higley, 10th edition.
 
12 drops Thieves Oil
6 drops Oregano Oil
2 drops Frankincense Oil
 Put drops in a “00″ size capsule and ingest one capsule every 4 hours for 3 days, then every 8 hours for 4 days.
 
To purchase oils, go to Amazon.com

BURIED TREASURE – ACF (Acute Cold and Flu Formula)
This is highly effective for fighting colds. You can purchase it as your local health food store or online. Our daughter, Pearl, always has it on hand for use at the first sign of a sniffle.

HORSERADISH

Horseradish root is a powerful antibiotic and useful for fighting the flu, as well as urinary tract infections and even cancer. I have just harvested the roots from m y garden and am getting ready to prepare it as a sauce and to use in other recipes. Check the Internet for all kinds of wonderful recipes.

Prepare the following to use as needed. Slice or chunk the horseradish root, place in blender and grind, adding small amounts of vinegar for a good consistency, about 1 TBS vinegar (I use apple cider vinegar)  to 1 cup horseradish. The vinegar preserves the horseradish and enhances the flavor. Vinegar stops the heat-building enzyme activity that grinding causes. If you want hotter horseradish, wait before adding the vinegar. Adding the vinegar right away will make the horseradish milder.

Horseradish will take your breath away, bring tears to your eyes, but at the same time clear all your sinuses, help ward off the flu and make you feel great!

You can add 1 TBS. of horseradish to your coleslaw or even to your meat loaf you are preparing.

CUT AN ONION
This is another old wives’ tale that I grew up with, but I still do it and believe it works. If someone gets a cold or flu in the house, I cut an onion in half and put it in a strategic place. Supposedly the germs go to the onion. If my husband has a sniffle, I cut an onion and put half by his side of the bed and half by my side of the bed. He complains of the smell but puts up with it!

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
A lot of germs come through the ears. As a preventative, pour a little Hydrogen Peroxide in the ear. I love to feel it bubbling in my ear. Do it once a week (perhaps on the weekend), one night in one ear and the next night in the other. I find it easier to do it this way as the peroxide doesn’t run out from one ear when pouring it in the other ear.

THYM-UVOCAL
An herb which strengthens the immune system and fights off infections. Check the Internet for purchase. Adults only.

5.    WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY

Wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially before eating. Wash under running water for 20 seconds or sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY while washing. It is most important to train your children to do this.

6.    DO NOT TOUCH EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH

I find myself doing this and am having to get into the habit of not rubbing my eyes, mouth or nose. Teach your children about this also.

7.    NETI POT

Check the Internet for a Neti Pot to clear nose and sinuses.

8.    AVOID FLU VACCINATIONS, ESPECIALLY THE H1N1 SWINE FLU VACCINATION

The H1N1 vaccination has many dangers. Check out more information before allowing yourself and your family to become a victim to these shots.

Squalene
The Swine Flu Vaccine, unlike other flu vaccines, contains squalene, an additive which when introduced into the bloodstream, causes crippling auto-immune diseases like Lou Gehrig’s disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
 
Squalene in vaccines has been strongly connected to the Gulf War Syndrome. The  H1N1 vaccine contains 1 million times more squalene than the vaccine given to Gulf War soldiers (which resulted in 140,000 veterans contracting the auto-immune disease Gulf War Syndrome). The use of squalene is illegal in the USA and UK but is being allowed under the emergency pandemic decree. Dr. Russell Blaylock states, “If you receive the vaccine, there is little you can do to protect yourself–at least by conventional medicine. It will mean a lifetime of crippling illness and early death.”  
 
The US government has given vaccine manufacturers (Novartis, Baxter, Glaxo-Smithkline, CSL) complete legal immunity from any deaths or injuries resulting from their vaccines.

If you are interested you could check out some of the following sites which are listed below.

Blessings from NANCY CAMPBELL
www.aboverubies.org

Above Rubies is a magazine to bring strength and encouragement to marriage, motherhood and family life.

Internet sites to check out:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8riAeGh48U
 
http://www.naturalnews.com/027222_swine_flu_flu_vaccine_swine_flu_vaccine.html
 
http://www.medicalvoices.org/en/vaccination/articles/what-they-dont-tell-you-about-vaccination-dangers-can-kill-you-or-ruin-your-life.html
 
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/01/Swine-Flu-Shot-Linked-to-Killer-Nerve-Disease.aspx
 
http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-and-diseases/h1n1-swine-flu.aspx
http://swineflu.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/08/Another-Shocking-Warning-About-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx
 
http://www.medicalvoices.org/en/vaccination/articles/swine-flu-and-the-swine-flu-vaccine.html
 
http://www.medicalvoices.org/en/vaccination/articles/flu-vaccine-exposed.html
 
http://www.without-consent.com/
 
http://www.openureyes.org.nz/blog/?q=node/2280
 
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=14851
 
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/10/24/CBS-Reveals-that-Swine-Flu-Cases-Seriously-Overestimated.aspx
 
http://www.nvic.org
 
http://vran.org
 
http://www.PandemicFluOnline.com
 
http://www.vaclib.org
 
http://www.mercola.com

PO Box 681687, Franklin, TN 37068-1687, U.S.A.

Some of the health issues that have been particularly interesting to me of late are regarding the H1N1 vaccination, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Thyroid Disease.

H1N1 vaccine

As I clicked on a link from one of the emails we receive regularly from Dr. Mercola and saw story after story of women who had miscarried after receiving the H1N1 vaccination, I realized just how dangerous this vaccine can be.  I had already heard about the dangers of squalene (an ingredient in some of the H1N1 vaccines, though if my information is correct, I thankfully learned is NOT currently in the H1N1 vaccines in the U.S.).    

Here’s a snippet from www.mercola.com  about squalene -

“Your immune system recognizes squalene as an oil molecule native to your body. It is found throughout your nervous system and brain. In fact, you can consume squalene in olive oil and not only will your immune system recognize it, you will also reap the benefits of its antioxidant properties.

The difference between “good” and “bad” squalene is the route by which it enters your body. Injection is an abnormal route of entry which incites your immune system to attack all the squalene in your body, not just the vaccine adjuvant.

Your immune system will attempt to destroy the molecule wherever it finds it, including in places where it occurs naturally, and where it is vital to the health of your nervous system.[viii]

Gulf War veterans with Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) received anthrax vaccines which contained squalene.[ix] MF59 (the Novartis squalene adjuvant) was an unapproved ingredient in experimental anthrax vaccines and has since been linked to the devastating autoimmune diseases suffered by countless Gulf War vets.[x]“

Here are links for the stories of miscarriages, seemingly causatively related to H1N1 vaccine –

     http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/28/Shocking-Swine-Flu-Vaccine-Miscarriage-Stories.aspx

http://organichealthadviser.com/archives/shocking-h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-miscarriage-stores-from-pregnant-women-tell-your-doctors-that-vaccines-and-pregnancy-do-not-mix (this is the Organic health link found in the above article on Dr. Mercola’s site)

Dr. Mercola’s website, www.mercola.com, is also a very informative place to learn more about both the virus and the vaccine.  For what it’s worth, the year I was born, my mother said the swine flu was going around.  She was quite terrified about what might happen to her and her baby.  Later, it was proven that more people died from the vaccine than from the virus.  

I have no doubt that God can keep His hand of protection upon us from both the virus and the vaccine but since Proverbs says that “wisdom builds a house” and that “a prudent man foreseeth the evil and hideth himself” it seems most helpful to understand what we are up against health wise!

Alzheimer’s Disease

I also recently read about what some are labeling a “cure” for Alzheimers.  Evidently there have been studies done on mice which have “cured” those predisposed to Alzheimers.  The cure?…Niacinamide…1500 mg. twice daily (perhaps even taking up to 5,000 or 6,000 mg. daily).  We read about this in a newsletter we get in the mail from a Dr. Williams, I believe it is.  (I have it loaned out right now so I can’t look to make for sure).  I did get online today and found several sites referencing this same study.  It is very exciting to learn about natural ways that God has provided to help our body be healthy!

One of the articles notes that if you are taking medicine for diabetes, gout, or gallbladder disease, you may want to check with your Dr. before taking Niacinamide since it can interfere with those medications.   

Also interesting was that one article said that although to date there have been no experiments done on humans, niacinamide “prevents nerve cell degeneration in animal models of Huntingdon’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease.”  

Here are some links if you are interested…      http://www.ehow.com/way_5675369_niacinamide-alzheimer_s-disease.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

http://www.articlecat.com/Article/Will-Remarkably-Inexpensive-Nutrient-Cure-Alzheimer-s-Disease/340947

http://www.increasebrainpower.com/cure-for-alzheimers.html

Thyroid

We have been learning about how many different bodily functions the thyroid affects.  It seems possible to correct thyroid imbalances by taking the proper kind of iodine/iodide and actual thyroid tissue.  A friend told us about a naturopath doctor in Vienna, IL who had helped her and her family with correcting thyroid issues, as well as other things such getting rid of a yeast infection which could not be eliminated through diet or medication.  My mother has been on synthroid for several years after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism.  Although on a relatively small dose, she has now been able to quit taking it.  Another friend who has been going to this naturopath doctor is eliminating a fungal problem with a toe and actually growing a new healthy nail after using essential oils (the same solution used for the yeast infection, I believe).  There are so many symptoms that you might never guess to be thyroid-related, that are.  

Should anyone be interested in contacting the N.D. I’d be happy to give you her name and number .  She is a Christian lady who really has a desire to help people.  She even helps people long distance as much as is possible.  

Hope some of this information is helpful.  I’d love to know of further information any of you have on these topics!

This post should have been published over a year ago.  Forgive me for being so long in getting it out!  I’ve actually posted it in retro on their wedding date, also, and may eventually omit this post!  There are also more pictures that I don’t have access to at the present that I may add later.

May 17, 2008

A beautiful summer morning gave way to this special day.  Only a few sprinkles threatened and eventually the clouds gave way to the sun shining brightly upon this special event about to take place.  The tables were prepared, the lawn so beautifully mown (with special care by the bride ), the chairs strategically placed, and the lovely gazebo brought in to serve as a backdrop for the ceremony. 

All is ready

Although not visible in this photo, leading the way was my father who was to perform the ceremony, then Autumn’s pastor who offered up a prayer for this momentous occasion, followed by Daniel and his men (brother and cousins). 

The bridegroom and his men enter from the wooded thicket beside the grassy field.

We, the bride’s attendants, made our way down the long aisle from the back door of the Linder home to where we joined those already in place.

Awaiting the bride

He must have a glimpse of her!  His face is telling.

The bridegroom awaits his bride

 What a beautiful shot this is, as Autumn and her father (Michael Linder) now make their way down the long aisle that began at their back door, leading through the back yard to the absolutely gorgeous back field where an anxious bridegroom awaits his beloved.

Father and daughter

 Together, at last, a radiant bride and a beaming bridegroom.

My father performed the ceremony

 The guests were supplied with bubbles to envelope the couple in as they made their way back up the aisle. 

Leaving the altar amidst bubbles being blown by the guests

Cutting the cake

 Passages from I Corinthians, James, and Proverbs adorned the wedding cake.

The cake had scripture written on each layer

 The marriage supper was indeed a feast!  The ladies from the Linder family’s church there in town worked so diligently to provide such a wonderful spread of delicacies. 

There was a wealth of food for everyone

A variety of beverages

Shots of family and friends who made the day so special…

Children enjoy the Linders' tire swing in the back yard

So happy together!

The Wedding Party l-r...me (sister of groom), Shannon (cousin of bride), Caley (sister of bride), Harmony (sister of bride), Autumn & Daniel, Andrew (brother of groom), Chad (cousin of groom), Jonathan (cousin of groom), and Brian (cousin of groom)

Friends who came to share in the joy

Fair maidens rejoicing in the beauty of the day

Sharing thoughts about the day

Mr. and Mrs. Hunt

…we say thank you to our Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy manifested in our lives.  The past year (actually I’ll back up a year and a half) He has brought new blessings to our family.  We are so thankful that God brought and added Autumn into our family through her marriage to Daniel, my youngest brother.  (I’m hoping to make the next post be the veeeerrryyy overdue wedding picture post!)

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

One year after their being united in marriage, God chose to bless our family with another addition.  A new blessing is on the way, due to arrive in February of next year!  “He” will be the first grandchild on both sides, and the first little person to officially make me an ”aunt”.  We praise God for the great things He has done and ask His blessings to be upon Autumn as she carries this precious little life. 

  As thou knowest not know what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 

Ecclesiastes 11:5

Some time ago my friend, Gian, gave me a copy of Psalm 119 set to music (harmonized acapella singing).  Each section is presented as a separate “song” making it very doable.  In fact, some of the children at church memorized the first section rather easily after us singing and working on it weekly for a time. 

I have not committed the entire passage to memory but by it being set to music it is amazing how much more easily memorized it is! 

Click here to download it and other passages free!  (Scroll down a bit.)

The site states this:

“The above Scripture songs are in public domain. It is your privilege to copy and make it available to any who could benefit by it, as long as you include the following contact information:

Michael E. Owens, 2080 W Route 897, Denver, PA 17517
E-mail: // meo-525@juno.com.
Frederick Steinruck, P.O. Box 58, Parkerford, PA 19457;
Phone: 610-495-6230.”

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

I wanted to share some of the encouraging, enlightening, and empowering speakers, bloggers, authors, I’ve been blessed by recently…

Eric Ludy – The Bravehearted Gospel

In a nutshell this book is a call to embrace the life of Christ sum total…mercy and forgiveness (what he defines as the feminine side of truth) as well as the manly side of truth – being courageous, strong, convicted, and passionate about living out the example Jesus gave to follow, seeking God’s favor versus the world’s. Prepare to be challenged and inspired!  A book to keep and revisit often. (I may share excerpts from this book in a blog post all its own). 

K.P. Yohannan – Revolution in World Missions

The answer of a mother’s effectual fervent prayer for God to call one of her sons to the ministry which has now affected much of Asia through his dedication to assist native ministers in spreading the Gospel throughout Asia to their own people.

David Barton – WallBuilders

Andrew and I were both privileged to hear this incredibly gifted mind speak here in Paducah recently.  I had heard him speak (not in person) before and thought I probably wouldn’t be hearing any new things (not that I had such an excellent memory that I remembered anything at all from what I heard before but just that sometimes you feel you already know the gist of what you are going to hear).  All that said, I am so glad I went!  As I mentioned, he is incredibly gifted, that being that he has a superb memory bank of detailed information which flowed from him, obviously having spent an enormous amount of time amassing information about the godly heritage our country possesses.  There was no way (this time either) that I could remember everything I heard but I did go away with a better understanding that God and the Bible played a bigger part of the founding of our country than what is thought or understood by most people – including me.  Afterward I went to his website to revisit some ideas I remembered him speaking about such as the Biblical principles contained in our laws, the fact that taxation without representation was NOT the primary reason for which we separated from England (I”m sure everyone knows this but somehow it has managed to be the most familiar idea and the most propogated in history textbooks it seems), and the fact that aside from Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin (the two least religious signers) nearly half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence had seminary or Bible college educations.  It made me want to delve into our laws and understand them from a Biblical & Christian perspective.

Rebecca Jones – Leading Little Hearts Home

Just found this blog recently.  I definitely found a kindred spirit in much of her mindset toward training and educating children. I love her calm, focused, dedication coupled with an humble spirit before God as she daily works to train her children in the ways of Christ.  Very beautiful attitudes displayed.

Simply Charlotte Mason

Great examples, ideologies, books, and inspiration for homeschooling. Charlotte Mason advocated living books rather than textbooks for learning about…anything…living books being books that draw you into an actual story depicting the realities of what it would be like to experience what you are learning about rather than only reading about it. The Story of Jashub and Letters from Egypt are two books they have available which captured my attention.

Disclaimer: as with any books or websites…I cannot say I 100% agree with every detail but the main thrust of what I gained from the aforementioned was very edifying!

“Loving God…loving each other…making music with my friends…loving God…loving each other…and the story never ends”  ~ Gaither song

This seems to describe my thoughts and feelings on my birthday…how grateful I am for each of my friends.  I am a little worried about doing a photoblog post for fear that someone will feel left out…please DON’T feel that way if your picture happened to not appear here.  There are more of you than what is pictured here.  I cherish each of my friends and wish I could have pictures of you all on here…I’ve mainly pulled from things I have stored on my computer…which is most definitely limited.

“

A Day of Remembrance

Visible from space, a smoke plume rises from Manhattan after two planes crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center. This photo was taken of metropolitan New York City the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, from aboard the International Space Station.