Some Food for Thought for the New Year!

Do you want this world to be a better place?  

Are we, the people?  Are we the majority?  Yes, "we" are... 

So then, if "we" are the people and "we" are the majority, then "we" can and will make a difference if we would all turn to the One True God and have our Daily Bread*.  Then through Him we will...

• pray for our family and friends
• properly care for, love and protect our babies, children and our elderly
• properly care for, love and protect the pets and animals that God gave us for our enjoyment
• smile at one another and be polite to one another 
• put others first and be considerate of others and treat others the way you want to be treated (isn't this the Golden Rule?)
• have pure, right and thoughtful motives towards ourselves and others (...take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ ~2 Corinthians 10)
• forgive one another
• be honest with one another
• be compassionate 
• be motived by Love (God is love)
• live as children of the Light, being made new in the attitude of our minds (see below)
• have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (this is the fruit of the Spirit -against such things there is no law. ~Galatians 5:22-23)
• examine ourselves before the Lord and confess our sins to each other
• not allow the sun to go down on your anger (see below)
• be responsibe for feeding and caring for our own families, our health and our financial course and status (Jesus is the bread of life - see below)
• make every effort in faith to help one another when another is in need (I think we've found out that anyone can be in that situation at any given moment).
• have unity and the same love (Ephesians 5)
• lose our lives for Jesus' sake and we'll find abundant life in Christ!

Then this world would truly be a better place

and there would be so much excitement 

on earth as it is in Heaven!

Give us this day our Daily Bread!

 

*Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. ~Proverbs 30:8

 

*Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. ~John 6:35

 

Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” ~John 7:38

 

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. ~James 5:16

 

 

Ephesians 4

Unity in the Body Of Christ

4As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

⁷ But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸ This is why it^[a] says:

“When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men.”^[b]

⁹ (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^[c]? ¹⁰ He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹ It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹² to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Living as Children of Light

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

²⁰ You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹ Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”^[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Happy New Year everyone!  Let's make it the best one yet for all!

Lisa

(the list above is not exhaustive or in any particular order)

Can anyone make any sense out the Newtown, Connecticutt tragedy? Dr. Schulze tries to...

Gun control laws, lawsuits over guns...there doesn't seem to be an end or a solution when it comes to guns.  What is the answer?

I've been hearing for years now that guns kill people.  It's really a shame when we have to blame created objects that aren't even human for hurting and killing people.  Do knives, blunt objects, cars, alcohol and drugs directly kill people?  Have you ever heard of a knife standing trial?  How about a car ? Of course not.  Likewise I know of no gun being convicted for the murder of a human being. 

On his blog, Dr. Schulze discusses something that isn't being addressed in the mainstream media.  And though he calls pharmaceutical drugs a killer, he understands that it's the doctors who prescribe them who are the culprits.  Check out Dr. Schulze's blog post called, "When Drugs Backfire Causing Gunfire" here.

The Tales of Two Vets

THE TALES OF DR. BECKER

Does your pet "reverse sneeze?"  What is reverse sneezing and what does it look like?  Is it dangerous?  When should I be concerned?  Should I get my pet immediate medical attention? 
Find out in this video by Dr. Karen Becker.  More videos on other pet topics can be found here.

Be sure to watch the three pillars of health for your pet by Dr. Becker and find holistic tips and information you won't from your conventional veterinarian (because they're not trained in it).

Dr. Becker is a proactive and integrative wellness veterinarian and is affiliated with www.mercola.com which is a great source for accurate information.

__________________________________________________________________________________

THE TALES OF DR. GREG

Dr. Greg Martinez says:

"My veterinary medical education was slanted towards diagnosis and treatment and not nutrition and prevention. That’s the way vets are trained."

Also, find out what "holiday dangers" you need to look for to avoid a trip to the ER this season. 

On Dr. Greg's website, you'll find, Dr. Greg's Dish Diet.  Dr. Greg also believes (and has written a book about it) that what you feed your pet can keep you away from the vet!  Check out his website for a more holistic approach to caring for you pet. 

Sugar exposed!

In this 60 Minutes video, Dr. Gupta explores a not-so-popular truth.  This truth is unpopular not because it's unknown.  It's unpopular because there's a lot at stake if this truth gets out and is believed by the mainstream.  But what is so encouraging is that there are some medical doctors out there who are truly more interested in helping their patients get well than they are afraid of the repercussions.  They are seeing the truth for what it is and are not afraid to say so. 

Sugar as a toxin is the topic of discussion in the video Is Sugar Toxic?  It's important to understand that while some natural, unrefined and unprocessed sweeteners are the best choice, they are still sweeteners and should be used in moderation if not eliminated from the diet especially for those who have cancer and other diseases. 

Just eight years ago when I first was introduced to what seemed like a whole new world of health/wellness/disease, it was difficult to find an MD who would even entertain the idea of going outside of their scope of education.  I see things are changing for the better in this respect.

Watch the video .  Then think about evaluating your daily intake of sugar and look for ways to at least  reduce it.  Every little bit will help.

Coconut Banana Chai Shake: Great shake that is Vegan, Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free but best of all Delicious!

I was at Whole Foods in Plymouth Meeting, PA yesterday and the cashier, who was very sweet (and I wish I asked for her name!) told me about a website she loves for healthy recipes called, ChocolateCoveredKatie.  So I wrote down the website to look it up when I got home.  

When I arrived home from my foodshopping excursion with not a bit of traffic on the eve of Thanksgiving Day at rush hour (and very thankful for it), I decided to look up ChocolateCoveredKatie's website and browse through her recipes.  I found this delicious and easy recipe for a great shake to wake up to on Thanksgiving morning, or any morning. 

With a few tweaks, here's my version of ChocolateCoveredKatie's Coconut Chai Shake that I made this morning for my husband and me.  This shake was DELICIOUS and very filling even according to my husband whose palate is a bit more discriminating than mine. 

For those who don't like banana, you can't even taste it.  This recipe is Vegan and Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free!

Coconut Banana Chai Shakes

Recipe adapted from Coconut Chai Shakes by ChocolateCoveredKatie.com
Makes 2 servings

• 1 can full-fat organic coconut milk or the meat and juice of one Thai coconut
• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 frozen organic bananas, cut in chunks
• 1 tbsp Indian chai masala or make the following mixture of organic spices.  Add 1 ¼ tsp of this mixture:  2 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp ginger, ½ tsp cloves, ½ tsp cardamom and a dash of pepper which is optional.
• Sweetener, organic and/or raw is best (doesn’t need it but if you like it sweeter then add 2-3 tsp agave, honey or other sweetener to taste.)
• A sprinkle of cinnamon for the top

Blend all of your ingredients together in a blender.  Pour into 2 glasses and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

For ice cream, chill mixture and then make according to an ice cream maker or freeze the mixture and re-blend in a Vita-Mix.  Mmmmmmmm!

Doctored - A documentary you don't want to miss

"Doctored" is a movie documentary that will make you think.  Medical doctors and surgeons as well as Chiropractors and Naturopaths speak about the many myths we've been conditioned to accept and believe.

Doctored is available to watch for FREE on Mercola.com for a limited time (Dr. Mercola is in the movie).  It's truly for those who seek the truth no matter how difficult it is to hear.   This is for all eyes but especially for those who are in or who are going into the healthcare and disease care fields.  Please take the time to watch this movie for you own benefit and the benefit of your family. 

Here's the trailer to preview.

Does Acid Reflux keep coming up?

While away recently in Dayton, PA visiting our cousins, a friend of my cousin told us about a natural remedy for acid reflux that works for her and others she knows.  I can't say if this remedy works because I don't have acid reflux.  So anyone who try this, I'd love to hear your comments and results so please post them.  Here's the recipe - I recommend using raw honey and organic ingredients:

1 quart filtered water
1/2 cup raw honey
1 organic lemon, cut up in chunks
2 inches of fresh organic ginger root, unpeeled

Directions:  Boil all ingredients together for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Using a strainer, transfer mixture to glass jar and refrigerate.  Drink 1/2 to 3/4 cup each day.  This can be taken on a full or empty stomach any time of day or night.

Whole Food Supplements

Did you know that not all supplements are created equal?  Many people aren't aware that most of the supplements on store shelves are synthetic.  They are isolated nutrients created in a laboratory.  These types of supplements do not assimilate well, if at all in the body.  What does this mean?  It means that if you're taking a synthetic multi-vitamin supplement, you may be wasting your money and literally flushing it right down the toilet. 

To put this is simple terms, synthetic nutrients, unlike whole food nutrients are not recognized in the body so your body doesn't know what to do with them.   When you take a whole food supplement it's like eating food and if your body knows how to assimilate a carrot, then it will know how to assimilate a whole food supplement.

Another great thing about whole food supplements is that because it's actually made from food you don't have to take them with a meal.  You can take it at any time with or without a meal. 

Lately I've been hearing and reading that MegaFood supplements are highly effective premium supplements.  But I don't need anyone to tell me this since I see the benefits for myself.   

I take MegaFoods Women Over 40 One Daily and my husband takes MegaFoods Men Over 40 One Daily. They also have them in children's form.  I notice a tremendous different in my nails, my hair and my energy level.  

MegaFoods supplements can be quite pricey which may be prohitbitive for many people.  So search online to find the best bargain.  Here are a few online sources that I have found to have good price. 
Click on the links below for current pricing:

VNF Nutrition
Amazon

Here's to your health!

The Kitchen Cousins

My cousin, Debbie and I, a/k/a the Kitchen Cousins, may be together again as the Kitchen Cousins at Dayton Elementary School in Dayton, PA, if my husband and I can make the 6 hour trip, that is.  Of course any chance we have to go to Dayton is something we don't like to miss out on.  

I posted some info about the upcoming craft show and what I'll be selling at my table if we go. 

So stop by our Kitchen Cousins blog to find out more.

The Herb Doc, Dr. Richard Schulze on CONSTIPATION

This Dr. Schulze video is a MUST SEE 

It's a re-run from 2004 (once on his blog click the box that says, Dr. Schulze CLASSIC VIDEOS In the Pharmacy 2004, a blog post from 8/29/2012).

In the video, Dr. Schulze talks about his Intestinal Formula #1 while he gives an easy to understand description about how our bowels work and the importance of having regular bowel movements EVERY DAY, not once or twice a week or once a month.

I CAN ATTEST TO ITS EFFECTIVENESS

I've been taking Intestinal Formula #1 for a number of years now.  After I did the first bowel cleanse with Instestinal Formula #1 and Intestinal Formula #2, I lost about five (5) pounds!  I feel so much better and lighter since I've been using Intestinal Formula #1.  There is noting else like it.  I've tried almost everything.

After back surgery 19 years ago I was left with very sluggish bowels for some reason.  This constipation problem was unbeknownst to me as a problem.  I didn't know I was constipated because I thought if I didn't have the urge to go then I wasn't constipated.  And my doctor told me that eliminating once or twice a week for me was normal since that had been my pattern.

So my bowel problem turned into breast cancer.  After all the research I've done I've been able to conclude that this is true.  I was on many medications over the years for Hypothyroidism and because of my back, not to mention I wasn't feeding my body properly.  The waste was not being eliminted and the poisons were being asborsed into my body.  It had to go somewhere.

DISEASE BEGINS IN THE COLON

If you're experiencing sluggish bowels, not eliminating at least TWICE a day please don't turn to laxatives.  Our bowels can become dependent on laxatives and cause a worse problem.  And you're only covering up the symptoms and not addressing the problem.

Intestinal Formula #1 consists of a blend of herbs that promotes peristalsis (the motion of the bowel that causes the waste to be eliminated).  This helps strengthen the muscles so that eventually your bowels will work on their own as long as you're also eating a healthy and proper diet.

Constipation is a symptom,

not the underlying problem.

Intestinal Formula #1 comes in various quantities and in two strengths, Regular and Max.  Instestinal Formula #1 is used in conjunction with Intestinal Formula #2 as a complete bowel cleanse.  Think of it as a Fall cleaning!

To clean bowels!

Lisa

Cantelope Recall - CDC advises not to eat cantelope from Chamberlain Farms

On August 22, 2012, the FDA announced a recall of cantelopes by Chamberlain Farms Produce, Inc., Owensville Indiana.


If you have cantelope at your house, be sure check its origin.  The CDC advises not to eat any cantelope from Chamberlain Farms and to throw it away (or take it back to the store and get your money back).      On August 22, 2012, Chamberlain Farms announced they believe their cantelope is the source of a miltistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infection.  The CDC has reported this outbreak and advises not to eat your cantelope.

The following states have been affected.  The number next to each state indicates the amount of people who have fallen ill, they believe, from the affected cantelope:  Alabama (13), Arkansas (3), California (2), Georgia (3), Illinois (21), Indiana (18), Iowa (7), Kentucky (56), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (6), Minnesota (4), Mississippi (5), Missouri (12), New Jersey (2), North Carolina (3), Ohio (4), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (3), Tennessee (6), Texas (2), and Wisconsin (4).

So far and prayerfully no more, out of the 178 ill people, 62 two of them have been hospitalized. In Kentucky there were two deaths reported.

It's always best to play it safe so use gloves when removing the cantelope and clean up any areas which it may have touched, especially in the fridge, on the counter top and even in your sink.

Another great time at the Media Farmer's Market

Yesterday was a great day at the Media Farmers Market (State Street in Media, PA right next to the Media Theatre).

My Penn State Extension - Food & Wellness table attracted all ages.  The color wheel was a huge hit with the kids even after I informed them (not very seriously) that in order to spin the wheel they had to answer a fruit and/or vegetable question. They were up for the challenge and surprised my husand and me of how knowledgable they were about fruits and veges!  It was a fun time for all!

Thanks to my husband, Rich, who was with me and helped out, Leah, my counterpart at the Penn State Extension and to Elizabeth MacGuire who stopped by to show her support.  Elizabeth is the author of Collingdale Borough (Images of America) which will be released on November 19, 2012 and can be pre-purchased on Amazon.  I'm looking forward to getting it. 

It was so nice to see some faces I recognized from my last visit there and it was a lot of fun getting to meet new people.  Those who stopped by for Sweet Zucchini Pie and Sunflower Seed Brittle samples (recipes below) were not disappointed.  All the recipe cards were gone by the time I left.  And there was only one young girl who didn't like the Sunflower Seed Brittle but Joe Fazik, the Media Farmers Market manager, was especially fond it so that made up for it!

I also displayed at my table an array of healthy information via flyers and brochues.  The jars of whole grains, dry beans, and legumes were there to add a balance to the fruits and vegetables.  The basket with food products were there to help consumers identify what may sound healthy at a glance due to their marketing techniques may not be (it's important to read the labels).  The farm and food toys I had displayed were also a big hit with the kids.  An adorable 2 year old didn't want to leave the Fisher Price barn!  

I 'm very much looking forward to my next visit at the Media Farmer's Market on Thursday, September 27th and hopefully will be there in October also.  Hope to see you there!  'Til then you have to try these recipes! 

Sweet Zucchini Pie

Ingredients:
5 cups diced zucchini – substitute apples for an Apple Pie
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp white whole wheat flour
1 ½ -2 teas ground cinnamon
¼ teas ground nutmeg, optional
Two unbaked 9 inch crusts (one for top and one for the bottom)

Directions:
• Combine the first five ingredients and spoon into the bottom of the unbaked pie shell.
• Cover with top crust and cut a few slits in the top so it can breathe while baking.
• Bake at 400° for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375°; bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is browned and zucchini is tender. Cover crust edges with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed.
• Cool completely before cutting.
_________________________________

Zucchini Crumb Pie

Ingredients:
5 cups diced zucchini – substitute apples for an Apple Pie
½ cup sugar
2 Tbsp white whole wheat flour
1 ½ -2 teas ground cinnamon
¼ teas ground nutmeg, optional
One unbaked 9 inch pie crust

Crumb Topping:
1/2-2/3 cup white whole wheat flour
1/4-1/2 cup sugar, depending on taste
1/4 cup butter

Directions:
• Combine the first five ingredients and spoon into pie the unbaked pie shell.
• To make the topping, combine sugar and flour; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over pie.
• Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is browned and zucchini is tender or until mixture bubbles. Cover crust edges with foil during the last 15 minutes if needed. Cool completely before cutting.

Yield: 8 servings.

Variation: Use cupcake or mini muffin pans to make individual pies or mini pies. Press crust dough into muffin papers, fill with zucchini mixture and top with crumb topping. Bake at 350 for approx. 20-25 minutes for cupcake size and 15-20 minutes for mini’s. Remove from oven and pan; allow to cool.
_________________________________
Homemade Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds

Ingredients:
2 cups raw shelled sunflower seeds
3 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (or use a combination)
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:
1. Heat honey/nectar on the stove just until it melts/softens a bit. This should only take a minute or less.
2. Remove from stove and add the oil and salt. Mix well.
3. Add the sunflower seeds, mix very well.
4. Lay the sunflower seeds out as flat as possible on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake a 350 for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until it starts to change color, but before it starts burning.
6. Once finished cooking, remove from the cookie sheet and allow cool. When they're completely cooled they will harden; break them apart.
7. Store in an airtight jar until you finish eating them.

Note: To make them with a granulated sweetener instead of honey or other sweeteners, mix 3 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 1.5 tablespoons oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and bring them to a boil on the stove top until the syrup becomes golden. Mix with sunflower seeds, then continue from step 3. These will be lighter in color than ones made with honey.

You can make these also with peanuts instead of sunflower seeds. Use raw, shelled peanuts and make exactly the same way. You just need to roast it for a little longer.

Herbal Water, a delicious discovery

HERBAL WATER

I recently made a delicious discovery while my husband and I enjoyed an appetizer at the Desert Rose, a new Mediterranean restaurant on State Street in Media (where the Selene co-op used to be).  The discovery?  A wonderfully, refreshing drink called Herbal Water.

My first to last sip of Herbal Water at the Desert Rose was so delicious that I wanted to find out where I could buy it.  My next trip to Giant Food Store ended my search.  They carry 4 out of the 5 flavors and I love them all!  Now I am able to enjoy my favorite water any time and I am thrilled to be able to offer it to my family and guests when they stop over.  It's a great alternative to sugary drinks, and parents can be confident that their children are actually being hydrated with Herbal Water.  This is especially necessary and important during the warm/hot weather even for all of us.

Ayala Laufer-Cahana M.D., the creator of Herbal Water lives locally.  She believes in and sees the benefits of eating an organic, whole food, nutrient rich diet - music to my ears!  It's so refreshing to see a medical doctor promote a healthy diet.  These are all reasons to support Dr. Ayala.

Besides her role as the creator of Herbal Water, Dr. Ayala is also a mother, a pediatrician and an artist.  Her blog is filled with helpful and important information, recipes and tips. 

Herbal Water can be purchased in participating restaurants, stores (find a store) and online.  Online purchases can be shipped anywhere within the US. 

Dr. Ayala's contact information is below:

Ayala Laufer-Cahana M.D.
V.P. of Product Development
Herbal Water, Inc.
(O) 610-668-4000
308 E. Lancaster Ave. Suite 110
Wynnewood, PA 19096

email: ayala@herbalwater.com
website: http://www.herbalwater.com/
blog: http://www.herbalwater.typepad.com/
follow me on twitter- www.twitter.com/DrAyala

Here's to tasty hydration!

Help your car have a long healthy life

A word from my husband, Rich Small at

Robin Ford
about the health of your car!

______________________________________________________________

Hi Folks,

 

It’s that time of year again that you may be traveling more than usual so be sure to get your car (or truck) checked out by our service department (we’re open on Saturdays) before leaving on a trip. Routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations etc.) goes a long way in helping your car have a long healthy life.

As someone near and dear to me says: 

It’s the small things that make a difference!

See you on the road or stop in to see me for a new or used car or truck!

Rich Small
Robin Ford Sales
100 N. MacDade Boulevard
Glenolden, Pa. 19036
610.915.6031
richsmall@rcn.com

A natural solution to toxic turmoil

Most cleaning products you'll find on your supermarket shelves contain toxic ingredients and chemicals which are harmful not only to you, but also to your babies, children and your pets.

I've always been under the impression that Pine-Sol, now owned by Clorox, was one of the most natural commercial cleaners.  But after doing a little bit of research I've come to the conclusion that over the years as the formula has changed, so has its toxicity level.

On the Pine-Sol safety web page I noticed a contradiction.  On one hand they say that Pine-Sol is safe to use around pets and in pet areas.  On the other hand they say it's highly toxic if ingested and they say not to use Pine-Sol to wash dishes because "it is not approved by the EPA to be used on food-contact surfaces."  Here's an example of the problem this poses using pets as an example but substitute "baby" for pet if you have a baby crawling around on your floors.

If the Pine-Sol warning label states, "Avoid contact with food" yet it states it's safe to use in pet areas (but not as a shampoo for pets) then what would happen if you've just mopped your floor and your pet walks on the wet floor and then begins to groom him/herself?  Or a similar scenario would be if you've just cleaned your floor with Pine-Sol and your pet is eating.  The pet drops the food on the floor and licks it up along with the freshly applied Pine-Sol.

You may find these scenarios insignificant and they could be if this only happens once in a pet's lifetime, depending on how much cleaner they ingest.  But if they continually ingest harmful chemicals, over time you may have a problem, or I should say, your pet may develop a problem.

The good news is to every problem there is a solution!  Using cleaners that are safe for everyone including our environment (soil, water and air) will be a big step towards clean living, and though being clean on the outside is important it's more important to be clean on the inside because what is inside spills over on the outside.  But that's for another post.

First, I recommend making an investment of Liquid Sunshine concentrate from the Vermont Soap Company.  Vermont Soap carries all natural, organic and chemical-free products.  You can purchase Liquid Sunshine as a concentrate or already diluted in a variety of sizes.  My husband and I purchase the 5-gallon drum and make our own cleaning solutions from that.  The 5-gallon drum lasts us at least 1-1/2 years and if I didn't give out samples, it would last even longer.

Take a look around the Vermont Soap Company website.  Here's a quick order form for easy ordering.  Purchasing the concentrate will save you $$$$ and when your spray bottle is empty, just whip up another solution.  Liquid Sunshine cleans everything under the sun!

I'm also including some other natural cleaning ideas and recipes I use.  These will also save you money.

Cleaning Recipes and Ideas

All Purpose Cleaner:  In a clean spray bottle add 3-3/4 water and 1/4 cup of Liquid Sunshine.  My recipe includes 7-10 drops of Rosemary and Thyme essential oils each.  Ten drops of Tea Tree oil instead of Rosemary and Thyme oils can substituted.

Windows:  In a clean spray bottle add 1/4 cup vinegar, 1/2 teas. Liquid Sunshine or liquid soap and 2 cups water.  Shake well before using.

Scouring:  Instead of commercial cleansers, buy a large bag of baking soda* (BJ's has the large bags) and keep a jar of it upstairs and downstairs.

To use, first wet the surface.  Using a cloth with a some Liquid Sunshine or soap, scrub the surface, then rinse.  This works on pots and pans, too.  For burnt pans, sprinkle some baking soda in the pan and add hot water.  Let soak overnight and scrub.

*Tip:  To brighten your clothes and remove odors, add 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda to your laundry (add it with your laundry detergent to the water before adding clothes).

For Disinfecting:  Disinfect after you have cleaned your surface.  Here are two ways to disinfect without harsh chemicals. 

•  Lemon Juice:  Squeeze a lemon or lemon juice concentrate on a clean surface and wipe.   If you're a skeptic, here's scientific proof of the effectiveness of lemon juice as a disinfectant.
• Vinegar and Peroxide**:  In one clean spray bottle add straight vinegar and in a second clean spray bottle add 3% hydrogen peroxide (can be found in most grocery and drug stores).  Spray one on the surface you're disinfecting and then spray the other (it doesn't matter which you spray first).  Wipe and rinse.  This method can also be used on fresh produce to disinfect it before eating.  Not convinced? Click here.  
  
  **NOTE:  DO NOT MIX vinegar and hydrogen peroxide together in one spray bottle.

If you have any recipes not listed or you've tried the ideas and recipes above, please comment.  Thanks! 

~ Lisa

Dining with Jesus

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

~ Revelation 3:20

Jesus is waiting for you to dine with Him.  He will give you food that's out of this world!  

Open your ears and hear Him knocking.  Open the door and dine with Him.  His food nourishes your mind and soul.  It truly satisfies and heals!

Click here to enter my article entitled: Dinner table intimacy with Jesus doesn't require a 'to do' list.

Do you know what you and your family are eating?

My mom was very anxious to tell me about the topic of conversation yesterday on The Doctors. The show was about, “What’s Really In Your Food?“

Do you know what’s in your food? Watch the short video excerpts from The Doctors on pink slime and from an earlier episode about chlorine. Has pink slime and chlorine been unwanted guests at your table?  What about school-age children?  What's on their school menu?

How about cloned meat and milk from cloned animals? Remember that?  Are you consuming cloned animal foods and do you know what risks are associated with food from cloned animals?  Do scientists know what the risks are?  Do you think it’s important to know?

Click on the links above and make sure you’re not eating while watching! 

Bon appetit!

The Medical Doctors Were Wrong

Watch this inspiring video of a man who was told by medical doctors that he would never walk unassisted again.  For fifteen years, he believed them.  It's amazing what God can do and that Man will not give Him the glory.

This story hit home with me for two reasons.

Degenerative Disc Disease
I was told by my doctors in 1994 that by the time I was around 60 I'd be in confined to a wheel chair due to degenerative disc disease.  I was basically left to rot away, with no hope of recovery.  That was my prognosis.

But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore.  Not since my husband talked me into going to a chiropractor over 10 years ago.  I had prayed for healing and believed that God COULD and WOULD do it and He did it!

My family and I very highly recommend Dr. Ron Feinberg.  He has helped us, and me especially, to be able to live a more normal life.  I've been to four or five chiropractors before Dr. Ron and he's truly the BEST!  He is my primary care doctor.  Oh and chiropractic healed my allergies, too!

Dr. Ron is currently taking new patients and can be reached at 

(610) 461-5222

He has offices in Sharon Hill and in Broomall, PA.  Tell him I sent you and maybe, just maybe he'll be nice to you!  LOL

Hyperthyroidism
After my husband found me asleep in the middle of our living room floor, in my apron I might add, on December 24th 1994 (we were having a big Christmas dinner the next day and I was cooking), he insisted that I go to the doctor and get checked out.  So I did and I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism.

My doctor prescribed Synthroid and told me that I would be on medication for the rest of my life.  He said to expect the dosage to be increased with age because eventually my thyroid would get weaker and weaker.  But after my cancer diagnosis in 2004 which prompted wellness and nutrition research and experimentation, I came across information about healing the thyroid.  I read that coconut oil increases metabolism and also heals the thyroid, among many many other things.  So I bought Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil, unrefined and undeodarized and I took two tablespoons a day.

In September 2005, after drastically changing my diet, after realizing that in order for me to get well I had to really trust God and after being on the coconut oil regimen for a while, I realized that I had forgotten to take the Synthroid for three days.  It occurred to me that I must have forgotten because I had no symptoms!  Even while on the Synthroid I still had symptoms of fatigue, hoarseness, being cold all the time, brittle hair and nails.  So I decided to see how long I could go without having symptoms and without taking the Synthroid (don't try this yourself at home).

Two months later I called my doctor to schedule a blood test, which was typical.  I had to get my blood levels tested every six months anyway.  He said in order for the test to be accurate I would have to be off of Synthroid for six weeks to get it out of my system.  I told him I had not taken it for two months. So I had the blood work done.  When my doctor called me with the results he said I was within normal range but that he wanted me to have it checked again in six weeks to be sure.  This was not typical.  Any other time when my levels were not within normal range he never advised me to come in again for a test. I never went back.  It has been six and half years since I have not had symptoms or taken Synthroid!

To the One true God who saves us and heals us!

~ Lisa

Is The Total Transformation For The Child Or The Parent?

My husband was surfing the TV channels one day and came across a program on dog training.  The dog trainer, he said, was an older woman who resembled Mrs. Doubtfire. 

Each dog was accompanied by their owner and they were all assembled in a semi-circle.  It was the hope of each dog owner that the dog trainer would  teach their dog some "new tricks."  But what the owners didn't know was that the class was actually for them!  And the instructor even said as much!  As I recall, here's what my husband said the trainer advised the owners, in her British accent (if you can imagine it), "First of all, I want to let you know, the problem is not your dogs, it's you!"  

Wow!  I can imagine how those those dog owners felt.  They probably thought, "What is she talking about?  My dog doesn't listen to anything I say!"  Sound familiar?

It started as a baby, then it continued as a toddler, it got worse approaching the school age years and didn't stop after third grade.  It escalated at ten and now at fifteen it's full blown.  How did this happen???

We all know that children will test the limits and go past the boundaries at times but what about the child who goes through a stage that they don't grow out of?

A child's behavior develops early on.  If parents are not equipped with the right tools how can they pass on the right tools to their children?  Many parents have been to their wits end and back because their children will not listen and worse.  Their willful misconduct, lack of respect, or to the extreme, violence and abuse are just intolerable. 

Many parents will make excuses for their children with or without taking any responsibility themselves while others blame the child and dismiss any chance that they've had any part in their child's negative behavior.  So, which is it?  Are you the problem like the dog owners above or is your child?  Find out in this article from The Total Transformation's E-Newsletter, Empowering Parents.  The article is called, Defiant Child Behavior:  Is Your Child's Bad Behavior Escalating?

It's always most important to remember that a real and healthy relationship with God will be evidenced by how you live your life.  So keep in mind, your children will learn more from what you do and less from what you say.  But sometimes God sends help through others.  James Lehman's program, The Total Transformation gives practical tips and help so that you can have a better relationship with your child.  I would say that's a good thing.

Get James Lehmans' program, The Total Transformation for FREE when you provide them with your feedback about the program.  You pay up front and then are reimbursed in full (minus shipping and handling fees) once you send them your feedback.  Click here to lean more. 

This program is not for parents with children who behave well for the most part. This is for those who need help and nothing they're doing is effective.  Therefore, if you read the reviews keep an open mind.  I've listened to five of these CD's and I would say this program has some great advice.  It's great for parents of young children as well as teenagers and can be used as prevention.

Message me if you have any questions or thoughts.  Till then...

~ Lisa  

Meet Dolly, our Dairy Queen

We don't regularly feed our cats table food and most of our cats, though they may beg, aren't the least bit interested after they give it the smell test.  Dolly, on the other hand, does have her favorites and though we don't allow her to indulge too much, once in a while we allow her to eat some pizza (including the dough part) and dairy, anything dairy.  Some of our other cats actually do like to lap up an occassional (small) bowl of milk.

All of the dairy, except for yogurt and a few types of cheeses (Asiago, Feta and Mozzarella) in our refrigerator is straight from the cow's utter, that is, raw and unpasteurized.  Unpastuerized milk/dairy is much better tolerated in cats as well as in humans than the pasteurized versions.  In fact, I have found, without a doubt, that I can enjoy dairy in its most natural state but once it's been pasteurized I'm in trouble; you probably know what I mean...the lactose intolerance problem?

This morning as I was eating breakfast (yogurt, a banana and some almonds) I noticed that our gray tabby, Dolly was sitting beside me.  This is pretty unusual since she has made it perfectly clear that I'm on her black list.  Dolly has nicknames like Mrs. Small and the Dairy Queen and this morning Mrs. Small was doubling as the Dairy Queen!  I suspect it had something to do with the yogurt I was eating.  With her nose in the air I decided to share it with her but first, I got the camera ready.  

Watch and listen carefully as Dolly enjoys her morning yogurt!

Yum, yum!