Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Cinnamon & Honey (Health Cures)


Folk remedies have been around a long time for a very good reason-- they work!
Here is another for the folks: CINNAMON & HONEY
See update of this article at: http://www.newrealities.com/index.php/articles-on-health/item/2933-the-healing-benefits-of-cinnamon-honey
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar.  Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey. Make sure your honey is untreated, unprocessed and not heated, in other words get as raw as possible. This will have the greatest benefit. Caution: Too much honey of any kind is not good for the body. But a little bit will help some of the following conditions.

The Cinnamon should be organic. Chinese medicine says it is warming and nourishing for the Kidneys.
See about different types of Cinnamon: http://www.newrealities.com/index.php/articles-on-health/item/2934-how-to-differentiate-between-ceylon-and-cassia-cinnamon

Weekly World News, a magazine in  Canada has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.  It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.  As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured.  According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.  To make it lukewarm, place it in a small jar and let it set in warm water for a while.

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat.   In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root.

GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA – FLU: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old might start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water.  If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder.  Do not boil, but pour one cup of boiling water onto the mixture of honey and cinnamon. Generally start off with a teaspoon of each, and then adjust depending on taste. Remember honey is a sugar based product, so teaspoon is best to start with. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

CANCER: Research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

BAD BREATH: People in South America first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts helps restore hearing.

CONCLUSION:
It is good to take some sort of mixture of cinnamon and honey daily!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

An Identity Crisis


An Identity Crises

Fathers have great impact potential.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 AMP)

The preceding verse of scripture speaks to the identity of the believer. The believer is chosen, sanctified, and elevated for the purpose of wonderful deeds and to display the virtues and perfections of the One that called them out of darkness into His awesome and marvelous light.

Just as we believers receive our identity from God, so do our progeny receive their identity from us as men. As fathers we provide so much in the way of identity to our children. The following is an excerpt from my book, “The Invisible Father”.

“… In my relationship with my grandfather I also realized what I had missed by not knowing my father. The role of a father far exceeds that of a provider. A father is a label giver, a role model, a standard bearer, and more. When I say a label giver, I am speaking of the father’s ability to assist in developing a positive self-image within his children. A simple definition of self image is what a person envisions them self to be.

Why is self-image so important? Self-image is important because it has a direct impact on behavior and behavior has a direct impact on the outcome of a person’s life. How a person envisions themselves will determine their actions. For instance, if a person perceives themselves to be gifted and capable in a certain area in life, they are very likely to pursue a life within that arena, whether professionally or as a hobby. The reverse will also be true. Should a person perceive themselves to be incapable in any area of life, they will shy away from involvement in activities in that arena. These are simplified scenarios, but you get the picture.

In psychology, the study of visionetics or self-imaging has shown that one of the ways we maintain our sanity is by proving through our actions that our perceived self-image is correct. We cannot perceive ourselves to be one way but do something different and maintain our emotional stability; therefore, how we see ourselves is of immense importance.

Earlier, I alluded to the fact that fathers play a major role in their children’s self-image. This is irregardless to whether they are absent or present. A father that is consistently present in the lives of his children has the opportunity to lend toward the development of a positive self-image, or they can by their words and actions assists in the development of a negative self-image. For instance, if a father spends quality time with his child as well as verbally affirming the child’s worth, he is helping to establish a positive self image. Phrases such as, you’re beautiful; you’re smart; you are responsible; I love you; are all positive label givers. On the other hand, you’re dumb; you’re worthless; you’re bad; you can’t do anything right are obviously negative label givers. Now the absentee father can only be a negative label giver; by his absence, he is saying to his child, you are worthless, you are not worth my time or my love. An absentee father is sending a message to his child that will have a negative impact, with the residual affects carrying far beyond their childhood years…….”

Dr. Rick Wallace 
I have a question for the men that are reading this brief passage: How are you influencing the identity of your Children? In what way are you insuring that your children are developing a positive self-image? I encourage each of you to pour into your children the love and support they so desperately need.
For those of you that have struggled in life because of the absence of a father. I too know your pain, but I can testify that there is a Father that will never leave nor forsake you. This Father will be a constant help in the time of trouble. This Father will guide and protect you. This Father will hold you when you are feeling weak. This Father will rock you to sleep on those restless nights. There is hope.

I am certain of this one thing for sure; if we don’t address the issue of absentee fathers in this country we will continue to see the rapid unraveling of what was once the moral fiber that held this nation together. Dr. Rick Wallace 


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Christian Fatherhood


by Michael Joseph

Being a father has a lot of joy and many rewards.  This joy is coupled with responsibility and duty.  It is a mission of love and perseverance of the highest calling.  Jesus said, "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (Luke 12:48).  As we celebrate fathers today let's spend a few minutes reflecting upon the joy, privilege and responsibilities of raising children.
It is the solemn and sacred responsibility of parents (mother and father) to give their children the instruction, correction and discipline that will establish them with a Biblical worldview and provide an upbringing that is based on a relationship with God and His word.  Parents should be examples for their children of what a Christian is supposed to be, of what a man is supposed to be and of what a woman is supposed to be.  The primary concern of parents should be that of their children's relationship with Jesus Christ.  This focus should be secondary to preparing their children for jobs, professions, ministry in the church or even social standing.
One of the most significant roles a man can fill during his time on earth is that of a father. The Bible has much to say concerning parents and children. Let's take a brief look at what the Bible has to say concerning parents and children.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)
Parents cannot abdicate or delegate their roles in their children's lives.  It is the family that holds that greatest responsibility in raising children. It is the father and the mother who are responsible for education (both spiritual and natural). The church and the education system of your country are the supporting cast for what you as a parent are raising your children to be.  Far too often we have allowed the equation to be reversed and parents rely on churches and teachers to be the primary educators of their children.  Most of the men and women involved in these institutions care about the children they instruct and educate and they work hard to be good at what they do.  Regardless of how good a pastor or teacher is at their job they can never fill the role of mom or dad. Being a parent requires that you take ownership of and responsibility for the upbringing and well-being of your child; there can be no passing the buck.
Some have said that fatherhood can be broken down into three main categories:
  1. Protect
  2. Provide
  3. Guide
This is definitely not the complete list but it does encompass much of what takes places between a father and his children.

Lead by Example

So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach. (Matthew 23:3)
Before we can be good parents we must first be good people. Before we can provide instruction, provision, protection and guidance for our children we must have our lives founded upon the Word of God and a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  We cannot expect our children to live in a way that we do not. We cannot expect our children to believe in a way that we do not. We cannot expect our children to follow our instructions if we do not provide a living example that mirrors the words that have come from our mouths.
The old saying rings true in our lives and in the lives of our children, "children will listen to what you say but they will believe what they see you do."

Grace and Truth

For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
At our house my wife is referred to as "Grace" by our daughters and I am referred to as "Truth." In families there must be a balance between the empowering love and encouragement that we give to our children and the reality of what is actually taking place in their lives.
This grace and truth I am referring to is not the New Testament theological definitions but that which has developed in my own family that hopefully will make sense to you.
Grace says, "You can be anything you want to be. If you can imagine it, you can do it."
Truth says, "If you don't study and apply yourself you will not be able to succeed."
Grace says, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, only how you play the game."
Truth says, "Losing is a part of life and you are not supposed to like it; work harder so you can win next time."
Grace says, "People should love you for who you are on the inside."
Truth says, "Only God and your parents love you for who you are on the inside; everyone else will require you to earn their love and respect."
Grace encourages the gifts, talents and dreams of your children. Truth prevents them from embarrassing themselves when they are not ready (think American Idol auditions).
Grace provides an atmosphere of acceptance, love and possibility. Truth provides a foundation of responsibility, hard-work and achievement.
You cannot choose between the two, children need both.

Parents | Instructors | Friends

For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. (1 Corinthians 4:15)
These are three different roles; parents, instructors and friends. As a father or mother it is your duty to fill the role of parent; not the other two. Parents instruct their children and are definitely friendly with them but they are first and foremost parents.
Filling the role of parent means that sometimes you have to do things that your children will not like. You have to provide discipline. You have to set boundaries. You have to say "no".
You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16)
Like it or not, our children are a direct reflection of us (their parents). Children are definitely influenced by outside forces like teachers, friends, extended family, pastors, entertainers, etc., but the primary influence in our children's lives is us (their parents).
If your children are allowed to throw temper tantrums at age 3, do not be surprised by the rebellion you experience when they turn 13.
If your children are not disciplined to read, study, pray, worship and witness with the family, do not be surprised if they do not do these things on their own.
If responsibility, achievement and hard-work are not something that you teach your children while they live with you, it should not be a surprise if they struggle early in their adult life.
If there are no consequences to bad behavior or rewards for excellence, it will be challenging for your child to function in the real world where they will be judged on what they do.
The role of a parent is to instruct a child, train a child, love a child, and provide for a child so that they will be successful adults. This will cause great inconvenience in the lives of the parents. It will require significant amounts of time, treasure and sacrifice. It will require that you place your children's needs above your own.
The role of the parent is not to manage a child so that the parent's life can flourish. The role of the parent is to invest into the life of the child so that the child's life can flourish.

Husband and Wives

Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. (Colossians 3:19)
Fathers play a significant role in the lives of both their sons and their daughters. This influence is both direct and indirect. One of the most meaningful things that imparted to children from their father is the role of the husband.
Sons learn what it means to be husbands by the way they see their father treat their mother. Daughters learn what to expect from husbands by the way they see their father treat their mother. There are always exceptions to every rule, but it is the relationship of our parents that creates our foundational understanding of love.
"The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
Theodore Hesburgh, Catholic Priest and President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame
There is nothing more powerful in the lives of children than a mother and father, who love God, are filled with the Holy Spirit and who love one another.

Conclusion

As the father of two teenage daughters I work hard to give them everything that I possibly can. The older they get the more I begin to understand my role in their life; I am on half of their launching pad (my wife is the other).  Family has created a resource for them throughout their life. They will be able to look back and see where they came from, what they were taught; the examples we provided.
I will count myself successful if they have learned how to learn. I will count myself successful if they have learned how to make decisions.  I will count myself successful by the friends they make and the men they marry. I will count myself successful by the quality of their character and the message they proclaim. I will count myself successful if they love Jesus with all of their hearts.
To all of the fathers reading, my prayer is that your patience will endure, that you will be steadfast in all that you do and that God will impart His wisdom to you in a powerful way.