Doctrine & Covenants 89: 18-19

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures."

Showing posts with label Apple Blossom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apple Blossom. Show all posts

2.14.2011

Reasons I Do What I Do

I have been thinking a lot about Embers post "Why?" There are many little reasons why but it really comes down to my faith and my testimony in my Savior and the Plan of Redemption. I want to return to live with my Savior. I want to be together forever with my family. My family is my rock and my strength and my reason for living. They are the motivation that keeps me going, and helps me to improve myself. Times are tough right now but I know with out a doubt that they would be even harder with out the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost helping me know I am on the right path and helping me overcome my weaknesses. I know that everything I do to help my family to be strong spiritually, emotionally, physically, & mentally will bless us. The Lord needs us to be as strong as we possibly can be in every way possible. I know that some of our trials we face are physical ones-- either due to our own past or current neglect of our bodies or because of the negative changes man has made to our environment, or due to nothing in our control. I do believe one tactic Satan uses is to use "food" that is messed with that it no longer provides nutrition and causes dis-ease in our bodies. Satan does this to make us physically and mentally weak. When we are weak we can't truly perform our missions we were sent here to do. I know that there should be balance in all things and that building us up spiritually should be first and foremost.

I have really enjoyed the talk by Sherri Dew that Sweet Basil shared with us here. I read it one Sunday night, and the following night (Monday) I gave a FHE lesson on it. That following Saturday I sang in the woman's stake choir for our Stake Women's Conference where we were blessed to hear from Sherri Dew. She talked about the same thing but she has added so much more to it. The spirit bore witness to me that yes indeed, I was saved (and so were you!) for these, the last days. He has confidence in me and I need to have more confidence in myself. One thing she said is that when she was a teenager some one told her that "you can have a spiritual experience everyday". She said it changed her life. How amazing is that! We are truly God's children. He loves us. The promise and covenant of Baptism and the Sacrament is true! We can have a spiritual experience EVERY DAY! But it won't happen unless we want it and do what we know we need to do in order to be worthy of the Spirit.

I feel it is vitally important to teach our children about the Spirit. How to recognise it, what it feels like, and how to seek and receive personal revelation. You can't teach something like this with out knowing for yourself how to do these things. But, this is life long learning process-- something that grows as our relationship grows with our Savior. You don't need to feel as if you are perfect at it in order to teach it. As long as you are personally striving for and working on this, you can teach it.

I believe in the power of natural health care. I am NOT saying that I don't see the need for traditional western medicine. It is necessary at times. I believe, because of personal experience, that Chiropractic works. Yes, my husband is a Chiropractor and I will, in a future post tell you of my personal conversion to Chiropractic as a primary form of health care-- not just a way to take care of a bad back. I believe in whole food nutrition. I know that it can and does heal our bodies. My husband has been blessed with the knowledge of how to use whole food nutrition to heal and strengthen our bodies. I love being in charge of my health care! One scripture that I like is found in Alma 46:40

"And there were some who died with fevers, which at some seasons of the year were very frequent in the land--but not so much so with fevers, because of the excellent qualities of the many plants and roots which God had prepared to remove the cause of diseases, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate--"

How powerful is that?! I know our loving Heavenly Father planned the earth so well that he gave us natural answers and cures to remove the causes of disease with in us! No matter where we live or what we suffer from, we can be healed by the plants and herbs found here in the earth. I have learned and seen for myself the damage that man made chemicals that we can be exposed to on a daily basis can cause many health problems and conditions, and therefore I try to avoid as many chemicals as I can. Alternatives that I have found that have been tried and true for my family I like to share here on this blog with you.

I do what I do because I believe in strengthening my family in every way possible so that we can live to do what we were sent here to do-- to help prepare the way for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we get to be the lucky ones to be alive when He comes what an amazing blessing that will be. But if not, I know that what I am able to teach my family and others, will be passed on to future generations to help bless their lives as well.

1.18.2011

Homemade Laundry Stain Remover/Spray

I am always trying to find ways to make my own products of common household products because I like to avoid harmful chemicals and I love to be frugal. Here is one recipe I have been using for 1-2 years. It is tried and true as I have 6 young kids who do spill and otherwise mess up their clothes.

Homemade Laundry Stain Remover/Spray

1- spray bottle (I use my spray bottle from the store bought laundry spray)
1/4 cup liquid glycerin*
1/4 cup liquid soap- your choice- I use Dawn just because I know it is good at getting grease out, but you could use a more earth friendly one.
1 1/2 cup water

Mix the glycerin and soap together in a 2 cup measuring cup. Fill slowly with water (to avoid making too many bubbles) to the 2 cup line (that will add the 1 1/2 cup of water needed). Mix and pour into spray bottle. To use, spray on stain. Stains can be sprayed in advance and left to sit on stain until laundry day or just before laundering. For grease stains, I use a bit of full strength Dawn on it and then spray with this spray. For chocolate, mud, or ink stains, I apply some glycerin then spray it with the spray and let it sit a day or so. All other stains I use just the spray.

*Glycerin may be hard to find as most pharmacies are no longer carrying it. I have found it online at soaping supply stores. Don't buy the thin watery ones as things have been added. The glycerin you want will be thick and a bit sticky. I buy it in bulk to save more money. The glycerin is very important as it helps to loosen the stain so it can be washed away.

1.07.2011

Homemade Deodorant

By Apple Blossom

I find joy in making and creating things that are natural and healthy and not full of chemicals. One product I have not had to buy in almost a year is deodorant. I make it myself. It works too! I have tried several "natural" ones available at health food stores with no luck. They didn't seem to work for me and I hated how expensive they were. I absolutely love that I am not rubbing a heavy metal (aluminum) on my underarms daily that has been linked to breast cancer and dementia. It is simple and very quick to make!

Homemade Deodorant

1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
about 4 TBSP coconut oil
10 or so drops your favorite essential oil

Mix dry ingredients together, then with a fork add the essential oil and the coconut oil until you like the consistency. I have melted the coconut oil and mixed it all up before-- it is easier to mix but it will separate a bit after it cools to room temp. You can store this at room temp (that is what I do) or keep it in the fridge. It wont spoil as coconut oil has a shelf life of 2 years. At room temperature it will be more like a cream that you dip your fingers and rub on. In the fridge it will be a solid-- use like any other solid deodorant -- but it will be cold. I found that in the summer time, my house gets too hot and is it constantly a liquid, so in the future for summer time, I will use less coconut oil so it will be 'drier'. As for essential oils, most coconut oils have a coconut sent so you might want to pick one that compliments that scent. I have found that I like grapefruit or lemongrass essential oils. Use citrus essential oils with caution as they may make you more sensitive to the sun. I have no problem with that as I don't go out showing my armpits to the sun.