LEARNING AT THE POTTER'S WHEEL

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS ONE?

2010-08-14T09:04:00.009-04:00

The Creator of the Universe is so wise and wonderful. I cannot express what His grace has meant to me.There was a time when I was certain that HE could never really care for ME. I am so glad to know now that I was wrong. This is not something brought about by any merit of my own. Rather, it is a testament to His steadfast love that would not let me go.It is easy to imagine that a person filled

STARTING UP MY BLOG AGAIN . . . 50 SINS

2010-08-08T20:33:00.005-04:00

I've certainly neglected my blog for some time!My last post was nearly a year ago. . . .WOW -- That's a long time.So, I think I'll start off with some excerpts from messages by Michael Pearl. This entire series has been a great encouragement to us because it reminded us of the many ways God has transformed our lives.These particular quotes have to do with gossiping, telling tales, whispering,

COUNTERFEITS, DRIVING & COMING OF AGE . . . OH MY

2009-08-21T16:10:00.025-04:00

My husband is the king of kidders. When we married, every prank and tease he had been saving up because he missed living at home with his brothers and sisters came back to him. It's been interesting, to say the least.His humor has meant that I have sons that love to joke and tease as well. They've seen me bubble over with laughter at their dad's antics, and they love to contribute to the fun.The

MAGIC GREEN SHEETS

2009-08-09T19:42:00.013-04:00

I'm a mix of emotions as I post this entry. . . . and that's fitting as parenting is just that, a mixture of so many things.I'm excited for my youngest, Z-man. He's been potty-trained now for two years, but the nights haven't all been dry. Yet, in the last couple of weeks, the dry nights have moved into the majority. My writing brought me a few pennies, so the last time we were out running

HE DOES ALL THINGS WELL

2009-08-05T08:09:00.013-04:00

This morning before breakfast, I had one of those moments that just leave me a bit awestruck.I know that boys need men to teach them how to be men. I understand that. So, it should have come as no surprise to me that my efforts to teach manners were not always well received. In reality, a female demonstrating to a boy how he should conduct himself in public is . . . well . . . a FEMALE telling a

THE MIGHTY TRAPPER

2009-07-29T07:35:00.005-04:00

Okay. It seems that cheap peanut butter and the old standby for rodent control proved to be just the right blend to get rid of our house guest.Duke rose to the occasion and emptied the trap when he left for work early. He woke up my little hero to show him the results of a rodent encounter with a spring-loaded trap. (ugh!)The boy was so impressed, that he couldn't wait to describe it to me before

LOADED FOR BEAR

2009-07-28T16:11:00.013-04:00

Well, it's official. We have an uninvited and unwanted guest. He or she didn't even have the decency to knock and had the audacity to leave little calling cards in the dog's dish.That's right. A mouse is in my house.No, I'm not a squeamish woman. I enjoy watching films of surgery, and watching Duke get stitches (which he seems to do at least once a year) is an intriguing pastime. If you've read

A TIME TO LAUGH

2009-07-26T14:04:00.015-04:00

We've started the adventure of flea marketing. Duke has decided that we need to simplify our lives, so to that end, we've started lightening our load of 'stuff' at the local flea market. He's been quite pleased with the process . . . AND, it turns out, has just one or two extra coins in his pocket as a consequence.This has meant that in the last month, we've actually been able to visit our

THE VISION IS BEING GIVEN AWAY!

2009-07-20T21:39:00.004-04:00

Yes, you read that right! Pearl Books is promoting the sale of Debi Pearl's latest book, THE VISION on Amazon.com. If you purchase your copy of THE VISION by going to Amazon.com on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009, then you can present your proof of purchase to receive two additional copies from No Greater Joy free . . . PLUS you will receive a discount code from Bulk Herb Store for 25% off your next

CAREFUL! WHAT?

2009-07-11T08:55:00.009-04:00

I'm shaking my head as I sit here. Not because I'm surprised, mind you. I'm shaking my head because I should have seen this coming. I should have known better. It's my own fault really. I know what sort of people I'm surrounded by, and I continue to operate under false assumptions. Like:I assume you have a grasp of the English language.I assume that when I emphasize something, the listener grasps

WHAT WE SOUND LIKE TO MEN

2009-06-24T07:31:00.013-04:00

Living with men has led me to discover a few things that they take for granted, but which are foreign to females. The funny thing is that I get the strangest looks from those I live with when these things occur. Because I am the only female in residence (besides the dog, and she'll go along with anyone that feeds her), they look at me as though they suspect I'm either in need of medication or

LETTING ARROWS FLY

2009-06-13T12:33:00.006-04:00

Psalm 127:3,4Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:and the fruit of the womb is his reward.As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;so are children of the youth.As I sit here at my computer, my middle son is in our front yard talking to strangers. That goes against a lot of my maternal instincts. When I got up this morning, he was already there, flagging down

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

2009-06-11T12:30:00.007-04:00

I'm someone that loves the old standards when it comes to music and praise. Too much of what I hear promoted today seems to only glorify amplification, electronics and rebellious expression. With those disclaimers out of the way, I found these songs after reading the lyrics and thought I'd share them.There are times when I allow my focus to shift away from what the Potter has done . . . IS DOING

PLANTAIN

2009-06-09T08:13:00.006-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Plantago majorPlantago lanceolata L.narrowleaf plantain, buckhorn plantain, broad-leaf plantain,PARTS USEDLeaves (can also use roots and/or tops & seeds)PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAdenine, allantoin, aucubin, apigenin, benzoic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, fiber, luteolin, oleanolic acid, p-coumaric acid, salicylic acid, tannin, ursolic acid,

ALICE IN UNO LAND

2009-05-24T18:30:00.011-04:00

You haven't really enjoyed a game of Uno until you've watched a game with Duke, myself and my parents. My parents are . . . well . . . experts at verbal sparring. Some might call it bickering. My Dad is a stickler for details, to say the least. It's never a surprise that the game begins with him pulling out and reviewing the rules. Then he pronounces that the scoring is too complex and that he

HAPPY NORMAL BIRTHDAY Z-MAN

2009-05-22T21:57:00.011-04:00

Duke and I have known this man for an embarrassing number of years. His name is Ted Stambolitis. All of our sons have chosen at some point to celebrate a birthday at his restaurant. We've watched that restaurant grow from a busting at the seams little cafe to a major attraction in our town (still busting at the seams). He's moved since opening and built a beautiful little mall that features his

WORKS EVERY TIME!

2009-05-20T02:51:00.014-04:00

About 8 years ago, I met a man that worked at a school for troubled youth. I asked him about how successful his program was – how well the graduates did when they returned to the circumstances they had left. His answer was both simple and profound.“Jesus works every time He’s tried.”Wow. It’s true, you know. Every time He’s tried – every time we look to Him for the solution instead of some

HOW TO USE THIS BLOG

2009-05-14T12:38:00.003-04:00

Readers may have noticed that I have several articles on herbs and natural remedies. Here are some tips on how you might use those articles.In the column to the right of this post – below the blog archive – there is a list of the articles I’ve written on specific herbs. When your mouse hovers over the common name, the botanical name will pop up. If you click on the name of the herb, the link

VIEWING 21 FROM HERE

2009-05-05T09:53:00.020-04:00

When I was 21, I was the smartest thing you’d ever seen. My grades reflected what my teachers said: I was gifted and smart. I knew everything I needed to know and everything everyone else needed to know (I thought). I also believed that if my family and friends had all just listened to me, things would have gone SO MUCH BETTER!Honestly, I took offense when people doubted my "wisdom" – which I

VA-STAY-TION

2009-04-06T17:58:00.019-04:00

I’m what my husband calls a cheap date. He grins and winks when he says that, so I’ll take it as a compliment.The reality is that I LOVE spending time creating something or having fun without spending a lot of money. This doesn’t mean that I don’t like paying the price of admission or having a meal out every now and then. It just means that I REALLY enjoy a picnic, a potluck, repairing things,

MISSED OPPORTUNITY

2009-04-03T03:57:00.008-04:00

If one of my family members were to become ill, I know that I (or someone I know) would have some ideas about things I could try with promising results. I wouldn’t be dependent upon whichever course the doctor I could afford to see might offer. I would have options. It’s reassuring to have this information.Having options though isn’t all it’s cracked up to be sometimes.I was in another city

PARSLEY

2009-03-29T17:49:00.005-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Petroselinum crespumPARTS USEDFruit, leaves, roots, stems.PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-pinene, apigenin, apiole, benzaldehyde, bergapten, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, calcium, chlorogenic acid, folate, geraniol, glycolic acid, iron, kaempferol, limonene, linalool, lutein, magnesium, manganese, myristic acid, myristicin, naringenin, p-coumaric acid, phosphorus, potassium, psoralen

Back At My Desk

2009-03-29T17:33:00.009-04:00

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, life happens. Thankfully, the surprises are sometimes nice ones. . .I’m happy to report that the delays in my posting here have not been due to tragic circumstances. Rather, it has been the result of some other projects that tore me away. I’ve been involved in some writing projects and some internet outreach.Not ALL of it has been fun . . .

OATSTRAW

2009-03-28T12:25:00.010-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Avena sativa PARTS USEDThe parts of the oat plant left after harvesting the grain. This includes the threshed stem, leaf and milky tops, fresh or dried. PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBenzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol, betaine, caffeic acid, campesterol, carbohydrates, caryophyllene, chlorophyll, ferulic acid, lignin, limonene, p-coumaric acid, quercetin,

F-R-O-G !

2008-03-13T11:56:00.005-04:00

I was running errands and stopped in the little neighborhood store near my home. The store is actually a converted shed that sells an assortment of home made goodies. They retail some homemade soap and laundry detergent made by my friend. Since my friend is about a 45 minute drive and the store is in the neighborhood, I stop in to purchase at the shed. In the back, they’ve got a little kitchen/

SALMON STEW

2008-03-11T00:18:00.004-04:00

Fish is a wonderful addition to a healthy diet. A single serving per week can greatly reduce your chances of heart disease. Deep-sea, oily fish (salmon, tuna, swordfish, sole, flounder) are good sources of omega-3 and other long-chain fatty acids as well as fat-soluble vitamins A and D. Fish provide an organic source of needed iodine for proper development on a cellular level. (see post Iodine,

Volumes of Blessed Information

2008-03-10T14:18:00.011-04:00

Three years ago, I attended a seminar for parents learning about how to implement the Casein Free/Gluten Free diet. We had already started incorporating the CF/GF diet on our own to help ensure that Z-man didn’t encounter difficulties with digesting gluten. The degreed nutritionist taught the seminar with a book by Lisa Lewis (Special Diets for Special Kids) on her lap and the book Unraveling

Beans 101

2008-03-10T12:36:00.016-04:00

Beans, nuts grains and seeds are tiny testimonies of creation’swondrous design. All of these foods are types of seeds. Seeds are little machines that contain digestive enzyme inhibitors (known as phytic acids). These enzyme inhibitors prevent the seed from sprouting out of season or in less than ideal conditions. This allows for the seeds to be ingested by animals without being digested

NETTLE

2008-03-09T00:06:00.006-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Urtica dioicastinging nettlecommon nettle PARTS USEDFlowers, leaves, roots, seeds. PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAcetic acid, beta-carotene, betaine, caffeic acid, calcium, copper, coumaric acid, fatty acidsferulic acid, , folate, iron, lecithin, lycopene, magnesium, manganese, p- scopoletin, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, C, and E, zinc. Nettle

The Woman Who Willed A Miracle

2008-02-24T17:09:00.012-05:00

Movie ReviewThe WomanWho Willed a Miracle(Click on the title above for a linkto used copies available at Amazon.com) I’m no movie critic, but if my opinion counts for anything and if you do occasionally watch movies, you will want to watch The Woman Who Willed a Miracle. You’ll have to work to find a copy. It’s one of those after-school special, made for TV movies from 1983, but copies can

Don't Tug On Superman's Cape

2008-02-23T10:57:00.010-05:00

Sub Title: When a Question Isn’t a Question Disclaimer: Duke has read and given his approval for me to post the following. ;-)I’ve been learning about how to be a wife all of my life. When I was a very young woman, I pretty much knew it all. Now, as a much older woman, I don’t know nearly so much as I should, and I’ve learned enough to realize that. For me, the greatest measure of my success as

Provisions of Providence

2008-02-21T23:25:00.006-05:00

Isaiah 55:1,2Ho, every one that thirsteth,come ye to the waters,and he that hath no money;come ye, buy, and eat;yea, come, buy wine and milk without moneyand without price.Wherefore do ye spend moneyfor that which is not bread?and your labour for that which satisfieth not?hearken diligently unto me,and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Duke handed

TORTILLA PIZZA!

2008-02-20T01:01:00.005-05:00

Somewhere between the ideal of completely pure, toxin-free foods and practical living, I stand in my kitchen and try to figure out how to make the ingredients we can afford into nutritious, good-tasting meals. I have found that the greatest hurdle isn’t necessarily finances. (We actually spend less now on food than we did when our family was smaller.) My greatest hurdle has been learning to set

MYRRH

2008-02-16T11:58:00.018-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Commiphora myrrha PARTS USEDThe gum resin and oil are used from stems PHYTOCHEMICALS& NUTRIENTSAcetic acid, acetates of potassa, ash, benzoates, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde, dipentene, eugenol, gum, limonene, malates, m-cresol, polysaccharides, resin (myrrhin), salts, sulphates, triterpenoids, triterpene acids, volatile oil. Essential oil containing

MUSTARD SEED & GREENS

2008-01-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:There are three different varieties of plants that yield mustard seed:black mustard (Brassica nigra),brown Indian mustard (Brassica juncea),and white or yellow mustard (Brassica hirta/Sinapis alba). PARTS USEDSeeds, Leaves PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAllyl isothiocyanate, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, sinapic acid, vanillic acid.

Ginsu Christmas

2007-12-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

I’m still smiling about Christmas this year. It promised to be one of those holidays where you just weren’t sure if you could pull it off. Things were tight this year. All our needs are met, but we just didn’t have lots of extra laying around. We planned a potluck Christmas meal with family and some simple gifts. All in all, everything turned out wonderfully. There was more food than we could

A Place for ME!

2007-12-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

Today had the potential to be a lousy day. I woke up very tired. My system has been fighting a cold being passed around by my little one. My Dearest Duke, was up and in a whirl of activity long before I was able to compose myself and greet the family. While I dressed and fought feelings of guilt, he had already fed them breakfast, made the coffee and cleared the dishes. Duke is the best husband

MULLEIN

2007-12-14T14:39:00.001-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:verbascum thapsus PARTS USEDLeaves, flowers, root, PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, calcium, coumarin, hesperidin, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, saponins, selenium, sulphur, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, zinc. PROPERTIES & USESMullein has an overall gentle nature that makes it a favorite among herbalists for use with children's

MARSHMALLOW

2007-12-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Althea officinales, Sweet Weed, Cheeses, Wymote, Mallards, Mauls, Schloss Tea, Mortification Root PARTS USEDFlowers, stems, leaves, roots PHYTOCHEMICALS& NUTRIENTSAmino acids, beta-carotene, betaine, caffeic acid, calcium, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, iron, kaempferol, lime, magnesium, manganese, mucilage, paraffin, p-coumaric acid, pectin, phytosterols, phosphorus, potassium,

LAVENDER

2007-12-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Lavendula angustifoliaEnglish Lavender PARTS USEDFlowers, stem PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-pinene, beta-pinene, beta-santalene, borneol, camphor, caryophyllene, coumarin, geraniol, limonene, linalool, luteolin, 1, 8-cineole, rosmarinic acid, tannin, umbelliferone, ursolic acid. Flowers are normally harvested between the end of July and the middle of August. Harvesting happens

KELP

2007-12-10T22:15:00.000-05:00

Kelp is a term used for edible seaweed.ALSO KNOWN AS:BladderwrackFucus vesiculosisFucus, Sea-Wrack, Kelp-WareBlack-Tang, Quercus marina, CutweedBladder Fucus, Fucus (Varech), vesiculeuxBlasentang, Seetang, Meeriche PARTS USEDThe dried mass of root, stem and leaves (thallus, frond, offshoots) PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSPrimary chemical

Iodine, Required for Health

2007-12-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

Why Do I Need Iodine?Iodine is one of the necessary elements required by the human body for health. Iodine helps regulate the endocrine system which in turn regulates hormone production. A lack of iodine can affect your I.Q. as much as 15 points, and your height by as much as ten centimeters, according to one nutritionist. Recently, the Dutch people made headlines by becoming the tallest

Baked Pasta & Cheese

2007-12-06T09:59:00.000-05:00

Here in the U.S. this recipe is more commonly known as macaroni & cheese. My mother makes this as her specialty dish.{Sorry about the photo. The family got to it before I could get the picture taken. :-)}Since our diet changed, I realized that I would have to find a way to make the old favorites fit within our new guidelines: No gluten. We do our best

Brewing an Enjoyable Cup of Tea

2007-12-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

There really isn’t a wrong way to make tea. There are just better ways and not-so-great ways. I’m no expert. I am a lifelong tea drinker. Much to my parents’ dismay, I no longer drink the syrup known as sweet tea here in the southeastern United States. They’ve managed to adjust to this change. . . . I digress.I learned to love hot tea

Today's Truth

2007-12-03T09:47:00.000-05:00

My heart knows a songMy ears haven’t heardMy voice blends with notesNo man ever pennedMy hands lift in praiseMy feet move with delightAs I travel new pathsI know . . . not by sight The familiar isn’t comfortableI’m not the sameI’ve been changed completelyBy the Name above all NamesLet me live in THIS truthMay I move in THIS wayAs I touch the old thingsWith the

Marcus E. McDonald

2007-12-02T16:22:00.001-05:00

You are likely wondering who is Marcus E. McDonald.Before December 1, 2007, I would have given you a blank look and said, "I don't know."However, something altogether sad and wonderful at the same time happened. Mr. McDonald managed to die at just the right time so that his obituary would appear in Saturday's newspaper. This just happened to be a Saturday when Duke had the time and the extra

HYSSOP

2007-12-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Hyssopus officinalis PARTS USEDFlowers, leaves, shoots PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-pinene, benzaldehyde, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol, borneol, caffeic acid, camphor, carvacrol, choline, eugenol, ferulic acid, geraniol, hesperidin, limonene, linalol, marrubiin, oleanolic acid, 1,8-cineole, rosmarinic acid, thymol, ursolic acid PROPERTIES & USESThe flowering

Holiday Pranks

2007-12-01T16:42:00.000-05:00

Warning:If you think that making fun of Santa and/or his reindeer isn’t in keeping with the holidays, you’ll not enjoy this post. I have a friend that related this childhood memory to me: Her dad managed to have LOTS of some-assembly-required gifts that needed his attention each Christmas Eve. In an effort to buy himself some more time to put the finishing touches on these items, he found a

Fogey Fasions

2007-12-01T16:31:00.000-05:00

Duke took me out to eat last night. He even arranged a sitter for the kids. We seldom go places together without the kids, so this was strangely pleasant. It didn’t even matter that the hostess said we would have to wait 40 minutes for a table. For me, it’s a wonderful thing to be able to sit and converse without worrying about the time. So we sat and tried to remember how to converse without

Birthday Week 2007

2007-11-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

The picture is of me many, many, many years ago. This week is my birthday. I remember thinking that the best way to approach life was to figure out the rules and follow them. I tried that for a long, long time. Ironically, I always wanted to be loved for who I was, unconditionally, but I approached God as though this life were some sort of legalistic negotiation. Somehow I figured if I

HYDRANGEA ROOT

2007-11-29T13:56:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Hydrangea arborescensHydrangeaceaeWild HydrangeaSeven Barks PARTS USEDRhizomes, roots PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSCalcium, iron, kaempferol, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, quercetin, rutin, saponin, selenium, zinc. The root also contains resins, gum, sugar, starch, other elements, and Hydrangin. PROPERTIES & USESThe bark of Hydrangea arborescens is

HORSETAIL

2007-11-26T20:32:00.001-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Equisetum arvenseScouring-rushShavegrassBottlebrush PARTS USEDStems PHYTOCHEMICALS& NUTRIENTSAlkaloids (nicotine, palustrine & palustrinine) Beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, calcium, campesterol, equisetonin, ferulic acid, flavonoids, gallic acid, iron, isoquercitrin, isoquercitroside, kaempferol, luteolin, magnesium, manganese, naringenin, p-coumaric acid,

I could NEVER do THAT!

2007-11-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

“You know that stuff you gave us? It stunk up our refrigerator!”This is how one of my friends tells me that the tincture I gave her didn't help her kids. I gave it to her with instructions for dosage and storage. It took three days to formulate. She forgot to take it out of the car where it sat in the heat. Then she forgot to administer it regularly. So, no, it didn't work. Her kids are

The Great Hoodie War

2007-11-25T09:33:00.000-05:00

Well, it’s that time of year. Fall is waning and winter is on its way. Occasionally, even where we live, it can get cold. Here, it is a penetrating cold because of the high humidity. I didn’t appreciate the difference that humidity makes in the cold until I visited Montana during the winter. The moisture in the southeast seems to help the cold to penetrate to the bone. One of those cold days

Thanksgiving 2007 -- Reflections

2007-11-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

“I’m not having anything at my house this year,” Aunt E. sounded tired. “It’s just too much work. Your uncle and I are going out and relaxing this year.”She was right. Every year, the crowd descended with a parade of casseroles and deserts made from mixes and filled Aunt E’s house. Even though she was told she didn’t have to cook anything, we all knew she would make her famous fruit salad and two

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

Here, the leaves are ablaze with color.Last week, it finally got cold enough to build a fire in the fireplace. This week, temperatures are mild again. Tomorrow, we will have a roasted turkey and some simple trimmings. We’ll be home. Just us. Together. No mad rush. No endless parade of casseroles. Just us, a few special treats and family. For me, it’s the way I really ENJOY holidays. I

HENNA

2007-11-20T00:28:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Lawsonia inermisHenne, Al-Khanna,Al-henna, Jamaica MignonetteMehndi, MendeeEgyptian Privet, Smooth Lawsonia PARTS USEDFlowers, powdered leaves, fruit PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSA brown substance in Henna has a resinoid fracture. This chemical property (which characterize tannins) is where the name hannotannic acid is derived. The red-orange dye molecule, lawsone, bonds

GREEN TEA

2007-11-20T00:22:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Camellia sinensisPARTS USEDLeavesPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAmino acids, apigenin, astragalin, benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, caffeine, calcium, carvacrol, catechins, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, cryptoxanthin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, eugenol, farnesol, gallic acid, geraniol, hyperoside, indole, iron, isoquercitrin, kaempferol,

GOTU KOLA

2007-11-19T08:43:00.001-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Centella asiatica PARTS USEDNuts, roots, seeds PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta Carotene, beta-sitosterol, calcium, campesterol, camphor, iron, kaempferol, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, saponin, selenium, stigmasterol, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, zinc PROPERTIES & USESGotu Kola is called the memory herb. It’s actions help support cardiovascular

GINSENG

2007-11-18T22:03:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng)P. ginseng (Chinese or Korean ginseng)Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) belongs to a different botanical family than American and Korean Ginseng. Its properties, however, are similar. PARTS USEDroot PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta-sitosterol, Calcium, campesterols, caryophyllene, cinamic acid, choline, escin (P.

Trusting Through the Tears

2007-11-18T14:36:00.000-05:00

War, violence, sickness, pain, death Some will sit at a table of plenty and be glad they've escaped difficulties another year,while tragedy will be the reality for others. We tell people that they should be grateful.We heap guilt on them when they struggle with fear and doubt,admonishing them that they shouldn’t feel that way . . . Instead of weeping with the grieving,comforting

Mama's Rx

2007-11-16T08:25:00.000-05:00

“Oooooh,” I heard a painful moan come from the bed as I returned from the bathroom. I turned on the light to see my beloved Duke, ready to enjoy a RARE day off from work. “I think I’m sick,” he said. THESE are four words I didn’t think he knew existed. However, with the passing of years, we are both learning new words. *eye roll* “What hurts? Do you have a fever? Are you congested? Any chills

A Wife With GREEN HAIR?!

2007-11-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

My kind, loving husband watched me quietly as I settled into the living room chair. I had a warm towel wrapped around my head and another across my shoulders. This was the first time he had seen me with the green cow slobber known as Beautiful Hair on my head. I busied myself reading a book as he continued to watch me. Bits of green slime peeked out from under the towel. He must have

GINGER ROOT

2007-11-14T17:17:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Zingiber Officinale PARTS USEDRhizomes, roots PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-pinene, Amino acids, beta-carotene, beta-ionine, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, camphor, capsaicin, calcium, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, citral, curcumin, essential fatty acids, farnesol, ferulic acid, geraniol, gingerols, iron, lecithin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium,

Veterans Day -- Second Try

2007-11-11T21:06:00.000-05:00

Duke nixed my first try at a Veterans Day post. I was going to tell you about the feelings a veteran and his family have on this day. I was going to tell you what happened when a young kid went to seek adventure and found out that he wasn’t a comic book hero and that those who might have been often didn’t survive. I was going to tell you about coping with emotions, returning home when

FRANKINCENSE

2007-11-08T20:18:00.000-05:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:OlibanumBoswellia Thurifera PARTS USEDThe gum resinSold as resin, powder or essential oil PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSResins 65 per cent, volatile oil 6 per cent, water-soluble gum 20 per cent, bassorin 6 to 8 per cent, plant residue 2 to 4 per cent; the resins are composed of boswellic acid and alibanoresin PROPERTIES & USESA small shrub tree, Frankincense has a

The Epidemic of IFTY

2007-11-08T14:53:00.000-05:00

In an effort to maintain appearances, our family has occasionally suffered from a good case of, “I’m fine; Thank you.” At first it looks like a good condition to have. You no longer complain about little things. You appear to be even-tempered and unwilling to burden others with your maladies, physical or otherwise. But it is an insidious disease. By the time you realize you’ve had it, it has

FENNEL

2007-10-31T11:41:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Foeniculum Vulgare PARTS USED Fruit, roots, leaves, stems. PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTS Alpha-pinene, Amino acids, benzoic acid, bergapten, beta-carotene, beta-phellandrene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, calcium, camphor, choline, cinnamic acid, aynarin, essential fatty acids, ferulic acid, fumaric acid, iron, isopimpinellin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol, limonene, linalool,

Congestion Clearing Tea

2007-10-30T21:17:00.000-04:00

I read about this recipe from an article I saw on Bulk Herb Store's web site. It would be difficult for me to explain adequately how well it relieves congestion. If you are suffering with the head-throbbing, packed sinuses that tug at your inner ear whenever you swallow, this stuff is for you. We like it because it is natural, gentle and EFFECTIVE.Place 1 teaspoon of fresh, minced garlic in 6 oz

DANDELION

2007-10-30T20:15:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Taraxacum officinale The name Dandelion is a borrowing of Old French dentdelion, which means, “tooth of the lion,” a reference to the tooth-shaped leaves of the plant. PARTS USEDFlowers, leaves, roots, tops PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, caffeic acid, calcium, cryptoxanthin, iron, lutein, magnesium, manganese, mannitol, p-coumaric acid,

CATNIP

2007-10-28T16:00:00.001-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Nepeta cataria PARTS USEDLeaves, flowering tops PHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-humulene, beta-elemene, calcium, camphor, carvacrol, caryophyllene, chromium, citral, citronellal, geraniol, iron, magnesium, manganese, myrcene, nepetalactone, piperitone, phosphorus, potassium, pulegone, rosmarinic acid, selenium, silicon, thymol, zinc PROPERTIES & USESCatnip

CINNAMON

2007-10-27T17:50:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Cinnamomum verumChinese CinnamonPARTS USEDOuter & inner bark, leaves, plant, essential oilPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-pinene, benzaldehyde, beta-carotene, beta-pinene, borneol, calcium, camphor, caryophyllene, chromium, cinnamaldehyde, copper, courmarin, cuminaldehyde, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, iodine, iron, limonene, linalool, manganese, mannitol, mucilage, 1,8-cineole,

CHICKWEED

2007-10-27T12:53:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Stellaria media,Also called starweedPARTS USEDLeaves, stemsPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta-carotene, calcium, essential fatty acids, genistein, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, rutin, selenium, silicon, sulfur, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and EEspecially rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and potassiumPROPERTIES & USESChickweed is a demulcent. This means that

What makes you an expert?

2007-10-27T11:25:00.000-04:00

I’m not a master herbalist. I don’t claim to be the final authority in herbs, herbal blends or natural medicine. I only know what works for us. I believe that each family deserves the opportunity to be informed and make the best decision for their own health. What little I’ve gleaned, I share for that reason. I’m not interested in short term solutions. Health, for me, is a lifelong journey. I

A One Hour Colon Cleanse (NOT recommended!)

2007-10-26T15:21:00.000-04:00

Duke has had the most adjustments in the transition from our prescription-taking, junk-food eating days. The improvements he has seen have made him a believer. Sometimes, however, he proceeds quickly where caution might be the better choice -- like the day he invented the one-hour colon cleanse.Duke was suffering with some muscle aches and pains. I mixed up a tonic that included cayenne pepper.

Not THAT Way!

2007-10-24T15:40:00.000-04:00

“Nooooo! I don’t want that!”Z-man has been educating me in the art of parenting again. He’s my independent child. He’s got all of the enthusiasm, but lacks some of the skills needed to accomplish tasks without help. I know this about him, but sometimes I get caught up in the hurry of going about the day and absentmindedly do things for him. Thankfully, he isn’t about to let

Good food gone (really) BAD

2007-10-21T01:48:00.000-04:00

It happens in the best of families: One day you wake up and decide that you want to greet your future with a healthy body. However, the love of your life has cultivated a taste for foods that are decidedly NOT healthy. You embark on a campaign to convince him that your food choices MUST change. On your bad days, you are self-righteous. On your good days, you are lovingly concerned. But none of

CHAMOMILE

2007-10-21T01:25:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Matricaria recutita or M. chamomillaGerman chamomile, wild chamomileRoman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is less common.PARTS USEDFlowers, plantPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-bisabolol, apigenin, azulene, borneol, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, choline, farnesol, gentisic acid, geraniol, hyperoside, kaempferol, luteolin, p-coumaric acid, perillyl alcohol, quercetin, rutin,

CEDAR

2007-10-21T00:03:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN ASCedrus libaniPARTS USEDLeaves, topsPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBorneol, quinic acid USES AND PROPERTIESCedar acts as an antiviral, antifungal, expectorant, lymphatic cleanser, and urinary antiseptic. This herb can be used externally for warts. Cedar is reported to stimulate the immune system and increase the venous blood flow. Leviticus 14:49And he shall take to cleanse the house

When a child is born with special needs: What do I do? What do I say?

2007-10-19T17:37:00.003-04:00

It is very presumptuous of me to even broach this topic. Maybe you’d think that the parent of a child with special needs would know just what to do or what to say, but the truth is that the responses are just as different as the people who must deal with a devastating diagnosis.So, I’ll try and give you a little information and some direction based on my experience. However, you’ll need to figure

Sing like no one is listening . . . but GOD!

2007-10-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

We were reading Scripture at breakfast this morning. My 7 year old wanted to share a song he had learned. It was a really sweet song; he sounded whispy and airish as he tried to mimick the recorded music he had heard. He did a pretty good job imitating the style, and he asked me what I thought.“That was great B!” Then I went on to describe how God had created the lungs within his chest cavity to

CAYENNE

2007-10-18T06:20:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN ASCapsicum frutescens, C. annum, capsicum, hot pepper, red pepperPARTS USEDberries/fruitPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAlpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-ionone, amino acids, caffeic acid, calcium, campesterol, capsaicin, carvone, caryophyllene, chlorogenic acid, citric acid, cryptoxanthin, essential fatty acids, folate, hesperidin, iron, kaempferol, limonene, lutein, myristic acid,

What I thought I knew about Down syndrome

2007-10-17T08:51:00.001-04:00

The emotions swirled around me.We had plans. Our kids would be on their own in 20 years, and we would be able to enjoy each other in our retirement years. I would luxuriate in the glory that is grandchildren and daughters in laws. I had plans. . . With the words Down syndrome, all of those plans seemed to change. I searched for someone to tell me what this meant to me, our family, our future

What do I do when I don't know who to believe?

2007-10-16T08:36:00.000-04:00

Since I am dealing with health-related subjects, I thought it would be a good idea to share what we do when we are faced with making health decisions in light of conflicting recommendations.Often, there is a recommendation from the medical community, another from a natural health practitioner, another from the health food store clerk, not to mention the internet and/or library. When you are

CASSIA

2007-10-15T07:39:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN ASBastard Cinnamon. Chinese Cinnamon. Cassia lignea. Cassia Bark. Cassia aromaticum, Canton CassiaPART USEDdried barkDESCRIPTIONBastard Cinnamon is usually regarded as a substitute for that of the Cinnarmomum zeylanicum, which it closely resembles. Cultivated trees are kept as coppices with shoots springing from the roots that are not allowed to rise to a height greater than ten feet.

CASCARA SAGRADA

2007-10-15T06:16:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN ASFrangula purshiana, chitticum bark, Cascara Buckthorn, Cascara, BearberryPARTS USEDbarkPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSAloe-emodin, anthraquinones, barbaloin, beta-carotene, casanthranol, chrysophanic acid, chrysophanol, frangulin, malic acid, myristic acid, calcium, iron, linoleic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and CACTIONS

Thank you VERY much!

2007-10-13T18:38:00.000-04:00

My children teach me more than I can ever hope to teach them. They are often accurate reflections of my own attitudes and demeanor. As a mama, I do my best to keep track of a LOT of details at the same time. This can give me a distracted air . . . until something goes wrong.When something goes wrong, I am suddenly find the time to set aside other tasks to attend to the emergency at hand. I seem

CALAMUS AROMATICUS

2007-10-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Sweet SedgeSweet FlagSweet RootSweet RushSweet CaneGladdonSweet MyrtleMyrtle GrassMyrtle SedgeCinnamon SedgePARTS USEDRoot -- The rhizome (root bark) contains alkaloidal matterPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSCholine, soft resin, gum, starch and bitter glucoside, AcorinACTIONS & USESThis grassy herb is an aromatic stimulant and mild tonic. It is a carminative, removing the discomfort

BLESSED THISTLE

2007-10-10T17:13:00.000-04:00

ALSO KNOWN AS:Cnicus benedictusSt. Benedict thistleholy thistlePARTS USEDflowers, leaves, stemsPHYTOCHEMICALS & NUTRIENTSBeta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, cnicin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, oleanolic acid, stigmasterol, calcium, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and CACTIONS & USESBlessed Thistle

ALFALFA

2007-10-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

Medicago sativa PARTS USEDFlowers, leaves, petals (avoid sprouts) Alfalfa sprouts have been shown to inhibit the immune system and can contribute to inflammatory arthritis and lupus. The seeds contain an amino acid, canavanine, that can be toxic to humans and animals when taken in quantity. Canavanine is apparently metabolized during growth and is not found in mature alfalfa plants. So, it

My Journey -- Natural Medicine

2007-10-10T09:42:00.000-04:00

I believe that it is important to share information that could help others. I am not, nor do I claim to be, a medical professional. I am a mama that has had to learn natural ways of helping her family stay healthy.I do not avoid doctors when they are needed. I find that medical science is an invaluable tool for diagnosing ailments. Emergency surgeons are a precious gift. Our youngest son's life

Little Girls

2007-10-10T05:52:00.000-04:00

The running joke around our house is that there are four things we don't know how to make: blue eyes, blond hair, curls or GIRLS.Besides the dog, I am the only female in this family. And she seems to think that the men are far more interesting -- unless I'm preparing a meal. In which case, she becomes my best friend.So, it's been a new experience for me to have a little girl around during the day

Cup of Coffee Meditations

2007-10-09T08:29:00.000-04:00

Lord, I am aching for the Body this day. In a courtroom in a ‘free’ country, a man will stand and be held to account for defending the faith. His accusers will be many. His defenders will be few. Professionals will wrangle with points of law as right and wrong take a back seat in the fray. Lord, be his defender. Let the judge not be impartial, but hold his heart in Your very hands and turn

". . . It would be good just to be your dog!"

2007-10-07T15:29:00.000-04:00

The explanation to the above quote is a wonderful story that was just one of those snapshots of memory we all have.Growing up, there was one joyful, funny lady that delighted to have people come and eat her food. She would cook for an entire day and the massive table would groan with all manner of meats, casseroles, pasta pies, creamed salads, etc. You had to eat your way through it all to make

GOOT -- Garlic Oil Ointment

2007-10-06T09:11:00.000-04:00

Here's one of my favorite home remedies. It is so simple that people often underestimate it's effectiveness in the treatment of ailments. However, to underestimate GOOT is to rob yourself of its many benefits.Garlic oil ointment -- GOOT -- requires only three ingredients. If you live in a warmer climate, you'll not need to use a stove at all. In colder climates, you can use your own body heat or

A specPOOPular Day!

2007-10-05T16:25:00.002-04:00

I've potty trained three boys. All my sons have a flair for creative arts. All my sons like their independence. Today was a day that my youngest son decided to demonstrate his abilities in all three areas at once. *sigh*Z-man is 4. He is potty trained. He needs a little help with clothing issues and clean up, but that's not a problem. Dry nights happen occasionally, but we aren't 100% there yet.

"I am glad you think it is an adventure..."

2007-10-03T23:11:00.001-04:00

That's what my adopted brother emailed me today.He's been on the rough end of a roller coaster ride lately. We had a technical glitch or two on our end, but nothing big. I'm not sure if he thinks I'm delusional, unconcerned, blissfully ignorant or if he's proud of me (I HOPE it's THAT one *wink*).Hmmmm?Well, I'd like to think that I'm peacefully informed. You see, I used to have a long list of

"There's just too many rules around here!"

2007-10-03T08:56:00.000-04:00

That's what my 7 year old told his father.His father served in the US Air Force during Vietnam. This was when a DI was allowed to 'lay hands suddenly' on recruits to expedite their training. My husband was incredulous at the announcement. Then, he started to replay scenarios of what would have happened if he had dared to make such a statement during basic training.He's still laughing about it (

A New Beginning

2007-10-02T23:25:00.000-04:00

Aren't there enough voices out there clamoring for a chance to be heard? What makes this space any more valuable than the next?Good questions. I'm not sure I have the answer.The more time I spend in this life, the more questions I get.It will be an adventure to see what the Potter creates out of this spinning, muddy mess. He does some of His best work with materials that others have set aside as