The Nature In Us

Laminins Are God's Cellular Glue

2009-11-08T07:15:00.002-05:00

Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural basis of membranes in almost every animal tissue. Laminins are what literally hold us together. God created us in a fashion where HE would hold us together in HIS design.

This video shows you how awesome God really is! He physically made you with The Cross inside. Watch this and pass it on to all those who are discouraged and doubting that God can carry them through this ordeal, trouble or trial. He made us so that HE could hold us together through it all. It's amazing and incredible!

Creation Care and Conservation

2009-11-08T05:59:00.002-05:00

Resources for General Information and Inspiration

http://www.sustainlane.com/creation-care

This addition to the SustainLane website is a growing source of articles, reviews, green job postings, and other helpful resources related to creation care.

http://www.creationcare.org

An evangelical environmental network that seeks to educate, inspire, and mobilize Christians to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.

http://www.coejl.org

A coalition concerned with environmental problems and Jewish life issues.

http://www.aecunity.net

The Arizona Ecumenical Conference sponsors a Caring for Creation Conference each year, with the goal of inspiring and mobilizing Christian communities to build a just and sustainable future for all God’s creation.

http://www.nccecojustice.org

National Council of Churches of Christ Eco-Justice Programs. Believing that God calls us to be stewards of his creation, this organization seeks to make churches more environmentally friendly and helps to protect God’s creation for current and future generations.

http://www.treehugger.com

This site contains guides and tips for “going green” in all aspects of life such as home, community, work, school, etc.

http://www.natureconservancy.com (also conserveonline.org)

An online resource for the global conservation community to find and share innovations and lessons learned for the practice of conservation.

http://www.environment.about.com

Check out updates and blogs on current environmental issues and newsworthy political actions or events related to the environmental protection movement.

http://www.cesc.montreat.edu

A Christian environmental Web site to educate people about the appropriate biblical response to the disregard of God’s creation.

http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk

Christian Ecology Link, a multidenominational UK Christian organization for people concerned about the environment.

http://www.nacce.org

Network Alliance of Congregations Caring for the Earth is an ecumenical, voluntary, tax-exempt organization whose purpose is to encourage Christians in the work of healing the damaged earth, out of a common concern and love for God’s creation.

http://www.earthministry.org

The Web site of Earth Ministry. This organization was formed to inspire and mobilize the Christian community to play a leadership role in building a just and sustainable future for all of God’s creation.

http://www.arocha.org

A Christian conservation organization whose projects are cross cultural in character and share a community emphasis, with a focus on science and research, practical conservation, and environmental education.

http://www.env-steward.com

Minnesota Episcopal Environmental Stewardship Commission (MEESC). This is a forum for environmental spirituality with a focus on worship, discussion, and various environmental projects.

http://www.targetearth.org

The Web site of Target Earth, a national movement of Christians reflecting a commitment to stewardship of creation. It addresses ecosystem degradation and provides service to the poor in fifteen countries.

http://www.theregenerationproject.org

The Regeneration Project is an interfaith ministry devoted to deepening the connection between ecology and faith. Projects include the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.

http://www.letstendthegarden.org
Boise Vineyard Church believes that environmental stewardship is a biblical mandate and a commission from God. The Christian life is one of action and stewardship that leaves the world a better place.

http://www.action.sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Action Center contains listings and links to environmental news and tips for reducing the human footprint and protecting the flora and fauna of the earth.

http://www.wecansolveit.org
Part of the Climate Project, a Web site dedicated to educating people about environmental issues, solving the global warming climate crisis, and repowering America with clean electricity within ten years.

http://www.careofcreation.org/home
Care of Creation, a Christian environmental organization seeking to awaken and mobilize the church to care for God’s creation in the face of environmental crises that are devastating vast areas of the world and hurting our brothers and sisters.

http://www.thedailygreen.com
Tips and news related to the green revolution.

http://www.nwf.org
The Web site of the National Wildlife Federation, an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife from global warming, climate change, and abuses by humans.

http://www.christiansandclimate.org
The Evangelical Climate Initiative is a campaign to advance sound and moral climate change policy, motivated by the values and principles derived from faith in Jesus Christ and the conviction that we are called to protect God’s creation. The site contains educational materials and calls to action for public officials and evangelical leaders.

http://www.ausable.org
The Au Sable Institute of Environmental studies is a Christian institute integrating the knowledge of creation with biblical principles for the purpose of bringing the Christian community and the general public to a better understanding of the Creator and stewardship of God’s creation.

http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/ejp
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Environmental Justice Program calls Catholics to a deeper respect for and care of God’s creation.

http://www.unep.org
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN’s leading environmental organization and cosponsor of the IPCC.

http://www.worldwatch.org
Worldwatch Institute is an independent research organization focused on the twenty first century challenges of climate change, resource degradation, population growth, and poverty. Priority programs include building a low-carbon energy system, creating a healthy future for agriculture, and developing a sustainable global economy.

http://www.ucsusa.org
The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment. They combine independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

http://www.grist.org
Grist is an online source of daily environmental news and analysis.

http://www.environment.nationalgeographic.com
Information on a wide variety of environmental topics.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/preserveourplanet
National Geographic’s Web site with resources for preserving planet Earth.

http://www.nrpe.org
The National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE) was founded in 1993 to weave the mission of care for God’s creation across all areas of organized religion. Their faith-based environmental programs reflect spiritual and biblical teachings.

http://www.covchurch.org
The Evangelical Covenant Church wrote the “Resolution on Creation Care” in 2007 expressing urgency for improving and changing how we practice “creation care” for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the oceans we fish, and the land we cultivate.

http://www.nrdc.org/media
This Web site contains all the Natural Resources Defense Council’s latest press releases, as well as links to blogs and other Web sites about going green.

http://www.riverwired.com
This Web site is full of “green” resources including the latest environmental news, money savers and products, and transportation issues.

http://www.theecoseekers.com
On this Web site you can order the book The Land of Curiosities, which is a fictional eco-adventure of a family exploring Yellowstone Park who learn to protect each other and the environment. Curriculum for this first book and upcoming books in the series are also available for teachers.

Source: BlessedEarth.org Blessed Earth is an educational nonprofit that inspires and equips faith communities to become better stewards of the earth. Through outreach to churches, campuses and media we build bridges that promote measurable environmental change and meaningful spiritual growth.

This website is sponsored by The Herbs Place, distributor of Nature's Sunshine herbs, supplements, essential oils and more at wholesale prices.

CareCredit for Pets - No Interest Payment Plans

2009-11-08T02:06:00.000-05:00

While I was at the Emergency Vet for our kitty, Squeek, I noticed a brochure on CareCredit. It appears it's a credit card you can use for your pets needs, with no interest payment plans. I scanned the brochure and have scanned the website. Seems too good to be true. If you find any "gotchas" leave a comment below.

Here's some info from their website:

He's your best pal. Your loyal cuddling partner. Your faithful companion. You don't even mind those early morning walks. He needs regular checkups, just like the rest of us. He gets sick, too.

CareCredit is here to help keep him healthy with the card designed specifically for you and your pet's health needs. Whether it's an everyday checkup, or an emergency surgery, we offer you convenient monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees so you can worry about the important stuff. You know, like playing fetch and learning new tricks. Read more.

Prayer Day for Persecuted Church

2009-11-05T09:22:00.000-05:00

The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church is a time set apart for us to remember thousands of our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who suffer persecution, simply because they confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

In the traditional church calendar, "All Saints Day" and "All Souls Day" stand out in the month of November, set apart to remember the saints of the church and the souls of those who departed this world. It is fitting that the modern church has set apart the month of November to remember and pray for the persecuted church, through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).

There are many countries in the world today where Christians are martyred for their faith. The world watched in horror the unbridled violence that was unleashed on Christians in Orissa state, India last year. There are other places in the world, such as North Korea, where acts of persecution take place, but we often don’t see or hear the full story. Brother Andrew of Open Doors once said, “Our heroes are not with us simply because they are in prison." Visit the website.

Caring and Sharing

2009-11-05T07:53:00.003-05:00

by Donna L. Watkins

It's my morning delight to watch the wildlife around the feeder area. It reminds me we all wake up to God's provision and if we tune in we will find it every time. Right now, there's a sweet young bunny hopping around the grass knowing there's often food in the area. He's right, his breakfast is right behind him because an hour ago I put out some veggie and fruit scraps. He should be relying on his senses to direct him.

© 2009 Cottontail Rabbit Eating Our Fruit and Veggie Scraps
I do the same thing as Mr. Bunny. I know God provides, so I hop around looking here and there rather than tuning into the Spirit. If we follow the aroma of God's love for us, seeking His face for direction, it will take us a lot less time to be fed. Beginning my day with some Bread of Life keeps me from soul starvation. Each day is filled with challenges and I need to have God's promises in my gut to get through them.

The wildlife scraps include watermelon chunks today, one of my favorite fruits. I used to eat watermelon into the green rind, but now, since I slice the rind in pieces for the wildlife when I'm finished eating, I leave a little portion of red for the critters. Today's wildlife salad bar also has carrot ends and peelings, along with apple cores and a few pieces of oatmeal spilled on the counter. Garbage to most people, provision for wildlife.

The rabbits will prefer carrots and apples, leaving the watermelon today for the deer that will soon arrive. Character qualities are as evident in wildlife as they are in humans. There are some that seem to consider that "somebody else" may need a bite to eat. Our bunnies are like that. Then there are the squirrels, who charge into the day determined to get all they can eat and 'squirrel' the rest away for later. They expend more energy fighting for eating rights than they seem to get from the food.

Isn't it easy to run to and fro grabbing all we can to be sure we have enough, even though we've never defined the boundary lines of what is enough. We can squirrel away things and forget we even have them, so we buy them again. Squirrels don't have good memories either. They don't remember where they bury nuts, but they can smell a nut under a foot of snow.

I used to be more like the squirrel than the rabbit. Wasting food is a common practice, but my Pennsylvania Dutch upbringing must've left some remnants of frugality in me, so our family made a choice to not throw away food, thinking of the many that were dying of starvation as a good motivation. One may say, "well you can't send your food to ______, so what's the difference?"

Oh, but you can send your leftovers to nations in famine, to families who live in poverty, to children who are doomed to die of starvation (one every six minutes) ... not by literally sending them your food, but by changing our lifestyle to not have leftovers. Then we will have that money to contribute to the mouths of the starving. It's a grand motivation for put limits on the grocery budget, get rid of junk food in the house, and to eat at home more. Another benefit may be the loss of some extra pounds.

Watching the gentle rabbit, peacefully eating, with big brown eyes and a white cottony tail, reminds me that our choices make a difference in the world, for better or worse. Changing myself to make it possible to change the lives of others has made my life more sweet. I've not lost anything in the process ... I've only gained earthly joy and heavenly rewards ... surely that's the true nature in us.

Related Articles:
Altering Your Intake
What Owns Your Heart?

Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Why Care About Creation?

2009-11-05T06:12:00.000-05:00

Caring for the Earth is a fundamental part of religious faith. Nearly every major faith tradition and Christian denomination has a statement about the need to respect, enjoy, and protect God’s gift of the world around us.

Underlying these statements are a set of core values that speak to the heart of religious morals and ethics: spirituality, stewardship, sustainability, and justice.

Spirituality
Creation itself inspires us and calls us to care. Many people have had their most profound spiritual experience in nature. As we behold the power and love of God in a mountain range, a sunset, or in the timelessness of the ocean, we can’t help but be moved.

But creation also includes humans – our families, communities, and created landscapes. God created all things of Heaven and Earth and God is our inspiration to care for both wild places and our own cities and backyards. Read the entire article on stewardship and sustainability.

Swine Flu in Pets

2009-11-05T03:04:00.000-05:00

Dealing with swine flu is heartbreaking enough and now it's obvious that even our pets are not immune:

The swine flu virus has been confirmed in a cat treated at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Officials said [today] it's the first known case of the virus to be diagnosed in a cat. Veterinarians say the virus has also been confirmed in two ferrets, one in Oregon and the other in Nebraska.
The 13-year-old cat was treated in Ames, Iowa, and is recovering.

The veterinarian who treated the cat, Dr. Brett Sponseller, says two of the three people in the same house had flu-like symptoms before the cat became ill. The case was confirmed at both Iowa State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Sponseller says the flu is known to spread from humans to pets, but this is the first case of swine flu to spread to a cat.

Source: Yahoo News.

Keep Pets Calm While Traveling

2009-11-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

Traveling can be hard on the family dog or cat. You can help ease your furry friend’s distress with these natural herbal remedies from The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care and Natural Remedies for Dogs and Cats, both by C.J. Puotinen.

He cites chamomile, valerian and scullcap for relief of animal anxieties related to travel or new situations. Combining equal parts valerian, scullcap and chamomile tinctures. Use an eyedropper to place three drops of this blend per 10 pounds of body weight into each ear. Tilt the animal’s head to the opposite side, hold the ear closed and gently massage the ear to distribute the tincture.

Ginger can be used to prevent nausea and motion sickness. Find a tincture especially formulated for pets, or make one by filling a pint jar with coarsely chopped fresh ginger root. Fill the jar to the top with vegetable glycerin, available in natural products stores, then let it sit in a warm room for six weeks or longer. Puotinen notes that glycerin has a sweet taste that is palatable to many dogs and cats. Administer orally.

Flower essences are soothing and take the edge off of travel jitters. Puotinen recommends dill for hypersensitivity to the environment; walnut to ease transitions; and Rescue Remedy (see BachFlower.com/Pets.htm) to alleviate fear. Administer them orally or massage into the animal’s ear.

Traveling with a calm animal makes long-distance trips easier. Herbs offer a gentle, effective alternative to traditional drugs when traveling with our favorite four-footed friends. Then we will feel more relaxed, too.

Source: Natural Awakening Magazine
Issue: December 2008

Editor's Note: We used Ginger with our cat when she had an extended bout with vomiting. The drug had a side-effect of loss of appetite and she had gone too long without food, so we switched to the Ginger and it did a wonderful job. I just "brewed" a capsule in water and administered by droppers or put a sprinkle of it in her food that I was force feeding her. It's a great digestive herb also.

Doctors Say They Won't Take Vaccine

2009-11-02T11:40:00.001-05:00

Last week Dr. Mercola shared two videos on his site. One from CNN. Another from FOX Chicago. Both interviewing Dr. Mehmet Oz of the The Dr. Oz Show. In both videos Dr. Oz recommends people get the H1N1 vaccine. Then he “winks,”admitting neither his wife nor his four children will be getting the controversial injection.

Dr. Oz acknowledges the risks of paralysis and death (as seen in the 1976 swine flu campaign) but still recommends children and pregnant women get the vaccine.

He also relates how he believes his children already contracted the virus last spring and recovered at home. Yet he stresses that your kids should be immunized.

Most people are aware of the growing evidence demonstrating that vaccines not only make people more susceptible to contracting the swine flu virus – they also increase your risk of suffering severe side effects. Read the entire article.

Another doctor in this news video, Dr. Kent Holtorf, an expert of infectious diseases, says he will not take the vaccine or give it to his children, relating risks for autism and warnings for those with CFS and FM, along with risks for pregnant women.

Lessons From The Fern and Bamboo

2009-11-01T07:30:00.003-05:00

One day I decided to quit ... I quit my job, my relationship, my Spirituality ... I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. "God," I said, "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me ... "Look around," He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes," I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo."

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me, "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots? I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come, " God said to me. "You will rise high!"

"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story.

I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you ........

Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you Happiness.
Bad moments give you Experiences.
Both are essential to life.
Keep going...

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing,
But only God keeps you Going!

Have a great day ... the Son is shining!

If you know someone having a rough time ... share this with them.

Game Teaches Gardening and Good Bugs

2009-11-01T05:44:00.000-05:00

Granted, I'm not a game player, but this one sounds very cool for teaching children and adults more about gardening and good bugs.

Info from BugFarm.com about it:

Bugfarm is a DVD-Rom simulation game that teaches children 7+ about gardening and the insect world. Players plant and maintain a virtual garden, choosing crops from acorn squash to zucchini. Pest insects move in as the plants grow, and soon there's a battle being waged over the vegetables. The Spined Soldier Bug is the hero, protecting the garden from the bad bugs.

In the game, you'll play two roles...

As the farmer/gardener, you select crops for your vegetable garden and maintain your plants with water, nutrition and pest control. As the garden grows, you'll see the effects of pest damage and will have the choice to combat it with organic methods, or use pesticides as a last resort.
Protect it from enemies

Your other role is that of the Spined Soldier Bug, a beneficial insect. You'll crawl, climb and fly almost anywhere within a three-dimensional garden. Like a real bug, you'll hunt your enemies down wherever they are... and rack up points in the process!

Your other role is that of the Spined Soldier Bug, a beneficial insect. You'll crawl, climb and fly almost anywhere within a three-dimensional garden. Like a real bug, you'll hunt your enemies down wherever they are... and rack up points in the process!

Read more about it and view a demo on their website.

Local Is In - Careful of Deception

2009-11-01T03:50:00.000-05:00

Local food, local goods, local everything is in, as you’ve no doubt heard. Local is fresher. Local burns less shipping fuel. Local keeps the wealth nearby.

Naturally, there’s money to be made off local, so big businesses are muscling into the game. The emerging term is localwashing—a variation on greenwashing wherein businesses claim to be local when actually ... you get it.

“The ingenuity of the food manufacturers and marketers never ceases to amaze me,” said author Michael Pollan, who’s done more to articulate the need for local in the food realm than maybe anyone else. “They can turn any critique into a new way to sell food. You’ve got to hand it to them.” Look at some prime examples of that ingenuity/absurdity/deception..

Getting Back Up

2009-10-28T08:28:00.000-04:00

by Donna L. Watkins

If you haven't heard of Irwin Rosenberg, here's his inspiring story from The Word For You Today:

© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - Male Bullfrog on Rock in Our Pond
"As a junior officer he was discharged from the Navy when he was diagnosed with cancer. That was the standard military procedure at the time. But he was determined to get back both his health and his job. At one point he was given only two weeks to live. But through faith and dogged determination his cancer was eventually brought under control.

Irwin then focused his attention on becoming a naval officer again, but he discovered that Navy regulations forbade reinstatement of a person discharged with cancer.

Everyone around him said, "Give up. It can't be done. It would take an Act of Congress to get you reinstated." Their advice gave him an idea - he'd pursue an Act of Congress.

After years of waiting, petitioning, cutting through red tape and battling bureaucracy, President Truman eventually signed into law a special bill that allowed Irwin Rosenberg to reenlist in the Navy - and go on to become a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Seventh Fleet!"

It sounds like Irwin knew what his calling in life was all about. You have to know what your purpose is to be so determined and full of faith enough to bring it about with God's guidance. Determination is a great character quality, but after awhile if that's your only weapon against tragedy and failure, it will become rusty and not work as well as it used to.

There was a time when I thought determination was all I needed. Yes, I wanted God's guidance and blessing on my plans ... but I didn't focus on what He wanted. I have a brain full of great ideas, but most of them have never been God ideas. Not long ago, I had an idea and got instantly excited and dove right into working it through. As I stumbled over some rocks (that should've made me pause to look up), I kept on going with determination in high gear. Then as the road turned to continual rocks, I already knew in my spirit that I had not asked if this was a project I was to do.

We will continue to make mistakes until we reach Heaven. That's not reason enough to condemn yourself. It's part of life and God uses it all for good in our lives if we focus on loving Him in it. When we condemn ourselves we are condemning God for allowing it to happen. We're human and He knows that. So, say, "Oops!" and repent and move on with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to remind you in a louder voice next time. I know it's not the Holy Spirit that's lacking, it's that my brain doesn't take time to tune in when it's off and running with one of my great ideas.

So, first get the go-ahead from God, then gather up all the determination you have and go for it! Get back up or get started. There's no promises that you won't stumble over some rocks ... but God will make a way for you if you're on His mission and not your own.

What mission are you in the middle of right now? If it's been a continual struggle, you might check in with the Commander to make sure you've been assigned to this duty.

Related Articles:
What Is Your Purpose or Calling?
Marked For A Purpose

Hearing God's Voice
The book that is having a monumental impact on my life and way of living is one called, How To Hear God's Voice by Mark and Patti Virkler. The clear and detailed content with loads of Scriptural backup, along with the interactive process of applying what you are learning, is yielding a lot of spiritual fruit in my life and the life of my husband, the counselor, who is now promoting the book to everyone he knows. Your view of the present, past and future will never be the same when you begin to commune with God as He always intended us to do since He walked with man in the Garden of Eden. For those who yearn for a deeper relationship with the Father, this book will take you there if you read and apply it. The author promises that and I do too!

Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

People and Pet Virtual Memorials

2009-10-28T06:26:00.000-04:00

A virtual memorial is an online memorial website that celebrates the personal life story of a departed loved one, human or pet. It offers a way to honor a loved one in a way that can be shared with anybody online. I believe the process of creating one would be very healing.

Virtual Memorials was founded in 1996 and hosts thousands of online memorial websites. Memorials are created either as public to share with the world or made private. For private tributes, you must be invited by the memorial creator to visit and given a password.

Honoring memorials can include the following occasions:

Birthdays
Anniversaries
Infants
Children
Teenagers
Heros

Visit Virtual Memorials website to find free memorials or sponsored ones with a fee. They have also launched a site, Critters.com for pet memorials.

Top 10 Uses for Vinegar

2009-10-28T03:10:00.000-04:00

Still not convinced that vinegar is a must-have in every home? Check out this list.

1 - Cleaning drains: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar; the mixture will foam as it cleans and deodorizes. Use every few weeks to keep drains clean.

2 - Mildew on plastic shower curtains: Put the shower curtain in the washing machine with light-colored towels; add 1 cup white vinegar to the detergent and wash.

3 - Soap scum on shower: Spray on vinegar, scrub and rinse.

4 - Toilet hard-water rings: Shut off water at the tank and flush to remove as much water as possible. Spray vinegar on the ring, sprinkle in borax and scrub with drywall sandpaper.

Read rest of article: Top 10 Uses for Vinegar at DIYnetwork.com.

Royalty Going Green Around The World

2009-10-25T03:43:00.000-04:00

From the House of Windsor in Britain to the Alawi dynasty in Morocco, members of royal families around the globe aren't just playing polo and lolling on the French Rivera--some are using their famous names and hereditary wealth to do good for the environment.

Yes, royals have massive (and multiple) homes, jet around the world, and generally live lavish lifestyles with carbon footprints to match, but their high global profiles mean when they power their castles with renewable energy, grow organic vegetable gardens, or champion environmental causes, people take note.

Get your best bow or curtsy ready, you're about to meet eight princes, princesses, and queens from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East who know that 'green' is more than just a color on a flag or family crest. Read the entire article.

Keeping Peace in Your Household

2009-10-25T02:12:00.001-04:00

The devil loves to stir up strife in a family. Nobody can get to us more than those who are closest to us and this gives way for many misunderstandings and arguments. A peaceful household is hard to find. Maybe Smith Wigglesworth's thoughts can encourage us to create a more peaceful place that we call home.

Being a Peacemaker
From the Smith Wigglesworth Devotional

"Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" - Ephesians 4:3

Of all the things God intends for us to be, He intends for us to be peacemakers. I won't find a Scripture to help me make this point any better than Matthew 5:23-24:

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Most Christians are satisfied with the first meaning of this passage, but the second meaning is deeper. Most people believe it is perfectly right, if you have offended another, to go to that person and say, "Please forgive me," and you win your brother when you take that part.

But this is the deeper sense: "If you ... remember that your brother has something against you," go and forgive him his transgressions. It is so much deeper than getting your own side right, to go and get his side right by forgiving him of all that he has done.

That will be a stepping stone to very rich grace in the area of keeping "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Someone may say, "I cannot forgive them because she did that and he said that. You know, he didn't recognize me at all. And he hasn't smiled at me for at least six months." Poor thing! May God help you through evil report and good report (2 Cor. 6:4,8). God can take us right through if we get to the right side of grace.

Friends, when you get to the place of forgiving your brother who has something against you, you will find that that is the greatest ideal of going on to perfection, and the Lord will help us "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." The "bond of peace" is an inward bond between you and another child of God. Oh, glory to God!

God wants us to have a pure love, a love that always helps someone else at its own expense.

Check out Smith Wigglesworth Books. My favorite is the devotional so I can have a little piece of Smithy every morning.

Is The Bible Confusing?

2009-10-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

by Donna L. Watkins

Some people don't read the Bible because they say it's confusing and contradicts itself. Poor excuse, but there are many excuses for those who don't want to study God's Word and get to truly know the Creator of this universe and the only True and Living God of this world.

The Bible offers contrasts, just as God offers us free will to make choices in our lives. Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything. Life has many seasons. We have to seek our Maker to know what we are to do in each season, each year, month and day of our lives. If you buy a new swing set or an electronic build-it package, you read the manual written by the creator of these things so you know how to put it all together and how to use it.

We need to know how to put it all together in our lives and how to use them for our own good and the good of others. The Bible and spending time with God teaches us how to use our minds and bodies while we're here on this earth. To live successfully, you don't need another self-improvement series, you need the Creator's manual.

We need to soak in God's presence daily. On some days, I need that shower of love and grace several times throughout the day. Like any good friend we've cultivated, God is always there for us. We can enter into His presence and wash away the concerns, fears and worries in seconds. You might say that you don't feel like God is there for you, which contradicts what the Bible says .... so I must ask. Have you been spending time with God daily, like you would a good friend who would always be there for you?

We have to cultivate friendships ... even with God. If we don't know what it feels like to be with God, we won't know He's there when we need Him. Consider John 15:13-15:

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father."

Do we know what Jesus made known to His friends? Have we eaten the bread of life from His Word, chewed on it and memorized it so we know our Friend intimately? Do we lay down our lives and agendas desiring only to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)?

The principle of the harvest isn't just for agricultural pursuits. All of life operates on the principle of sowing and reaping. We go to school to sow knowledge into our minds (reading, writing, etc.) so we can prepare to provide for ourselves, family and others.

We sow in time with God, so we can provide for the times when we need to feel His close abiding presence. If we have not made Him our Friend, it will seem that He is distant and not there for us. Consider a prophecy shared by Mark Virkler:

"My children, fear not your weaknesses. Be not discouraged by them. Are they mightier than I? Are they greater than the living God? NO! They are not! No! They are simply to be consumed by MY Power. Even as you are consumed in MY Presence, so are your weaknesses consumed by MY Power. MY Power and MY Presence are one. Therefore when you are consumed by your weakness, you are not consumed in MY Presence. Conversely, when you are consumed in MY Presence, MY Power has consumed you, and your weaknesses are no more. So come, My Children, unto Me, and you shall be healed."

God is the greatest Friend any one can have. Spend time walking and talking with Jesus and understanding who He is. It's easy to judge somebody when you don't know them. If you don't know Christ intimately, it's easy to say "the Bible is confusing." But it's the only manual for life we have that works ... so making the choice to consume it is a wise one.

Hearing God's Voice
The book that is having a monumental impact on my life and way of living is one called, How To Hear God's Voice by Mark and Patti Virkler. The clear and detailed content with loads of Scriptural backup, along with the interactive process of applying what you are learning, is yielding a lot of spiritual fruit in my life and the life of my husband, the counselor, who is now promoting the book to everyone he knows. Your view of the present, past and future will never be the same when you begin to commune with God as He always intended us to do since He walked with man in the Garden of Eden. For those who yearn for a deeper relationship with the Father, this book will take you there if you read and apply it. The author promises that and I do too!

Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Save Energy, Score Cash

2009-10-22T04:05:00.000-04:00

Sure, everyone knows that saving energy saves money by lowering utility bills. Well, now you can get paid for saving energy at home by registering at MyEmissionsExchange.com. This free website pays registered users for lowering their monthly utility bills.

After you sign up, you can earn rewards by showing that you’ve reduced your electric, natural gas, propane or fuel oil bill from the same month a year ago.

You must prove 12 months of bill history before you start earning rewards; most utility bills display a year’s worth of billing history. All you have to do is input a recent utility bill. As you reduce your energy use, you gain “personal carbon credits,” verified by MyEmissionsExchange.com. Read the entire article.

Getting and Training a Deaf Dog

2009-10-22T03:38:00.000-04:00

I decided to write a post that would do just that - raise awareness about deaf dogs. I also wanted to help answer some questions that people who are considering adopting and training a deaf dog might ask. In order to do this, I needed to seek the help of someone much more knowledgeable about the subject, so I recruited Seattle Dog Trainer Stormi King for an interview.

Stormi had originally gotten in touch with me when she heard I was photographing for the Deaf Dog photo book. When she said she had a deaf American Pit Bull Terrier named Jack who had his Canine Good Citizen certificate, his United Kennel Club Companion Dog obedience title, and was titled as a therapy dog, I knew I had to photograph Jack for the book!

Read the interview with Stormi.

Recycling Tennis Balls

2009-10-19T04:10:00.003-04:00

Do you know that this year over 557 million tennis balls will be manufactured globally. And do you know what happens to these tennis balls when you are finished with them? Not much!

The majority end up being dumped in landfills. To date very little recycling of tennis balls has been done, but now you can discover the many ways you can recycle tennis balls and help your environment.

If you love tennis then find out how you can recycle your tennis balls easily and efficiently. Visit RecyleTennisBalls.com.

Better than recycling ... a company is now recharging them so they can be reused. Visit Rebounces.com

Free Creation Videos

2009-10-19T04:10:00.001-04:00

Creation Moments has funding to develop eight (8) videos that can be downloaded for free and used in your church service or in small groups.

Three (3) of them are complete and my favorite is The Gecko since I fell in love with my Gecko Angel in Costa Rica. A Central American Smooth Gecko welcomed me to my room the first evening I checked into my cabina at La Selva Biological Station. After hearing the story of the "potato-sized hissing cockroach" that two girls found in their cabin one evening, I named him my Gecko Angel. He remained around my cabin for the entire 19 days I was there and I had no problem with bugs.

After viewing the video on The Gecko, I'm more amazed at how God made him. Download the free videos here.

Spiritual Health Promotes Physical Health

2009-10-19T01:03:00.000-04:00

From Creation Moments

Most Christians realize that going to church, and worshiping in earnest, keeps them spiritually healthier. Now, a new study by Duke University researchers backs up an earlier study that people who attend church at least once a week do have better health and live longer lives.

Researchers interviewed almost 4,000 people between the ages of 64 and 101 each year for seven years. They asked about general health, their social activities and alcohol and tobacco use. During the seven year period, weekly church goers were 28 percent less likely to die than those who were not regular worshipers or did not worship at all.

The head of the study cautioned that the study does not show that those going to church for health reasons will get better. Rather, he said that it shows that those who attend worship for religious reasons have better health and live longer.

An earlier study in California tracked over 5,000 people ages 21 through 65 over 28 years producing similar results. Other studies have shown that regular church goers tend to have lower blood pressure, less depression and stronger immune systems than those who don't worship regularly.

We should stress that attending church simply to gain better health is not a conclusion of these studies. These studies were concerned with finding possible correlations between attitude and general health. The results indicate a relationship between spiritual health and physical health. Visit Creation Moments.

Copyright and Reprint Information
The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com.
The link URL is: http://www.TheNatureInUs.com

Silver Shield For Pets

2009-10-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Colloidal silver has become a popular alternative treatment for many of pet owners health concerns for their animals. The immune system support spectrum that Silver Shield provides surpasses anything on the market. With all the research, testing and long-term uses documented, Silver Shield has been proven to be safe and effective for everyone, including children, the elderly and pets.

The Silver Sol technology is a patented process that provides great antimicrobial effective at even lower concentrations of use. It's non-toxic and safe because of the size and useability of its silver particles. This is one item with many uses that you can have in your natural medicine chest for your family and pets.

Uses for Pets

• Make a spray bottle of it with water (8 oz. water to 1/2 t. Silver Shield) to spray pet's coat, rubbing down into the skin. Can also be used on bedding to disinfect.

• Add to the drinking bowl for daily immune support and fresher breath.

• A drop in each eye or several drops in each ear will help with eye or ear infections.

• Use on wounds, cuts and skin issues. It's soothing and dries quickly, reducing inflammation and aiding in quicker healing time.

Read about more uses that can be adapted for pets.
Learn about How Silver Shield Works. Purchase Silver Shield at wholesale prices. Read more about Silver Shield.

GMO Dandelions Replacing Rubber Trees

2009-10-16T03:33:00.000-04:00

Pop off most dandelion heads and, just for a second, white sap oozes freely from the wound. Pop the head off a new genetically engineered dandelion, however, and white sap oozes for minutes, allowing scientists to gather five times more latex than from the average dandelion.

The research could lead to a variety of new or cheaper products, including new car tires or even new pharmaceutical drugs.
'We have identified the enzyme responsible for the rapid polymerization and have switched it off,' explained Dirk Prufer, a scientist at Fraunhofer Institute in Munich, Germany, who is developing the technology.

'If the plants were to be cultivated on a large scale, every hectare would produce 500 to 1000 kilograms (1100 to 2200 pounds) of latex per growing season.'

For thousands of years, most of the world's rubber has come from tropical rubber trees. A diagonal cut in the trunk allows the white latex to drip into hanging cans, which can then be harvested and eventually turned into a variety of different materials.

Natural rubber contains trace amounts of biological impurities, however. For car tire makers, those impurities give vulcanized rubber a give and elasticity they can't get anywhere else. For some hospital workers, however, those same impurities can trigger life-threatening allergic reactions. Read entire article: Tech Helps Dandelions Ooze