Sunday School Lesson...The Book of Revelations is revelation given to and recorded by John, during his exile on the island of Patmos. Written symbolically, John teaches us about the parts of the Church of Jesus Christ. The congregations are the candlesticks. As members of congregations, we must allow our lights to shine. “Candlesticks carry light; they do not create it. Their function is to make it available, not to bring it into being. So by using seven candlesticks to portray the seven churches to whom John is now to give counsel, the Lord is showing that his congregations on earth are to carry his light to the world” (Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1966–73], 3:442) The seven stars are the prophets, apostles, and leaders, because they are "constant and give direction to those who look for it." The sword is the Word."For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12...Throughout Revelations we are promised great blessings if we overcome the world: repent, keep tribulations in an eternal perspective, obey the Lord and not seek earthly honors, look for rewards in heaven, let the word of God rule our lives, receive Christ and His atonement, become clothed in white, live righteously to keep from temptation, and increase commitment to Jesus. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance, and faithfulness, we can overcome worldly temptations and trials and go on to inherit the blessings of eternal life.
Praying For...Oakley and Kelsey...leaders of the United States to learn and implement the principles upon which the Constitution, Declaration, and Bill of Rights were founded...families, orphans, and widows who lack basic necessities, peace, and/or safety.
Sound of Music...started listening to MoTab Christmas hymns during my dailies. Enjoying playing and singing Christmas hymns.
Bibliophilia...Re-reading Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt--why oh why are we not taught simple Austrian economics in school instead of economic fallacies of Keynes. Re-reading The School of Natural Healing by JR Christopher (or the bible for natural herbal healing). Interested in doing away with high doctor bills and taking on the job of healing myself, I have found the information in this book easy to understand and apply. I like that it includes the Latin and common names for herbs and their uses along with his famous formulas. The mucusless diet, three day cleanse, and incurables program are explained in great detail.
The Herbalist...so I was wrong, veggie capsules are not made with grains but with cotton and wood cellulose. Even so they tend to make me feel gross, while using tinctures doesn't. I received my herbs in the mail and will begin a huge project to make about a zillion tincture singles. Since tinctures last for years and years without loosing potency, they are a great way to store herbs and save money....also, Spencer is having a great time 'doctoring' his friends' colds with horse radish and x-ceptic; he likes to see their hilarious reactions. I have to admit, the awful taste is part of the fun of it all. Although they sometimes taste nasty, herbs certainly work well. Although my claims haven't been examined by the FDA and are not meant for treatment or diagnostic purposes, I've seen x-ceptic knock out a virus before it takes hold time and again or shorten the duration of illness. After eating a spoon full of horse radish, the sinuses drain remarkably, requiring us to keep big boxes of tissue around the house.
Garden Gate...Our outdoor garden is covered with a foot of mulch (cardboard, straw, hay, leaves) and black plastic plus a deep blanket of snow. It is our hope that much of this deep covering will cook down into rich soil over the winter. Ruth Stout says not to worry if some things take longer to compost than others, because they simply remain mulch a bit longer. Waiting until after the holidays to start up the indoor micro garden again but still sprouting.
Pantry...finished my experiment for Pantry Diving/Emergency Thriving over at Kate's Kitchen. It was a fun project, which I hope to share as part of my calling as Preparedness Specialist in my ward (congregation.) This month the recommendations for long term and emergency storage are 40 lbs dried beans per person along with dehydrated aromatic veggies and herbs to give them flavor, 7 gallons bottled water per person, batteries, candles, matches, garbage bags, hand can opener, and enough servings of instant hot cereals for 3-5 servings per person for a 3-5 day emergency kit.
Project Joy...Cousin Linda is hosting the PHX family Christmas Open House, letting me off the hook. I would have been glad to do it, but it is easier for me this way. Mom seems to be surviving treatment at this point. Spencer and his friends are the nicest young people ever--they cleaned up from their various cooking and gaming projects nearly up to my standards last night. And they are so polite. Joseph and I spent a wonderful morning in St. George at the temple and buying organics at Costco. Grateful for the knowledge that the uphill climb to good health will have hiccups and a bit of backsliding now and then. Thankful for the peace the Holy Ghost and priesthood blessings bring. I am not an aging robin stuck in snow country without lodging; my little cave here is cozy and bright.
