Georgianna's Medicine

Meet my great-great grandma and grandpa, Joseph and Georgianna Gilbert. Hearty pioneer souls. There's nothing dainty or delicate about these people, as you can see by their picture.

But one accidental ingestion of too much carbolic acid was the undoing of Grandma Gilbert. (You can read her story on my dad's website... http://www.tmpministries.com/GeorgiannaGilbert.htm .)

So what's my point?

I've been thinking about substances and chemicals lately. I was never much of a chemistry fan, but I recently read an excellent book by Ginger Garrett entitled "Beauty Secrets of the Bible." The name or size of this book doesn't do it justice. It was thought-provoking and lifestyle-changing for me. (You can check Ginger Garrett out on her website... http://www.gingergarrett.com/ .)

I've started to come to the conclusion that the less man-derived and synthetic products I clean with, ingest or put on my skin, the better I look, feel, and function. It seems that God's way really is the best way, at least in my personal experience. You'll have to try these things for yourself if you don't believe me.

Guys, don't check out yet. I happen to know that you suffer from dry skin and chapped lips and hair dilemmas just like the women. I'll go there first.

Would you be willing to accept the possibility that the lotion you slather all over yourself everyday in the hope it will make your skin more soft and less irritated is really making your skin worse, even if it seems to help temporarily? I have tried this for two weeks before I recommend it to you, and it really works! The answer? Olive oil. Just use olive oil instead of lotion or chapstick. (A little goes a long way, start with 2 or 3 drops!)

Ok, guys, you're free to go. Women, here are some replacements for those costly diet, beauty and cleaning products! Cheaper, far less harmful, and no chance of pulling a Georgianna! (Keep in mind that it would be hard to go completely natural in this culture. Don't give up if you can't go all the way. Any small changes you can make, you will see the results.)

(These tips come from my own research as well as "Beauty Secrets from the Bible.")

Diet

Your skin and your body were not designed for synthetics. They crave the goodness that only God's creation can provide. Dieting using the latest fad will only leave you miserable, even if you manage to lose weight. God made you to enjoy His world. Don't limit yourself when it comes to HIS foods. Give up the processed junk food, and feast on whole foods such as nuts, whole grains, organic, natural meat and eggs, and lots and lots of vegetables and fruits. If God made it, it is for you to enjoy. Eat when your stomach growls. Stop eating when you don't feel hungry anymore. And help those who are hungry. These are the only rules you will need to achieve the healthy look God had in mind when He made you. (I am looking forward to seeing God work this miracle on me as I go forward!) Remember as well to exercise. God's plan for us does not involve idleness. My workout plan right now is to keep my house clean and my children entertained. When I stop getting out of breath doing these things every day, I might have to try the gym!

Skin care

Your body absorbs whatever you put on your skin. If you put harmful things on it, it will suffer. If you put good, God-created things on it, you will benefit inside and out. My morning and evening regime consists of three things: honey (Seriously, try it! When you mix honey with water on your face it will not be sticky,) a couple drops of olive oil, and the coconut rosemary sugar scrub from "Beauty Secrets."

I've also switched my makeup to mineral products. They aren't that much more expensive, and they last longer and look better.

Hair care

Right now I use a natural lavender shampoo and conditioner I bought at my local Whole Foods Market (WONDERFUL place!) I also employ the use of coconut oil as a conditioning treatment once in a while, and if I need a clarifying rinse, I found a great recipe using apple cider vinegar, rosemary and lavender oil. (Send me an email and I'll send you the links to any of these.) I've also discovered that a mixture of chamomile and lemon juice with the aid of a blow dryer will lighten your hair (if you are a blond, there are other recipes for dark or red hair.)

House Cleaning

When I started to switch over to natural products, I was shocked how expensive these products could be. Fortunately, I've recently discovered that a big bottle of vinegar ($1.18 at Walmart) and a big box or two of baking soda ($1.28 at Walmart) will clean ANYTHING. I use it most frequently in the kitchen, where a 1 part vinegar to 2 part water in a spray bottle has become my disinfectant cleaner. If the smell bothers you, I added just a hint of myrrh (put a couple drops of essential oil in the sprayer and then rinse it out before you make your cleaner) and found that it was easier on the olfactory senses. Baking soda on your carpet gives you a deeper clean when you vacuum. These products together will get that bathroom or kitchen looking sparkly and smelling fresh. You can even clean your pets with these products, no bath required!

So if God has been nudging you lately about His desire for you to make some changes in these areas, here is my humble advice in getting started. Have fun!

Getting to the Bottom of Things

I have been convicted in the past few days of my own conclusions regarding our next president. I have been ashamed of the way some of my fellow believers have acted towards him and towards anyone associated with him. Last night I decided it was time to discover the truth -to wade through the rumors and stories and find out what the facts state, and what Mr. Obama himself says about God.

The first thing I will state is that what I found had little to do with the childish accusations that have been made about him. There is no evidence that he is supportive of terrorism. This rumor was fabricated because his father was raised in a Muslim setting, and because he attended a Muslim school for a time. I was also under the impression that he was an atheist. He in fact calls himself a Christian, having had "Christ wash away his sins" at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago when he was in his twenties.

I also had received the impression from his opposition that he was a heartless and cold supporter of abortion. In fact, his explanation for why he votes pro-life is this: that he himself is opposed to it, but that he trusts that a mother has the right to make that choice for herself and her child, and that it is his intent to lower the number of abortions. While I myself could never vote to allow another person to end the life of their child, I can see how one might arrive at that conclusion. I even agree that the lives that are cut short through this avenue will not be saved because the action is made illegal. Women have found ways to rid themselves of unwanted pregnancies for thousands of years. What is needed at the most basic level is those who are willing to love hurting or scared women out of their most desperate situations.

In my research I found from many sources, including his own website, that Barack Obama considers himself a follower of Christ. He seems to be a devoted father and husband, and asks prayer on a regular basis for his family. He seems to care above and beyond what is normal for those that suffer. Though his father was an atheist and his mother an agnostic, he claims that he believes in a God, in sin, in hell, and in Christ. It's when you dig a little deeper that things start to look a little less pristine. But I will allow you to judge for yourself. Below is the research I was able to gather:

Barack Obama

- says he received Christ. Yet shows a lack of respect for the Bible, or at least an ignorance.

- says homosexuality is not immoral, and any belief otherwise on his part is a result of biases he was taught. But God's Word clearly states that it is sin. (Again, though, my approach to this would be the same as abortion - legislature is not going to prevent people from sin, the love of Christ and His changing power in lives can.) This being said, Obama was not willing to go on record in agreement with the Bible.

- has mocked the standards God held the Israelites to in Deuteronomy.

- claims that religion should not divide (direct opposition to Christ’s statement)

- has consistently voted for abortion to be legal and (I’m pretty sure) paid by taxes. Has also voted that botched abortion babies not be allowed to live. (His answer to this was that there was a technicality he did not approve of.) Has no interest in teaching young people to abstain from intimacy outside of marriage as the Bible teaches. (Yes, I know, who would be popular touting these ideas? But for a person to call themselves a follower of Christ and not be willing to accept all of His teachings says something.)

- freely compares his own religious experience as equal with those of all other religions. Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

- says that evangelicals have exploited and politicized religious beliefs in an effort to sow division. Does not allow accounting for the areas of the Bible that clearly require such division, nor that this country was founded on Biblical principles. Basically seems to say that evangelicals have no place in politics. (Which may be a good point if this new America is to be, but why is it coming from a man claiming to be a follower of Christ?) I must make one caveat here. I think that it is time for "evangelicals" to cease the fight to make our country what it once was and "reclaim" it for our own interests and agendas. Jesus did not put himself in politics, I think we would better honor His name by living as he told us to, by loving him and loving others, by spreading the good news with a humble and sincere heart. We have been quite belligerent about this country belonging to us. Would Jesus do the same?

- makes excuses for his years of absence from church, such as “squirmy children.” In other interviews or statements claims he attends church regularly. It cannot be both.

- “I leave open the possibility that I’m entirely wrong.” What true follower of Christ who has known the sweet assurance of the Holy Spirit could utter this statement?

- “I do not believe my mother went to hell.” Though his mother declined to accept Christ. Though it is a hard thing for any of us to picture loved ones in hell, if Christ is the only way, we cannot presume to more than God.

- His decision to “receive Christ” seems to have come more from a desire to fit into a social group, because of his tumultuous childhood. He does seem to admit himself to be a sinner.

Now that I have pointed out inconsistencies with his character, I would like to take it a step further and explore the possibility that what we are seeing may be an indication of end times. I'm not saying that it is, obviously Christ said we won't know the day. But he did say to watch. He did say to be alert. So with this shift in our nation and even our world, what if the cavalcade of events that Revelation and other sources prepare us for is on the verge of coming true? Here are my thoughts.

How could this believer in loving God and others become the “beast” referred to in Revelation? Maybe he couldn’t. But could he easily be convinced to follow such a regime, and even be paving the way for the Antichrist to enter the scene? Other possibility – all of his religious ramblings may be just that, cleverly devised stories to garner sympathy and relation to people of faith. Who knows whether power might convince him that he himself is in fact a god to be worshiped? The Bible says that the Antichrist will enter the scene as a proponent of global peace and security. He will make a pact with Israel to protect them. The whole world will follow and believe this man is divine, especially when he seems to have some sort of fatal wound that is healed.

It’s not such a leap as it first seems to be. Upon first entering the pages of history, the beast will not yet be controlled by Satan. That is what would seem to make his rise to power so easy – the subtlety of the Father of Lies.

It’s interesting to note that Obama is a supporter of capital punishment for “heinous crimes.” Why? It's unusual for such a liberal. It's also a big part of the Antichrist's regime. (The crime being following Christ and obeying His Word.)

Obama seems to have religious beliefs that are focused (at the expense of biblical accuracy) on global unity. There will be a worldwide religion overseen by the false prophet at the ordination of the beast.

Other interesting notes: At the convention, Oprah’s introduced Obama as “the one.” As well there was the response of weeping, euphoric, giddy crowds at his victory. I think as well of the “nine” world leaders offering congratulations. (See Revelation.)

So these are my thoughts. You may take them or leave them. My parents tell me that I'm too young to remember all the other times everyone was sure it was time for these events to transpire. But I won't apologize for being excited about seeing Jesus in the flesh.

And I'm not at all saying that Barack Obama is the Antichrist or even that he is not who he says he is. Only God can judge the heart. Another great article to read on the subject of his imminent administration: http://www.tmpministries.com/Election2008.htm

Whether or not I'm just a dreamer, my prayer today is the same as it's always been. Come soon, Lord. And until then, let us reflect you, no matter what it costs.

The picture belongs to my dad.

He Who Will Save Us

O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you.
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress.

For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver,
the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.

- Isaiah 33

As everyone else's seem to be, my thoughts are on the outcome of the election. I've been watching with interest at the differing reactions. There are the usual emotions of disappointment or satisfaction, depending on the desired outcome of the voter. There was the gracious speech by Senator McCain, and the tears shining in the eyes of Governor Palin.

What I found to be alarming were some of the images of hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the night air cheering, sobbing, looking to their newly elected leader as if he were some sort of answer to all the world's problems.

When did we become a country that looked to their leaders to provide for them, rather than depending on the God this nation was built to honor? When did Americans decide that they needed a new savior to take away their financial woes and bring an end to their wars and lead them into a grand new era of change and progress? What human in all of history has been able to accomplish all the grandiose achievements that not only are these people counting on him to deliver, but that he has gone so far as to promise them with his own mouth?

I know I'm too young to remember all the other moments in history that the times spoke of prophesy. I know that President Elect Obama may just be another young and attractive leader that people will fixate on for a time until they realize he's just a man. After all, there have been many like him that have come and gone.

But maybe, just maybe, these times speak of more. Maybe there is a new wind of change blowing. Maybe we have come to a crucial point in history where ancient texts are soon to come alive with faces and names attaching to descriptions and players falling into place on a giant game board called earth as it gears up for the most spectacular battle between good and evil that mankind has ever known.

Jesus said to watch. Be alert. Pay attention to the events that transpire upon the page of history. We have a true King, who has already solved the problems. And maybe if we take our eyes off our own desires and greed and selfishness we might hear his voice calling in the distance.

I am coming soon!