The Nature In Us

Healing and Prevention of Disease

2010-02-08T06:30:00.001-05:00

Heart disease takes the lives of more Americans than any other disease. Luke 21:26 tells us in the last days, men's hearts will fail them because of fear.

In the April 2, 2001 issue of Time Magazine, there is an article listing over 4,000 different types of fear, including 'fear of man, fear of sermons, fear of mother-in-laws, fear of physicians, fear of drugs, fear of Satan, fear of being buried alive, fear of dying, fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of darkness, fear of flying, etc...'

The Bible says in Hebrews 13:6, Fear not what man can do unto you, but put your trust in the Lord... Read the entire article.

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Wilderness: Where We Meet Our Ancestors

2010-02-08T01:58:00.000-05:00

One thing that’s very clear from the current PBS series on our national parks is that the generations before us had a love for our wild places and had the good sense to preserve many of them. What’s also clear is that access to the wilderness is also access to significant aspects of physical and spiritual health.

The contemplation of the natural world and its relationship to the spiritual has historically taken place in wilderness settings. A significant aspect of wilderness is that it is one of the few places where we can connect emotionally and spiritually through shared values with those who have gone before: where we can relearn the lessons our ancestors learned. Read the entire article

Alternative Energy Resources

2010-02-08T01:14:00.006-05:00

This information is provided by BlessedEarth.org. The organizations and websites are not necessarily endorsed by us since we've not viewed every single resource here.

http://www.epri.com
Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a nonprofit organization that conducts research on technology, operations, and the environment for the global electric power sector.

http://www.eia.doe.gov
Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Department of Energy.

http://www.nrel.gov
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. The Web site includes a page of information about renewable energy as well as current research.

http://www.aceee.org
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit group promoting energy efficiency.

http://www.ases.org
Web site of the American Solar Energy Society, an organization advancing solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable technology initiatives in the United States.

http://www.awea.org
American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), a trade association representing wind power industries, utilities, and consultants.

http://www.eere.energy.gov
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the U.S. Department of Energy program with tips on making homes more energy efficient as well as providing information on new energy technologies.

http://www.energystar.gov
Energy Star Program provides information on energy-saving appliances, including online calculators and model guides. Produced by EPA and DOE.

http://www.findsolar.com
FindSolar.com, an online directory of solar energy system installers.

http://www.iclei.org
ICLEI, Local Governments for Sustainability, is an international association of local governments committed to sustainable development.

http://www.ises.org
International Solar Energy Society (ISES) supports and promotes solar technology and education worldwide.

http://www.green.ca.gov
Green California is the stateâ€™s Web site focusing on California's energy- and emission reduction initiatives.

http://www.cleanenergy.org
Web site of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, a nonpartisan organization promoting responsible energy use in the Southeast United States.

http://www.enocean.com
Wireless and battery-less radio sensors that use a tenth of the energy of standard radio controllers.

http://www.dsireusa.org
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy and information on federal tax credits.

http://www.energyfederation.org
Online energy-efficiency store.

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.

Targeted Weight Loss

2010-02-04T06:01:00.002-05:00

Safe, natural dietary supplements can help you achieve results by boosting metabolism, blocking some dietary carbohydrates from being digested, increasing your body’s ability to burn fat and helping you expend more calories.

Dieter's Cleanse helps the body remove toxins and waste from the colon, which can affect nutrient absorption and weight loss. The best way to start a weight-loss program!

MetaboMax® Plus - a new twist on an old favorite

MetaboMax Plus is formulated with ingredients that help increase thermogenesis and metabolic fat burn as part of a program that includes healthy diet and exercise.

Key ingredients capsicum and green tea extract help to decrease body fat. Bitter orange fruit, yerba mate and guarana stimulate metabolism with synephrine and natural caffeine. Ginger is added for its metabolic-boosting effect, and chickweed has been an integral component of our Fat Grabbers® formula for decades. Guggulipid herb contains guggulsterones, which help maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range and decrease circulatory fat deposits. Guggulsterones may also help reduce fat stores due to their thyroid stimulating activity.

This effective blend:
• May help boost calorie expenditure
• Helps promote fat burning (lipolysis)
• Increases metabolism (thermogenesis)
• Boosts energy levels
• Provides antioxidants (EGCG from green tea)
• May have beneficial effects on already normal-range cholesterol levels
• Helps with the uptake of amino acids into muscle (synephrine)

Note: Yerba mate and guarana provide natural sources of caffeine (20 mg per capsule).

MetaboMax Free - weight-loss support without the caffeine

This formula was developed in tandem with MetaboMax Plus for those who desire a weight management boost without caffeine. MetaboMax Free contains capsicum, green tea extract, bitter orange fruit, ginger, chickweed and guggulipid.

MetaboStart® Plus - five different ways to help manage weight

MetaboStart Plus was formulated to boost metabolism, reduce fat stores and help feed lean muscle, an important part of weight management.

Each box contains 14 days’ worth of supplements designed to:
• increase thermogenesis/fat burning
• decrease fat deposits
• boost metabolism and energy
• help prevent calories from starchy foods from reaching the bloodstream
• help build lean muscle mass
• help prevent the digestion of some dietary fat and cholesterol

MetaboStart Plus is composed of 7-Keto™, Fat Grabbers, Carbo Grabbers®, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and MetaboMax Plus. These product formulas are conveniently packaged for life on the go.

• 7-Keto can help increase the body’s resting metabolic rate. It also stimulates increased production of T3, a thyroid hormone essential to metabolism.

• Fat Grabbers traps some fat molecules and dietary cholesterol, eliminating them through the intestinal system.

• Carbo Grabbers partially blocks the digestion of dietary starches, reducing the amount of carbs that are converted to calories. It also contains chromium to help maintain blood sugar levels.

• CLA helps sustain lean muscle mass and enhance fat burning. It may help support cholesterol levels.

• MetaboMax Plus helps increase thermogenesis and metabolic fat burning.

Carbo Grabbers® with Chromium - now with extra help for blood sugar sensitivity

Carbo Grabbers contains an amylase inhibitor derived from northern white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), which naturally and safely interferes with the digestion of starchy carbohydrates.

This interference means undigested starches can be carried through the intestinal tract where the body can eliminate them, helping to reduce the calories available to your body. This makes avoiding carbohydrates—a common practice among some dieters—a thing of the past!

Now we’ve added 18 mcg of patented, food-bound chromium per serving. The trace mineral chromium helps transport glucose from the blood into the cells. The liver also uses chromium to manufacture important nutrients. Chromium may have a positive effect on blood fat levels. With the addition of chromium, Carbo Grabbers provides help in maintaining blood sugar levels.

Nutri-Burn® - two types of protein for lean muscle mass

Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue. Increasing lean muscle mass leads to increases in the resting metabolic rate, or the rate that your body burns fuel for energy. Nutri-Burn protein drink mix supplies pure whey and calcium caseinate protein for a powerful, muscle-building, meal replacement supplement.

Nutri-Burn:
• Promotes lean muscle mass and fat-burning.
• Provides 25 grams of protein per serving.
• Helps boost energy levels.
• Provides 60 percent or more of the Daily Value of 14 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Goes down easily with improved chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Key ingredients in Nutri-Burn include a protein matrix, CLA, fructo-oligosaccharides, l-carnitine, proteolytic plant enzyme blend and green tea extract. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals to support metabolism. The protein matrix and CLA enhance lean muscle mass while other ingredients help boost energy levels and increase lypolysis.

Nutri-Burn’s patented whey protein matrix undergoes extreme filtration to remove all impurities. The result is premium-quality, lactose-free whey protein. Additionally, Nutri-Burn contains plant enzymes that help break down protein.

Nutri-Burn contains an optimal blend of protein from whey and calcium caseinate. Whey protein provides essential amino acids and has the highest biological value of any protein supplement. It releases quickly into the body and is best for fast, efficient muscle building and repair. Ideally, you should consume whey protein within 45 minutes of exercise. Calcium caseinate protein offers a sustained release of amino acids and may help curb appetite for a longer period of time.

Nutri-Burn also contains one gram of prebiotic fiber (scFOS) per serving to help support gut health.

Nature's Cortisol Formula helps to support the adrenal glands and maintain cortisol levels. This product may help the body manage stress, which can affect metabolism.

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Build Your Own Dog House

2010-02-04T05:48:00.000-05:00

From Grit.com

My design for our new pal, Chase, incorporates a porch and extended “saltbox” roof attached to the basic doghouse design.

The basic house is simple to build, and if you want to add extras, as I did, you’ll see that the underlying structure is easy to adapt.

Design Basics
Size the house to fit the dog: It’s tempting to make a really roomy doghouse, but your dog won’t appreciate it. During cold months, your dog’s body heat keeps him or her warm. If the house is too big, the dog can’t generate enough heat to warm it. How big should a doghouse be? There’s no exact formula, but a good rule of thumb is to build it so your full-grown dog can walk in, turn around inside and stretch out completely.

Vent it well: In hot weather, good airflow will keep your dog from overheating. And in damp weather or cold weather, when the dog’s moist breath is steaming up the house, proper ventilation prevents mold from forming. Vents in the peaks of the roof will do the job as long as you leave the doorway open or just loosely cover it with a flap so there’s an adequate updraft.

Build it off the ground: This keeps the dog out of contact with damp soil. It also prevents the wood from rotting and extends the life of the doghouse.

Make it safe from the elements: Be sure water, wind and rain can’t enter. Generally, this means overhangs for doorways and vents, and tight seams everywhere.

Use dog-friendly materials: Anything that comes into contact with your pet must be safe for animals. That means you’ll make the floor, frame and walls from untreated softwood and plywood, rather than pressure-treated wood.

Customize to suit: Once the basics were covered, I looked at ways to improve on my previous design. First, I added a sheltered porch so our new dog could stay out of the sun and rain. I moved the doorway from the gable end to the porch side, for easy access. (I made the door pup-size for now. It can be enlarged later.) I also added insulation under the floor (to keep out cold in winter) and under the roof (to reduce heat in summer and retain it in winter). Finally, and this was a big improvement, I added a large clean-out door at the back of the house so I could easily tidy up inside. The result is a house with the flavor of a New England saltbox home. It’s based on the following basic design. Continue the article here.

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

Tatoos For Christians?

2010-02-04T01:09:00.001-05:00

Do Tattoos Have a Spiritual Meaning?
From Creation Moments

Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD."

The Old Testament explicitly forbids God's people from getting tattooed. It might be argued that believers in God have refused to get tattooed because they view the body as the Holy Spirit's temple. But research conducted in 1999 is beginning to suggest that there is more to the issue.

Dr. William Cardasis, a Michigan criminal psychiatrist, sees a possible link between criminal behavior and tattoos. In his study of 55 patients at a maximum security hospital, Dr. Cardasis found statistical links between sociopathic behavior and the tendency to wear tattoos. He found that patients with tattoos were much more likely to have no regard for the rights of others, behave impulsively and lie and steal with no remorse.

Another study of cadavers in New York City showed that the bodies of teen drug addicts had twice the number of tattoos compared to the general population.

One tattoo artist told the press that he refuses to tattoo the face, neck or hands. He pointed out that some people consider tattoos in these places to be "serial killer territory."

Dr. Cardasis adds that simply having a tattoo doesn't mean one is a criminal – that depends on what the tattoo means to the person wearing it.

Getting a tattoo is a permanent commitment to the symbol represented by the tattoo. Believers should have a permanent commitment only to Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for making my body the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

References: "What do tattoos say about the soul?" The Toronto Star, 12/26/99, p.J6.

Another Resource of Research (shared by a friend after reading this post):
The Dark Side of Tatoos

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

Newsletter - 2/1/10

2010-02-01T03:46:00.002-05:00

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Hello Friends!

This is the first of a new way for my 6600 newsletter subscribers to get their twice-monthly issue. The mailing list software I was using was "upgraded" and is now so complicated with code that the many hours spent trying to use it produced nothing.

My mandate is Simplify! I'm not one to wade through a bunch of issues on a program upgrade that is a downgrade for my use of it. I hope this method will be good for all involved. EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS, PLEASE add your comments below. I do care to know whether this works for you also. Thanks :-)

Randal and I have been on a spiritual journey since December 15. Before Randal left for the Liberia mission trip, God was saying, "Come apart" ... "Lean in." After praying about what that meant, we decided to dedicate 5 hours of our days to spiritual study to improve ourselves and to improve our marriage. We had a good marriage compared to many ... but we've never been ones for status quo. Gratefully we're both in agreement and willing to take the challenge of stepping to higher ground. Don't you know God loves to get deep down and drag out the stuff that needs to go.

Our first thoughts were that we couldn't do this because of our business. We're blessed with a great gal who handles the orders and phone, but many jobs still require Randal or me. This is called reasoning ... evaluating with finite minds how WE could make it work if we "lost" 5 hours a day. How silly. When God calls, He provides, and He's been doing a great job while we obey. But then time is not relative to God's abilities. We will continue until he tells us to change course.

May 2010 bring your dreams back to your heart and may you seek wisdom and understanding in all you do. It's ALL found in The Word of God. Don't rob yourself by not reading it daily.

Bunches of Blessings!
Donna

New Topics Posted Since Last Mailing

Nature in Wilmington, North Carolina

Burnout and Boundaries

Bamboozled by Bamboo Fabrics?

Winter's Garden Pondering

Destroying God's Art

Flint River Ranch Pet Food News

Magnetic Monarchs

River Detects Pollution in Real Time

Growing Things In Winter

Secrets of Resilient People

Earth Ministry How-To

Therapy Dogs and Hospital Superbugs

Topics From Last Issue

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Nature in Wilmington, North Carolina

2010-01-30T16:41:00.000-05:00

Last month Randal and I had a meeting in Wilmington, NC and decided to go a couple of days early to see the nature areas and the beach. We're not 'fun in the sun' folks so it's rare we get to a beach but there is something magical about them when the crowds are not present.

As we approached the sand a pelican flew only 10 feet above my head and that certainly set the mood! Later we saw him gliding along the waters looking for something to scoop up for lunch. What precision!

We stood there thinking realizing that the ocean we stood before went all the way to Africa where Randal had stood on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Liberia just weeks earlier. Incredible!

Isaiah 40:12 says that God "hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand." All that expanse of ocean could be held in God's hand. Now that's a BIG God. How can we doubt that He will take care of things for us?

View Wilmington, NC Photos.

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

Burnout and Boundaries

2010-01-29T17:29:00.002-05:00

This article has been posted before a couple of years ago ... but at this time of the year, I think it's quite appropriate to post it again.

Burnout and Boundaries

by Donna L. Watkins

We're a bit of the way into a new year now and we can evaluate whether or not our lives are matching up to what we thought about at the end of last year and the beginning of this one. I find that end of years is a time when I do a lot of pondering about what my previous year looked like.

© 2007 Donna L. Watkins - Roadrunner in CA Desert
What did I accomplish? Did I set my priorities correctly? Did I set boundaries on how I would use my time and finances? Did I enforce those boundaries on myself and others so that I could accomplish what I felt was my God-given assignment for that year?

If we don't put the important things in life first, they will never be included in our days run by "tyranny of the urgent." Do you ever complain about your busy schedule and how much there is to get done? Who made the schedule? Oh, I know! I've been there loading up my schedule because of all the things I "had to do" or my segment of the world would fall apart. I felt like my family required so much, but looking back I can take full credit for putting that pressure on myself. It all had to be done my way which, of course, was the "right" way. :-)

I remember somebody telling me that Martha Washington was dead for 200 years but Mount Vernon was still being cleaned and cared for. That visual image has stayed with me for many years.

Tony Campolo talks of a time when he was a child and had a close relationship with the guy who ran The Franklin Institute. He retained that friendship until the man died. He made it to his bedside after a stroke, telling him he came right from the airport because he had been speaking. The man replied, "You go all over the world to people, who 10 years from now won't remember your name, but you haven't time for those who really care about you."

Tony could've been offended, but he took those words to heart and changed his life. As always when we change our outlook on life, we attract others who have done the same. He had a friend who got a call from the White House asking him to consult with the President. His friend said no because he'd promised to be with his granddaughter. The nation survived and with this kind of grandfather, I'm sure that little girl learned a lot about doing what's truly important in life.

We are influenced by advertising and books that tell us we don't have any self-worth so we must spin ourselves trying to create it. Do you take time for what's important in life? Are you spending time with those who care about you? Maybe you don't believe anybody cares for you, so you run to and fro seeking acceptance and praise for what you accomplish. I can ask the question .... I've been there.

Most of my life was spent believing that it was what I got done that was all important ... and yet when I look back, I don't find that the ones I was performing for were even noticing. Oh yes, I got a few comments from "the crowd" about how much I got done and that my Super Woman cape was always without wrinkles.

If I had the choice to choose again, would I trade those hectic to-do-driven years for those few comments? Never! May I presume to guess that you won't either, so maybe you'd like to turn around before looking back is so far away.

Jesus never rushed about and he took plenty of time for rest and relaxation. He spent time with those most important to him and His mission on earth.

What is your mission? Jesus honored Mary who sat at his feet while Martha was caught up in the duties of the moment having to "do it all now." Do we get our timing and priorities mixed? I still struggle with it. I had too many years of doing it wrong. I now have to make sure my boundaries are secure.

We can resent the people who pressure us to do what they want, which feeds our silent anger and causes physical, emotional and spiritual problems. We are called to determine what is right in our own heart and to act on it. We need to take responsibility for our lives, learning to put first things first.

Don't expect everybody to understand, and don't do it with arrogance. If there are people who depend on you, work it out. Make a plan to bow out and work the plan. If you lose some friends, you'll know they had their own agenda. You are losing nothing and gaining all.

Don't let life slip by. Seek your heart on what you truly want your life to look like when you are 10 years down the road looking back. What do you want your children and grandchildren and spouse to remember? More important than that is this: What do you want to remember? Only you can make your life what you want it to be. I believe the reason some people age so much as they get older is the regrets they carry. We all have time to make it different. Each day is a gift.

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

Bamboozled by Bamboo Fabrics?

2010-01-29T17:29:00.001-05:00

FTC Consumer Alert

Looking to be a more environmentally conscious shopper? You’ve probably heard about bamboo. Bamboo stands out for its ability to grow quickly with little or no need for pesticides, and it is used in a variety of products, from flooring to furniture. But when it comes to soft bamboo textiles, like shirts or sheets, there’s a catch: they’re actually rayon.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, wants you to know that the soft “bamboo” fabrics on the market today are rayon. They are made using toxic chemicals in a process that releases pollutants into the air. Extracting bamboo fibers is expensive and time-consuming, and textiles made just from bamboo fiber don’t feel silky smooth.

There’s also no evidence that rayon made from bamboo retains the antimicrobial properties of the bamboo plant, as some sellers and manufacturers claim. Even when bamboo is the “plant source” used to create rayon, no traits of the original plant are left in the finished product.

Companies that claim a product is “bamboo” should have reliable evidence, like scientific tests and analyses, to show that it’s made of actual bamboo fiber.

August 2009

Related Article: Picking Apart Bamboo Couture.

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

Winter's Garden Pondering

2010-01-29T17:29:00.000-05:00

From The National Gardening Association

Let's make one thing perfectly clear: winter is not my favorite season. It's cold and there is ice and snow. Yet I find myself enjoying it for a variety of reasons. For one thing, it is the interlude when I'm not totally wracked with guilt for not working in the garden 24/7. (Already the plant and seed catalogs are luring me into thinking I can, once again, have and do it all.)

But from a more positive perspective, winter actually makes me more aware of plants, the landscape, and my environment. Read the entire article.

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

Destroying God's Art

2010-01-26T08:38:00.002-05:00

by Donna L. Watkins

When Benjamin was little, we had drawings and schoolwork papers all around the house - on the refrigerator, walls and doors. We made our greeting cards for each other and I still have some of those close at hand in my night stand beside the bed. Benjamin is now 30, but I treasure them even more now than I did when they were being given abundantly.

© 2009 Donna L. Watkins - Macro of Bull Thistle Flower
What causes us to decorate with such silliness? These drawings are obviously worthless in the realm of the art world. The ceramic mug that sits on my desk that our son made would not bring a dollar at an auction, and yet you couldn't buy it from me for a million dollars. Why do we value such things? Because we value the people who made them.

Romans 1:20 says, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." NIV

This passage of Scripture tells us that we see God's eternal power and divine nature in what He has made. Do we value that? Christians are known as the most heartless of peoples when it comes to preserving God's Creation. This turns an enormous amount of people away from The Church because it's unfathomable to them that these people who call themselves children of God place no value on the things that He created for us all so that we might know Him. That we might enter into a realm of knowing the invisible qualities of God, 'His eternal power and divine nature' which is clearly seen in what He has made.

Edward Brown, in Our Father's World, says this: "The biggest reason for caring for God's Creation has nothing to do with the extent or the severity of the crisis, the number of people affected, or even the ultimate future of the human race. It has to do with one simple fact: I know the God who made it all. And I love Him. If I can place a high price on things that have little or no objective value simply because they were made by one of my children, how much more ought I to value and care for this amazing world God made - this world that is precious because He made it, and that represents an excellence and beauty far beyond anything that any of us could begin to comprehend, let alone make on our own."

Colossians 1:15-16 says, "He [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him." NIV

The person of the Trinity that created it all was Jesus. By Him all things were created. He is the sustainer of Creation, the power that holds it all together. Scientists have studied electrons and atoms and DNA, forever trying to figure out how things are held together, especially when you consider the entire universe. We who have accepted Him as our Savior have a covenant relationship with Him. This relationship should be much deeper than any other relationship we will have on this earth. How can I not have a passionate love for all He has made to show me who He is and to be able to know Him better through it? Should we care so little about it being destroyed?

God didn't make the world for you or me. His Word says He made it for Himself, but He put us in charge of it. We were commanded to steward it. But why are we to steward this earth? Most Christians say that the earth will burn up anyway, so why care? Edward Brown says, "This is hardly a serious point of view, and usually evaporates with a simple analogy. I will sometimes pretend to hand such a person a pack of cigarettes and ask them, quite seriously, why they don't smoke. 'Your body is just going to die anyway - and rot in the grave. So why not?' We know we have to care for our bodies, as temporary as they are, and almost everybody understands immediately that the same logic applies to caring for creation."

The Enemy delights in knowing God's children are not caring for His Creation, just as he is delighted when we abuse our bodies with drugs, junk foods and bad thinking. What would happen to the poor if we got involved with social justice and stopped the chemical dumping. Environmental issues are not just for the earth, they are all about the poor who suffer most from the destruction. Mobilization of a church takes no resources that aren't already established. Activities and programs in place can include this aspect of relationship with God.

When our mindset is on the world around us, we will spend less on ourselves because we will feel connected to each other and God. That will give us more to contribute to the causes our hearts want to give to. Because we are so disconnected from the way God intended us to live, we spend our money on ourselves continually trying to fill those empty spots that nothing but God can fill. We don't have to live in poverty to be able to give the lost and dying. My point is that we don't have to live with the enormous burdens of debt that accumulates from a superficial lifestyle.

Mary Ellen Edmunds says it well: “We buy things we don’t need, with money we don’t have, to impress people we don’t like.”

Where do you go when you want to retreat with God? To one of the beautiful places in His Creation. Those places are becoming more and more polluted and many of them have been totally eliminated. When we preserve those "green spaces" and begin to reforest and replace them, we are creating temples to meet and deepen our relationship with our Father as we visit with the Master Artist surrounded by His handiwork.

No church ever lost money conserving energy. Families who recycle take notice of how much "stuff" they go through and begin thinking "less is more." When we reconnect to The Garden, we find that we don't need the gadgets to keep our minds numb, the excess food to nurture our souls, or the busyness that destroys family time. We can come back to not only a walk in The Garden with God, but into a more peaceful inner and outer lifestyle. Will you ponder these words and share your thoughts in the comments area with others? Will you be a steward of what God has created for Himself?

Related Articles:
How God holds everything together: Laminins Are God's Cellular Glue

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

The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use either of them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2010 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com. The link to use is: www.TheNatureInUs.com.

Flint River Ranch Pet Food News

2010-01-26T01:02:00.001-05:00

Flint River Ranch Pet Foods will be releasing their newest formula in the first quarter of the new year, plus they have many other changes coming up in the dietary line to offer more rotational foods for their pets. Here's the details announced by Flint River Ranch:

We are building on the foundation that the Trout and Potato formula initiated by utilizing most of its formula as the core of our new "Signature Brand" line of food. Our second release will be Duck and Potato.

We have plans for a complete line of separate formulas under this line; all with their core ingredients being very similar; therefore greatly easing the transitional periods that some folks run into. We have always advocated a "mix of different proteins" within a pet's diet; as it better enables our pets to garner different nutritional aspects from these variations. We look to do the same with our "Signature Brand" line of formulas, but with the proteins being more concentrated and savory in their own unique formula.

My intention is to have a formula line that will present the various proteins of Fish, Duck, Chicken, Beef, Lamb and perhaps Venison as the key ingredients in separate formulas with a variety of complementary fats. We already know that "Fish and Chips" is a fantastic formula and has generally met with no adverse issues for those dogs who are thriving on it.

We believe that everyone will find a favorite as the new formulas are released and also be comforted that if you need or want to offer some more variety, you won't have to move to a totally different formula. You'll still have the majority of the formula as a base to greatly eliminate transitional issues. We will still continue to carry and support all other lines but look to be able to meet more of the public need for a true "rotational diet" and also continue to satisfy those looking for more of a "reduced or grain-free" diet that the Signature Brand line provides.

There will be no wheat, rice, corn or soybeans in any of these formulas and we will have an emphasis on more unique ingredients as we go along. We'll utilize oats, potatoes; sweet and white, and more fruits and vegetables than we have traditionally used within this new line. We know that these new formulas will find their niche just as Fish & Chips did so many years ago.

As with previous formulas, all new products will continue to be oven-baked and in the nugget shape. Shop for Flint River Ranch at Healthy Pet Corner.

Magnetic Monarchs

2010-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 89:12: "The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name."

Scientists have always wondered whether monarch butterflies have built in compasses to help them in their fantastic migrations. After wintering in Mexico, monarchs head to their northern breeding ranges in the eastern United States and Canada.

Flying 1,000 miles a day and never having seen their breeding range, they find it every year. By the time they begin their migration south, they are the great-great-grandchildren of the individuals who left Mexico the previous spring. Yet, never having seen their wintering area, they find the same area in which their distant relatives wintered.

Researchers placed monarchs that were migrating south into a room shielded from the Earth's magnetic field. When the Earth's magnetic field was allowed to be normal in the room, released butterflies flew to the southwest, as they should.

When researchers set the room to have no magnetic influence, monarchs flew in all directions. And when researchers generated a magnetic field in the room opposite that of the Earth's, the butterflies flew northeast. Researchers add that this demonstration of compasses within the monarchs still does not fully explain the wonders of monarch migration.

Here at Creation Moments, we would say that it takes more faith to believe that monarchs and their migration habits evolved than to believe that these are the work of a wise and intelligent God Who also gave the Earth a magnetic field.

Prayer: Father, I am filled with wonder at all You have made. Thank You. Amen.

References: Science News, "Monarch butterflies use magnetic compasses," 11/27/99, p.343.

Source: CreationMoments.com.

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River Detects Pollution in Real Time

2010-01-22T04:33:00.000-05:00

Nature has gone wireless in Ireland, where scientists have outfitted a major river with sensors that detect spikes in pollution in real time.

Sensors recently placed at various points in the River Lee, near the city of Cork, send information on pollution levels back to a data center. Water managers can keep tabs on pollutants entering the river and, if need be, mount an immediate response.

Called the DEPLOY project, the program was developed as a cheaper alternative to sending out scientists to collect water samples several times a day. In addition, the technology can identify a disastrous influx of pollution, such as toxic industrial-chemical spills, before fish go belly up. Read the entire article.

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Growing Things In Winter

2010-01-22T03:36:00.000-05:00

Are you an intrepid winter gardener? Get some ideas and share your own cold-weather growing tips with others on the Mother Earth News website.

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

Secrets of Resilient People

2010-01-18T08:15:00.000-05:00

Everyone goes through tough times. Some people just navigate them better.

'We cried for two solid months.' That's how Deborah Robinson describes the painful period in 2002 when her husband, Jim, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Just 57 at the time, Jim was soon unable to work or drive, and Deborah became his primary caregiver, while continuing to work for the Disney Corporation in Orlando. Yet she survived the inevitable progression of Jim's disease, and his death in 2007, by reframing the situation in the most positive terms possible.

'I decided that we would rise above it, and it would be our finest hour,' says Deborah, 54. She signed up for an Alzheimer's education program, joined a support group of partners of Alzheimer's patients, and asked for help from friends and family members. 'It was a time to focus on the limited number of years we had left and make the best of them,' she says."

Robinson could be the poster child for resilience, the ability to rebound quickly from a crisis or trauma. Highly resilient people don't fall apart—at least not for long. They call on their inner strength and recruit outside resources to keep moving forward. And they tweak their future expectations to fit their new reality, be it the loss of a loved one, a life-changing diagnosis, or a devastating financial blow. "Resilient people are like trees bending in the wind," says Steven M. Southwick, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. "They bounce back." Read the entire article.

Earth Ministry How-To

2010-01-18T06:14:00.000-05:00

Every day we are faced with making choices. We must balance all of the competing demands on our time and our wallet, from our family and our work. We must make decisions that benefit ourselves, our family, and the environment.

So what are we to do as individuals concerned for the environment? Just as it describes in I Corinthians 12, each of us has different gifts and different roles to play in the body of Christ, and so too it is with creation care. We must learn to embrace the gifts we have been given.

If you are looking for your place in the faith-based environmental movement, we want to help you find your way. There are several ways for individuals and families to take part in caring for creation. Read the entire article.

Therapy Dogs and Hospital Superbugs

2010-01-18T06:01:00.000-05:00

Therapy dogs that visit hospital patients and nursing home residents can readily spread dangerous, antibiotic-resistant microbes unless handlers take careful precautions.

Researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada followed 26 pet therapy dogs on visits and looked for the antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria called MRSA and two other types that have become entrenched menaces in health care settings.

In tests prior to visits, none of the germs showed up on dogs or the people working with them. But during a hospital tour, one dog's paws picked up Clostridium difficile, a sometimes deadly stomach bug that plays a role in hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations each year. The greyhound had shaken paws with several patients. Read the entire article.

Silver Fights The Germ War

Antibiotics are becoming more potent and dangerous as their failure rate increases. They are also the cause of new strains of superbugs, like MRSA. Health care costs are rocketing out of control and bioterrorism is a real threat. We've stocked up on this item because of it's effective for many health ailments.

With a variety of viral flu outbreaks, e-coli contamination, and a host of other potential pandemics that create a strain on health in America, the new Silver Shield solution and gel offers a fighting chance in germ warfare.

"Silver has undergone rigorous testing and has been found to kill anthrax, bubonic plague, hospital staph and SARS. This product is EPA approved ... In short, we currently do not have anything with such a wide spectrum of efficacy in our inventory." General P.K. Carlton, M.D., Director of Integrative Center for Homeland Security. Read the entire article.

Ridding The Clutter of Your Life

2010-01-14T07:28:00.000-05:00

From AARP Magazine

All those memories of things past can be a real deterrent to moving forward. Tossing things we don't need can free up more than closet space. A hallowed New Year's tradition occurs each January, when millions of us start kidding ourselves. We vow that this will be the year we keep the one resolution that invariably appears on our personal to-do list:

Clean out the clutter in our basements, attics, closets, and home offices. We can't even bear to think of what's stashed under beds or in the borrowed storage space in a relative's garage.

We all have cherished possessions that are freighted with meaning, and until we understand what that meaning is, we resist dealing with the messes that surround us. So can what I call future syndrome: "I might need this again sometime." But once we find a way to clear out what is no longer relevant to our lives—whether that be objects, activities, or even people—we open a path to look at all the parts of our lives and determine what matters to us now, not in the past or in the future.

So how do we let go of all that irrelevant stuff? The most effective way in my experience is to face the practical and emotional aspects of the problem at the same time. Read the entire article.

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Get Close to God This Year

2010-01-14T06:49:00.005-05:00

by Donna L. Watkins

I love my God time every day, but there are times and seasons where God just seems to be so near.

I know God speaks to us all the time ... but depending on where our hearts are, we may not always hear or hear correctly. I love being led of God as to what books to read and recently I ordered a book titled, "The Fear of the Lord," by John Bevere.

One of my Scripture cards that I have by my rebounder is Proverbs 3:7-8: "Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones."

I have strong bones. I've never broken anything in 59 years, but my joints sure aren't doing too well. I've also been asking god to show me where I am wise in MY eyes and not seeing through HIS and anytime I see "fear of the Lord" it puts a blip on my mental screening since what we think of as fear, is not what this Hebrew word means. The fear of the Lord means profound love and deep respect ... most people tend to think of Him with a big hammer when they read this verse because many earthly fathers were like that.

So ... God always listens to us and chooses the best timing for all things. I guess my heart was really open and ready to receive some answers to these questions and I've been truly enjoying this book that has included a few surprises.

Have you ever wondered how somebody can preach and people respond for salvation or healing or whatever ... and yet you know, or find out at some point in their lives, that they're not walking in holiness? Well ... here's a segment from John Bevere's book that dug deeper into that topic:

"We must remember that the gifts of the Spirit can be in operation in those who are still not pleasing to the Lord. When the anointing of God comes, it does not necessarily mean that it is accompanied by the approval of God. Jesus warned that many will come to Him in the day of judgment and say they had cast out demons, prophesied, and done many wonders in His anme, yet He will say to them, "Depart, you who practice lawlessness!"

We must keep in mind God's purpose for creation. He did not put Adam in the garden to have a wonderful preaching, healing, or deliverance ministry. No, Adam was placed in the garden so God could walk with him. God wanted a relationship with Adam, but the relationship was cut off due to Adam's disobedience.

We have been created for God, to coexist with His glory. But disobedience cannot exist within us if we are to please God. The accurate measurement of our true spiritual condition lies in our actual obedience to His will. There can be an anointing on our lives, yet we may still be far from God's heart. Consider the examples of Judas, Balaam, and King Saul: each operated in the anointing but fell short of walking in God's glory because of their selfish motives.

God does not raise His children for the purpose of performing miracles. God spoke through Balaam's donkey in the Old Testament, but that did not make this beast of burden a habitation of God's glory! For the past six millennia God has been patiently working on a temple for Himself, formed by His obedient children who love and fear Him."

We are to be His temple. God is definitely a lot deeper than we understand with our finite minds, but 2 Corinthians 2 says, "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit."

The Holy Spirit will tell us. John 14:26 Jesus said, ".. the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." We need to invest the time into knowing Him more than we know anybody else in our lives because He will be the only one that will carry us through every day of our life ... with a guarantee we can have for life to never end, since salvation allows us to begin living in eternity at the moment of conversion. We never see death.

A new year always gets me interested in digging deeper into the things I have a passion for ... and God is always on that list. I hope you've set some spiritual goals and resolutions. Regardless of what the year brings ... you will have the grace to be filled with peace and joy.

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The photo(s) and article are copyrighted. You may use either of them if you include the following credit and active link back to this website:
© 2010 Donna L. Watkins - This article was reprinted with permission from TheNatureInUs.com. The link to use is: www.TheNatureInUs.com.

Build a Greenhouse or Guesthouse

2010-01-14T01:09:00.000-05:00

The idea behind my greenhouse/guesthouse concept is to build a greenhouse that has everything you need to live, and not a centimeter to waste. But you don’t have to use it as a greenhouse. It can be a guesthouse or an energy-efficient small home.

The design is flexible, so you can incorporate whatever recycled materials you can find. Even if you buy some of the materials and hire a bit of help, you can build a greenhouse for about $3,800.

If you plan to use the building as a greenhouse, use insulated, wood-framed windows that aren’t coated with low-e or solar film, because the coating limits heat gain. Adequate thermal mass and a well-insulated floor and walls are necessary to store enough heat for a couple of days without sun. Thermal mass, such as concrete, brick or stone, helps moderate heat, tempering the thermal swings throughout the day and night.

To make a guesthouse, include a loft large enough for a double bed upstairs — the warmest part of the building — for cozy winter nights. Read the entire article.

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

Inherit Peace

2010-01-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

From The Word For You Devotional

Paul said, "Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your heart" (Col. 3:15). Peace is your birthright. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" (John 14:27). Just because Jesus left His peace to us doesn't mean it automatically operates in our lives.

It's a reserve we must draw from every day. And the enemy will do everything he can to deplete it. He knows when you're in turmoil you do and say things you later regret, plus, when you've lost your peace it's harder to hear from God.

Anxiety is often our first reaction to conflict or problems. In those moments getting peaceful may seem disloyal or apathetic. Subconsciously we think "if I care, I'll worry. If this is important, I must stay upset." It's a misguided belief that the outcome will be positively affected by the amount of time we spend worrying.

No, your best problem-solving resource is peace. Solutions arise more easily and naturally out of a peaceful state, whereas, fear and anxiety block solutions. Anxiety empowers the problem: it doesn't help to harbor turmoil.

God's peace is available if you choose it. So, refuse to let negative emotions run amok in your life. The Bible says, "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce in us peace" (Gal. 5:22). Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled" (Jn 14:1). That means you have the option of choosing between peace and inner conflict. So choose peace - it's your inheritance!

Help For Dogs Who Hate Thunderstorms

2010-01-10T06:32:00.001-05:00

Dog owners who spend many a stormy night struggling to get some sleep while a panting, drooling, trembling pet climbs around on top of them know that the fear of thunder can be a tricky problem to solve.

Dogs with the condition often look to their owners for comfort, yet are in such a state of panic, they are inconsolable. And it can be hard to know how to soothe an upset dog without unwittingly reinforcing its anxiety.

Potential remedies include medication, desensitizing the dog to thunder and training it to retreat to a safe place when a storm hits. There is also canine 'thunderwear' such as earmuffs, head halters and swaddling attire, including a snug leotard for animals called a sheep suit, that can help calm stressed-out dogs.Read the entire article for unique options.

Brown-headed Cowbird - Murderer

2010-01-10T05:40:00.000-05:00

If you were a bird, you wouldn’t want to become friends with this Brown-head Cowbird. No sir-ree, Buckaroo. It would exploit you to no end! Cowbirds are users and movers, especially when it comes to moving with cattle. They received their name due to the fact they feast on bugs flushed from the grasses of grazing cattle and buffalo. They know how to get an easy and cheap meal.

Brown-headed Cowbirds are aves belonging to the genus Molothrus in the family Icteridae. They are brood parasitic New World birds. (Parasitic involves taking advantage of the hospitality of another or others without providing any proper return. Birds of certain species, known as hosts, will raise the young of other birds—including Cowbirds.)

Brown-headed “Cowgirl” birds will take hosting advantage of songbirds by laying eggs in their nests, which enables them to remain mobile and secured to a herd of cattle. No female Cowbird has been known to build a nest and brood her own young, therefore this appears to be the original way God created her. She believes her only duty is to place her eggs in a nest where her chicks will receive proper care. Cowbird mothers seem to detect that small songbirds are quite receptive. Usually she will implement small Sparrow nests—placing one egg in each nest.

To explain the process, the calculating female Cowbird will locate a potential host by perching in a location that has a great view during the early morning hours. She will observe the behavior of possible host females that are building nests. Read the entire article at Lee's Birdwatching Adventures.

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