Monday, January 28, 2013

Why I Don't Worship Nature


Recently I received an inquiry from someone who had practiced Paganism. The person seemed to be seeking God sincerely, but was confused because of the overwhelming sense of God's presence outdoors, in nature. Paganism puts such an emphasis on nature, that it becomes God to those who practice it. I, too, feel God's presence when I'm out in nature, but I don't see it as a contradiction at all. Here's why...

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." ~Psalm 19:1 

Nature reveals God to us the way a painting reveals something about the artist. God created it all. It is His artwork, His handiwork. Therefore we learn about Him through nature. We sense His presence there. 

"...that which is known about God is evident...for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what was made..." ~Romans 1:19-20



It is a subtle trick of Satan to entice us to worship the creation rather than the Creator. God calls it idolatry. He made all this to draw our attention to Himself. He made it all for us. For example, what if a man gave his wife a beautiful new watch and she responded by speaking to the watch, saying, "Oh thank you, watch, for coming to me, for telling me the time. You are so wonderful, watch." How would he feel if she never even looked at him, but only worshiped the watch? This is a simple, human example, but I think it demonstrates how it is when we worship nature. God created all of it for our health, our pleasure, and also to draw us to Himself. It is no wonder we sense God in nature. 

By His Word God created everything that is. He simply spoke and it was. God also spoke to prophets long ago to reveal His plans and laws to the nation of Israel, and thus to the world. Then He revealed Himself most perfectly in Jesus, who is God's Word, the very expression of who He is.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being." ~John 1:1-3

"He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth, visible and invisible...all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together..." ~Colossians 1:15-17

And one more. "God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And [Jesus] is the radiance of [God's] glory and the exact representation of [God's] nature, and upholds all things by the word of His (Jesus') power..." ~Hebrews 1:1-3 

So let us seek God through nature, and seek Him through Jesus. Let us ask His Holy Spirit to lead us and we will find Him.

To God be the glory!

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

An Arsenal of Weapons to Annihilate Flu

It seems people are dropping like flies with the flu this year.  Have you missed any work this year? The dreaded headache, muscle aches and chest cough can make you feel miserable. And the cough may cling to the lungs like an eagle's claw to it's squirming prey. Too much? Ok, sorry... but if you've had it this year, you get the picture.

The best way to fight the infection is to get ahead of it, of course. As soon as you feel that telling first tickle in the throat start pumping the vitamins and supplements. Following are some of my recommendations that you can find at a health food store.

Yin Chiao - A chinese mixture of spices for cold and flu
Ecchinacea - From a native flower
Vitamin C
Zinc
Garlic Pills - A natural antibiotic
"Wellness Formula" Herbal defense complex - a comprehensive formula including many of the favored natural remedies.

A quick way to boost vitamin intake that even kids enjoy is an "Airborne" tablet in a glass of water. The generic version is good too.

Medicinal teas, such as "Traditional Medicine," or "Yogi Tea."

Lemon/Honey Tea - Simply pour boiling water over two tablespoons each of local honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adding Rooibos tea to the mixture adds antioxidants without adding caffeine. (For a special night time rest aid add two tablespoons of Brandy and call it a Toddy). Note: Do not give honey to children under 12 months of age.

But never forget Mother's advice: Allow yourself to rest more, Drink lot's of liquid especially water and juices. When I'm sick, I love "Lemon, Ginger, Ecchinacea Juice" by Simply Nutritious.

When you feel up to it, or even just before, get out and take a walk or do some exercise to get your energy back up.
Photo from www.prevention.com, "8 Ways to Wake Up Happy."


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Why Whine About Wheat?

For years I've struggled off and on with an allergy, or should I say, weakness, to wheat. I've fought skin rashes and discovered that when I eliminate flour products from my diet, the rashes subside and don't return. If I stay off wheat for a long time and then eat it again I may not have a rash for while, but then one day it returns.

All this has been confusing to understand. Even more confusing because when I grind Kamut (an ancient variety of wheat) at home to use in baked goods, I never have a reaction. I've thought maybe it's because flour sits on the shelf for so long after being ground that it becomes rancid. I read that in an article one time. And that may be it, or part of it.

Recently, however, I read another article about wheat, "A Closer Look at Wheat," Taste For Life magazine January 2013 page 30. It describes the modification that wheat has endured since the 1960s. "The wheat of today has been crossbred and hybridized to make it drought- and fungi-resistant and to drastically increase yield per acre. The result? Wheat that contains 1) high levels of a starch called amylopectin A, which dramatically raises blood sugar levels and encourages overeating; 2) a 'super gluten' that causes inflammation, which can trigger autoimmune diseases obesity, diabetes, irritable bowel, cancer, and numerous other conditions; and 3) highly addictive polypeptides that keep you craving more and more wheat products," says Jane Eklund in this article.

That sounds about right for many people today. But Eklund goes on to point out that we do have options. Some farmers are growing heritage varieties of wheat. These varieties are pre-1960s. Eklund points to organizations such as the Massachusetts-based Heritage Wheat Conservancy and Canada's Heritage Wheat Project, who seek to grow and preserve wheats like einkorn, emmer, red fife, and ladoga.

I personally think Kamut is a viable option. I can buy it in the coop or natural food store whole or ground and it doesn't seem to bother me. Check out Kamut International, which sells their khorasan wheat to these stores.  Kamut is one of those ancient varieties of wheat.


**This post is linked to Old Fashion Friday (Our Heritage of Health).

Monday, January 7, 2013

Waiting

As the new year begins, I sense God calling me to wait. That's it, just wait.

I feel I need to learn to wait and learn to listen to his voice. But even if I don't hear it, or He takes longer to speak than I want Him to (usually about five minutes), I must practice the discipline of waiting.

I can't even imagine waiting for a whole year. I'm more nervous about this New Year's Resolution than any I can remember. Why? Why should waiting be so hard?

I like to do...to accomplish...to take control of my life and go....

That's the problem, I'm in control. And I've been spinning my wheels. A lot of activity, even accomplishing goals I've set in the past, but with little affect on my life or that of others.

I want to make a difference in this world and in eternity. Ok, maybe this is the beginning of a mid-life crisis, but maybe it's a good thing. I NEED God's presence in my life. I need to know I'm going the direction He set for me, rather than 3-8 directions of my own choosing at any given time. This has always been a problem for me.

So...I wait.


This photo is from Joe Quatrone Jr.'s blog.
He has great advice about waiting on God.